Music Style Melodic Pop/Rock

Musical Influences Barenaked Ladies, Radiohead, Elton John, Lenny Kravitz, Martin Sexton, John Mayer, Ben Folds

Artist History In the Fall of '98, Adam Hirsh, an L.A. native and Boston middle school teacher, was a regular performer around Boston's many open-mics, a scene dominated by guitar strumming folk artists a la David Wilcox & Dar Williams. When Hirsh walked on stage with a keyboard, it was often met with a suspicious gaze, and sometimes, even an argument from the proprietor about how he was intruding on an otherwise "acoustic" environment. After one song, Hirsh was met with much less disdain and much more respect for his clear grip on melody and unique vocal presence. In 2000, Hirsh set aside his full time teaching career, working with students part time while continuing to perform around Boston, perpetually seeking others to join his outfit and expand into the larger and more eclectic club scene. Unfortunately, the open-mics yielded little promise in his search for personnel, so Hirsh placed an ad in the local alternative newspaper, "The Phoenix," which, to his surprise, put him in contact with Mark Stewart, a lead guitar player who has become a critical duet voice in The Hirsh Project, and Shannon Rutherford, a well styled drummer with chops to boot. The band was completed with Bill Johnston on acoustic rhythm guitar (also a struggling open-mic songwriter who found symmetry with Hirsh), and Mike Rubin, an accomplished Bassist in Boston. Nearly three years passed before The Hirsh Project was organized in their current state. A rare and peculiar opportunity was offered to the band at its inception. Hirsh, through his work with inner-city youth around Boston, was offered use of a large concert hall at Trinity Church in Copley Square, as a gesture for his commitment. Hirsh quickly accepted and scheduled four rehearsals with his newly acquired musicians. The live recording that came from that performance became The Hirsh Project's first output (The Hirsh Project - LIVE), recorded and mixed by Hirsh. The Hirsh Project is now gaining steam in Boston, with a growing fan base, club performances and play on local radio. Johnston, Rubin, Rutherford and Stewart have revealed some of the potential for Hirsh's distinct voice, accessibly meaningful lyrics, and well crafted melodies.

Group Members Adam Hirsh - Lead Vocals/Keyboards Mark Stuart - Lead Guitar/Backing Vocals Shannon Rutherford - Drums Bill Johnston - Rhythm Guitar/Backing Vocals Mike Rubin - Bass

Instruments Lead/Rhythm Guitar, Bass, Keyboards, Drums, Voice

Albums The Hirsh Project Live

Location Boston, Massachusetts - USA

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