Just released:
"Compelled To Play"
Excerpts from the first review in!
July 3- 09’- Local IQ
By Michael Henningsen
The song choices and sequence on Compelled to Play are as captivating as Hirsch’s ultra-spirited treatments and arrangements. Hirsch isn’t so much playing the blues here as he is channeling them. He growls, howls and whispers his way through Compelled’s dozen tunes with brazen determination and, on first listen, an almost disquieting sense of soul baring. It’s intimacy to the nth degree.
Working percussive thumb picking into feverish crescendos and then cascading out into careful, sinfully beautiful arpeggios is just part of the recipe: Hirsch fleshes out the songs with minor key inversions and chord figures that, for most players, never get past glimmers of what’s possible with five fingers manipulating six strings. In that regard, Hirsch’s guitar prowess is simply on a higher plane. But he’s also supremely gifted with the ability to make virtuosity palatable to even the most casual listener.
Compelled to Play is the latest chapter in the Stan Hirsch saga, and one that begs your full attention. No slick production, no outside accompaniment( except a brushed snare and finger snaps on one of his originals), and, most assuredly, no bullshit. It’s Stan Hirsch at his finest —

"NO ROOM TO REASON will challenge and reward." Tom Hyslop-Blues Revue mag.
"NO ROOM TO REASON will kick your ass" Thirsty Ear mag.
" This CD deserves to be in the collection of everyone who loves acoustic blues" Terry Clear--Sattellite Times.
"Hirsch's music makes the blues worth having" Michael Koster--Journal Venue North.
"His guitar work is mesmerizing...his soul-drenched vocals...hands down N.M. finist blues guitarist" M.Henningsen--Alibi.
"Hirsch is thrilling to listen to...he commands your attention with his deep-in-the-well singing,his knowledgeable fingering,his fresh compositions" Dave Steinberg--Sunday Journal

Stanton Hirsch is hands-down New Mexico's finest blues guitarist.The Albuquerque native has been playing professionally since he was 15, and his career includes ensemble work as well as the solo acoustic blues he's most recently renowned for. Titled NO ROOM TO REASON, the disc contains 13 stunning examples of Hirsch at his best. His guitar work is mesmerizing and his soul-drenched vocals are unlike any you're likely to hear west of the Mississippi Delta. Find out for yourself by picking up a copy of Hirsch's compelling debut, available at most local independent record stores, or www.stanhirsch.com.

Weekly Alibi
Michael Henningsen

Stan Hirsch's low voice sounds like it has built-in slapback echo, giving it a haunting quality well-suited to his stylized blues compositions.Hirsch plays solo acoustic guitar, blending dark texas and delta blues with the occasional ray of John Hurt sunlight.Unafraid of the stray odd interval,Hirsch must count John Campbell and John Lee Hooker as equal inspirations;his"NO ROOM TO REASON" will challenge and reward.

Tom Hyslop
Blues Revue

The blues howled and wailed and sobbed at the Dingo Bar last Thursday night. Vocalist/guitarist Stan Hirsch let loose some high-energy blues. As soon as the music began, the club transformed itself, as though someone had flipped a good-time switch. "Blues is jammin' music," Hirsch said between sets. It certainly was last Thursday night.

"Night Moves" -- Kate Bennett
Albuquerque Journal

STAN HIRSCH/NO ROOM TO REASON It's a pleasing, greazy package that falls somewhere between unique and familiar. All these original songs were recorded first take,and the spontaneity shows. Boasting both quiet reflective pieces and the badass boogies Hirsch is known for,"NO ROOM TO REASON" will Kick your ass.

Thirsty Ear Mag.
M.K.

International Bluesbeat: Spain "...the highlight of the night was the appearance of Stan Hirsch, Albuquerque, NM-based guiatarist. 'Stan the Man', as the locals had quickly christened him, thrilled the crowd, and especially the other musicians, with half a dozen solo acoustic classis. this included one of the best versions of 'Crosscut Saw' that I have heard in a long time. If this is the shape of things to come at Joe Bar, then local blues fans are in for a good winter."

Terry Clear
Radio Host & Spain Blues Columnist

There are a lot of great guitar players in town, and Stan taught most of them everything they know. Phenomenal doesn't begin to describe his playing. Complete mastery of the six-string is more accurate. Guitar God Stan Hirsch...simply an unmatched acoustic blues musician and a hell of a nice guy.

Michael Henningsen
Albuquerque Alibi (2000)

Stan Hirsch, NO ROOM TO REASON **** (four stars) Hirsch is thrilling to listen to on his new album "NO ROOM TO REASON". He commands your attention with his deep-in-the-well singing, his knowledgeable fingering and his fresh compositions.Together,these elements make you think he was born to the blues.For information on buying the album go to his web site www.stanhirsch.com,
Blues aficionado or not, you will be drawn to Hirsch's bewitching blues.

The Sunday Journal
Dave Steinberg

Hirsch, who's known far and wide around these parts as a chameleon-like guitarist, possesses unholy talent in nearly every style imaginable. He's also won two consecutive Wammie awards in the "Best Guitarist" category, and plays like no other in town. If acoustic blues is your bag...then your ship is about to arrive.

Show Up
July 2000

Three notes into the first song of his new and very strong self-released CD "NO ROOM TO REASON" you know it's Hirsch plucking away on his battered acoustic. HIs sound- which manages to sound unique and familiar at the same time-falls somewhere between old-school country blues and greasy clubhouse. Apparently Hirsch recorded all the songs-just voice, guitar, and all-original music on the first take; The result is unwaveringly tasty, in a home fried kind of way. I can highly recommend " NO ROOM TO REASON" , Hirsch makes the blues worth having.

Michael Koster
Venue North (Santa Fe) I've been out seeing bands play live; here are the best 5 shows/performances I've seen recently:

no. 1 - Stan Hirsch

Outside My Room
Rachel Heisler (2000)