Steve Smith & Buddy's Buddies - "Airegin" - A Tribute to Andy Fusco

Andy Fusco, a true giant of the jazz alto saxophone, passed away on April 5, 2021 from complications due to Covid-19.

In this early incarnation of the Buddy Rich alumni group, Buddy’s Buddies, you can witness Andy in his element. He loved playing alongside his longtime friend and fellow Buddy Rich alumnus, tenor saxophonist Steve Marcus - the two could play as one. Each night on tour Andy insisted on playing in a high-energy sax and drums duet format for at least one tune a set. In this 1998 performance of the Sonny Rollins tune "Airegin," Andy shines during this alto sax/drumset duet. The way he plays the form without bass or piano is so strong!

This line-up of Buddy's Buddies, featuring Andy Fusco (alto sax), Steve Marcus (tenor sax), Joel Weiskopf (piano) and Will Lee (bass), performed as part of the concert "A Salute to Buddy Rich" with Phil Collins, Dennis Chambers, myself and the Buddy Rich Big Band, filmed and released by Hudson Music. We all loved Andy dearly and miss hanging and playing with him.

Love and Respect,
Steve Smith