Al Hirt Biography
A virtuoso on the trumpet, Al Hirt was often "overqualified" for the Dixieland and pop music that he performed. He studied classical trumpet at the Cincinnati Conservatory (1940-1943) and was influenced by the playing of Harry James. He freelanced in swing bands (including both Tommy and Jimmy Dorsey, and Ray McKinley) before returning to New Orleans in the late '40s and becoming involved in the Dixieland movement. He teamed up with clarinetist Pete Fountain on an occasional basis from 1955 on, and became famous by the end of the decade. An outstanding technician with a wide range, along with a propensity for playing far too many notes, Hirt had some instrumental pop hits in the 1960s. He also recorded swing and country music, but mostly stuck to Dixieland in his live performances. He remained a household name throughout his career, although one often feels that he could have done so much more with his talent. Hirt's early Audiofidelity recordings (1958-1960) and collaborations with Fountain are the most rewarding of his long career; he died at his home in New Orleans on April 27, 1999. ~ Scott Yanow, Rovi
A virtuoso on the trumpet, Al Hirt was often "overqualified" for the Dixieland and pop music that he performed. He studied classical trumpet at the Cincinnati Conservatory (1940-1943) and was influenced by the playing of Harry James. He freelanced in swing bands (including both Tommy and Jimmy Dorsey, and Ray McKinley) before returning to New Orleans in the late '40s and becoming involved in the Dixieland movement. He teamed up with clarinetist Pete Fountain on an occasional basis from 1955 on, and became famous by the end of the decade. An outstanding technician with a wide range, along with a propensity for playing far too many notes, Hirt had some instrumental pop hits in the 1960s. He also recorded swing and country music, but mostly stuck to Dixieland in his live performances. He remained a household name throughout his career, although one often feels that he could have done so much more with his talent. Hirt's early Audiofidelity recordings (1958-1960) and collaborations with Fountain are the most rewarding of his long career; he died at his home in New Orleans on April 27, 1999. ~ Scott Yanow, Rovi
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CD Documents Hirt's extraordinary musical range
One of my fondest childhood musical memories is listening to the Al Hirt ablum "Man With The Horn", featuring the grammy winning "Java." That particular tune was, and still is fun to listen to, and now my 3 small children dance around the room when I play it for them. It's an immediately accessible tune that speaks volumes about Hirt's approach to music: fun loving, relaxed, and technically outstanding. Al's playing undoubtedly had an impact on me, as I went onto acquire a life long passion for the trumpet as both a player and music collector.
It wasn't until I wresteled with the trumpet myself for a number of years until I truly acquired an appreciation for Hirt's artistry and outstanding musicianship, as beautifully documented on this "Greatest Hits" CD. His range of interpretation and chops as a player are in fine display. I believe his diverse talent is a function of his classical training on trumpet, joined with a love of the music native to his home town of New Orleans. The CD starts out with a thoroughly enjoyable rendition of "Bourban Street Parade played by Hirt's dixie-land combo in a live setting. The CD then moves onto an outstanding performance of the trumpet standard "I Can't Get Started." These two selections alone demonstrate Hirt's unbelievable ability to execute flawlessly in two very different styles. Another highlight is "Stranger in Paradise", which shows off his world class technical abilities and legendary lung power.
I feel Al Hirt is often overlooked when legendary trumpeters are discussed, which is unfortunate. As a musician he was top notch technically in his prime, while also being a master interpreter of song. This is a combination that is often hard to come by and shouldn't be underestimated.
Thanks Al for your role in giving me a life long passion for music!
– review of the Al Hirt – Greatest All Time Hits Volume I CD on Amazon.com
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