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

[@imraankhanmusic]

Andy was my teacher for years, I'm forever grateful for what he taught me.

[@johnhewitt3330]

Two greats right there, Steve Marcus and Andy Fusco they sat next to each other on chairs in the Buddy Rich Band. Sadly both now gone. RIP both and God Bless Them.

[@SuperRanger001]

One of the greatest drummer of all time in my opinion.

[@winstonmacmahon9735]

Thanks Steve. Andy was a teacher and a friend. A true loss

[@pilotpete405]

RIP Andy.......the BR band has now lost two great saxophone players- that section had staggering dynamics and amazing musical abilities..... and obviously buddy was the greatest drummer EVER! One of my faves!

[@KONAMAN100]

Elite drummer. That heavy bass playing at the end was real nice too.

[@MB-vs2bp]

Wow--bummer. Hadn't heard he had passed. Saw him many times--the last time being at Yoshi's in Oakland. He is now with another Buddy legend, Steve Marcus.

[@bobblues1158]

Yeah!! Up to the standard Buddy set!

[@kcanters8857]

Listen to jazz al night long. Awesome

[@jimflys2]

And still ever living up to his name, Steve Machine gun Smith. Amazing playing hero!

[@bumptown1]

Will Lee! Just the ultimate all round bassist.....grooving

[@nealbfinn]

So sorry to hear. Never met him, but enjoyed his work with BR very much.

[@nealbfinn]

I can imagine him and Steve Marcus now blowing on BR's new Heavenly band.

[@KONAMAN100]

Just ridiculous. Steve Smith is such a unique talent.

[@thanasispsaroulis9141]

Yeah Steve!!!AMAZING!!!!

[@jasperjenkins7729]

Steve is SICK.
Yet inspirational 🔥🏆🎯

[@kevindabramo1944]

This is a touching tribute. Thank you for posting.

[@omly85]

So Good!

[@ErnestRamos]

So sorry to hear about Andy Fusco. I did not know him before this video, but I will definitely be out looking for more of his music. Thank you for sharing this Steve.

[@habibbaychou6887]

Awesome 🥁🥁🥁😍😍👏👏👏

[@RCVideo-dh8cs]

Real music played at the highest level. Kids put on your headphones!

[@KONAMAN100]

100%

[@RandyHanley]

So smooth. Steve’s a jazz monster..and a rock monster. Ok he’s good at it all :)

[@KONAMAN100]

I don't think anyone else can cross over like him.

[@dallasstiles118]

Love and respect to you sir.

[@FabianoOliveiraDrummer]

Sensacional

[@RorroBass]

Hi Master! From Chile

[@toddfritz7880]

What are the two rides？ They both sound great.

[@jeffw1976]

Can anyone tell me how does the tempo change work like at the start after every few bars