Solo career has never seemed to be one of Hirsh Gardner‘s priorities. The American drummer best known for his work with NEW ENGLAND, in which he emerged as a top-notch songwriter and singer, and WARRIOR, in which Vinnie Vincent shot to fame, might have spent a few decades in producer’s chair, manning the board for the likes of Willie Nile, yet this millennium saw the veteran return to the fray and deliver a couple of records under his own name. 2002’s “Wasteland For Broken Hearts” and “My Brain Needs A Holiday” from 2017 didn’t make too much of a splash, though, despite critical acclaim that only confirmed what everybody knew anyway: Hirsh has one hell of a talent – and Gardner obviously was not in a hurry to quickly follow his debut – but the venerated performer believes the fortune can be on his side now, seven years further down the line.
Not for northing, Hirsh’s forthcoming offering, planned for release in October, is titled “Third Time’s A Charm” and features quite a few of his friends – apparently, to provide more comfort.
“This is my third solo album, and I’ve got six original songs and six covers of my favorite NEW ENGLAND songs,” explains Gardner. “It’s melodic rock – there are some really hard rockers and several really sensitive ballads. Some of my favorite artists have joined me on the record. There are Ron “Bumblefoot” Thal, Chris Laney and Allan Sorensen from PRETTY MAIDS, all the guys in NEW ENGLAND and some amazing artists from the Boston area: Joe Feloni, David Sumner, J. Rushwell, Steve Sera, Paul Sweeny. It’s a different world out there in terms of selling albums these days. We need the fans to support us and my hope is with the great job that my label Deko Entertainment is doing with great packaging for CD, vinyl and digital release. We can get these songs into the hands of the fans and continue our musical journey.”
Indeed, continue is what Hirsh’s listeners expect from him. He has enough charm to succeed again.
1. Luver’s Lullaby
2. Reach Out For Love
3. Faith In Your Heart
4. Angel In The Sky
5. Miles And Miles Away
6. All I Want
7. Don’t Ever Wanna Lose Ya
8. She’s Gonna Tear You Apart
9. Holdin’ Out On Me
10. Hello Hello Hello
11. Nothing To Fear
12. I’m Not Down