Explaining hirth is like explaning sunshine.
peter smith | st petersburg, fl United States | 04/01/2001
(4 out of 5 stars)
"hirth martinez (in an album prodiced by robbie robertson) has found a tone somewhere between michael franks and captain beefheart. he sings about ufo's, lost loves, found loves and has an otherworldly childlike attitude. his chords are lush, jobim-like and his songs are convincing. hirth may be from earth, but he knows what is going on out there."
Unique singer-songwriter's captivating debut from 1975
J. Levinson | Media, PA USA | 07/29/2003
(4 out of 5 stars)
"Hirth Martinez is an obscure singer-songwriter from East L.A. who recorded a couple of albums in the mid-1970's of his idiosyncratic tunes. On his debut album, "Hirth From Earth", his material is uplifted by the talented assistance of producer and guitarist Robbie Robertson and organist Garth Hudson of the Band. Their influence doesn't dominate, but when they're prominent in the mix, the carnival organ sound and the gritty lead and rhythm guitar stylings are instantly recognizable to anyone familiar with the Band's oeuvre. A host of other studio talent also contributes, including the tastefully restrained power of Ron Carter's bass. However, it's mostly Hirth's tunes that captivate the listener, ranging from sensitive, jazz-folk ballads with a Brazilian feel to intense, driving numbers that more fully display Robertson's arranging skill. Hirth's lyrical content ranges from earthy humanistic observation to extra-terrestrial visitation, from charming paternal love songs to his young daughter to romantic interludes with a passionate lover. He'll always remain outside the mainstream, as none of these tunes ever made radio playlists on this planet, but this album amply rewards receptive listeners. The search for intelligent life in the universe continues..."
