Martin Fierro (saxophonist)

Martin Fierro (saxophonist)

Martin Fierro (January 18, 1942 – March 13, 2008) was a tenor saxophonist who played in the jazz, freeform rock, and avant-garde traditions. Fierro played with the Sir Douglas Quintet, Legion of Mary / Jerry Garcia, James Cotton, Quicksilver Messenger Service, Loudon Wainwright III, Queen Ida, Jazz Is Dead, The String Cheese Incident, David Grisman, Derek Trucks, Dark Star Orchestra, the Allman Brothers, Merl Saunders, The Grateful Dead, Zero, Steve Kimock & Friends, Yonder Mountain String Band and many more.

During a Zero concert, vocalist Judge Murphy, a long-time participant in the San Francisco music scene, referred to Martin as "the best musician I know".

Martin's wacky sense of humor was an added element at shows, with Martin often telling sophomoric one-liners between songs.

Fierro died on March 13, 2008 in Marin County, California after a short battle with cancer.

Mr. Fierro was also known as "the Meester" to his many loving fans.