ABC Family Channel buys two cuts from the quintet's 2005 release Around & Back (Samba Omocha and Taeko's Tune) to be used on their program Wildfire. The episode, #2013 aired originally in April 2006.
As Hirsh considers himself a better writer than a player (he is also an excellent player) this is a very proud, joyous and significant moment for Hirsh and his band. Best of luck to this sincere musician and his players. After nearly thirty years on the scene he is getting some well deserved recognition.
Extended Chord Magazine (Aug 17, 2006)
The Hank Hirsh Quintet has a beautiful chemistry. The originals are interesting, fiery, soulful, hip and unusual. The players are of the highest caliber. The youngest member of the group is Sam, pianist and son of Hank. He is 16 and smokin'. Great things in store for this boy. Chris Conrade, formerly legendary bassists Leroy Vinnegar's favorite drummer, has played with many big names and continues still. His commitment to this band is spiritual, ideological and personal. Dave "Bones" is a fine, swinging trombonist out of the J.J. Johnson mold. One of Portland's busier session players. Dave Speranza, a college student, and one of Portland's top up and coming bassists.
This band plays with a lot of integrity. Although the players are all excellent soloists, the band's strength lies in its ensemble sound. Hirsh's compositions are perfect for this instrumentation because he writes them that way. Their live performances are super high energy, and relaxed. The leader has a wonderful sense of humor and great rapport with his audiences. He has also been known to sing a tune occasionally when the mood strikes.
This is a band that does not compromise. Integrity of the music is of the highest priority.
Hear them live and feel the true meaning of jazz. Here are five men who speak a common language both on and off the stage. A soulful mix of talent, creativity and unquestionable dedication to the art of jazz music make this one of the finest bands around. Around and Back you'll be. Dig!
Extended Chord Magazine (Jul 24, 2005)
Reporter's Notebook
It's not 'the world's greatest CD,' but then again, it's not bad
Portland Business Journal - July 21, 2006by Andy GiegerichBusiness Journal staff writer
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Packaged music compilations tend to pose challenges for listeners and critics alike. They can often sound the same, or consist of throwaways that didn't make it onto artists' "regular" albums.
Which brings us to Umpqua Bank's compilation, Discover Local Music, Vol. 1: Sacramento to Seattle Playlist. The CD offers. . .
(We interrupt this review for a slice of smarm: Umpqua Bank did a local popular music compilation? What's next? "Intel's Jazzy Disposition?" "Rose Festival Carnival Music, presented by Honey Buckets?")
. . .a glimpse of local artists, some well-known, who reside, work and record their wares in Umpqua's service region.
Umpqua is known for doing things differently, and I'm guessing it's the first bank to put out a pop compilation on what's effectively it's own label.
So what, exactly, does a bank know about putting together a local music compilation? Unbelievably, quite a bit. At least when it works with Rumblefish Inc., the Portland music licensing firm that apparently recommended songs from hundreds of artists.
Umpqua did well. The disc starts with "Home," by Charlie Campbell, catchy acoustic-based ditty that moves along nicely. Campbell's voice reminds me of Monkee Mickey Dolenz's; the vocal mix could be higher, but the overall sound and peppy feel is infectious.
"Any Way You Say It," by Rye Hollow, is another snappy and well-sung number that, like a good Liz Phair song, will grow on you. Hank Hirsh weighs in next with "Dirty Henry." Hirsh gives us a post bop-like arrangement with outstanding instrumentation. It's an exceptional piece of music.
The disc faces something of a drop-off with "Something Beautiful," a formulaic and repetitive Midnight Oil soundalike by Woke Up Falling. However, things recover quickly with "Bamboo Pole," by Mike Coykendall. The tune starts out like "Sugar Sugar," but its excellent baritone vocals quickly reduce the latter song's sappiness. Bonus points for what sounds like an oboe crawling through the mix. It's a great song, tied with "Dirty Henry" as the disc's best.
Of course, "Blister," by Easterly, isn't far behind. The heavier piece of riff-laden power pop recalls the best of London's new wave bands circa 1979. Great harmonies.
Andy Giegerich - Portland Business Journal (Jul 21, 2006)
{Jazz} Despite a 30-year career and a behind-the-beat, edgy, you-want-to-make-something-of-it, tough tenor sound, Hirsh isn't known so well in these parts. You can hear in the Chicago native's sax playing marvelously biting echoes of Windy City greats like Clifford Jordan and Lin Halliday, among others. For this outing, Hirsh leads a young quartet( including son Sam, a promising pianist) through a couple sets of hard-bop tinged cookers. TIM DUROCHE. Wired Coffee, 2035 SE 39th Ave. 230.0302
Tim Duroche - Willamette Week 6.11.05