Andy Fusco, born Andrew L. "Andy" Fusco on January 31, 1948, in Elizabeth, New Jersey, was an American alto-saxophonist who began his musical journey through his mother's influence as a pianist. After studying at Syracuse University and playing semi-professional football, Fusco joined the Buddy Rich Big Band from 1978 to 1983. He toured with Gerry Mulligan and Mel Lewis and released his debut album Big Man's Blue in 1996. As a bandleader, he produced several notable albums, including Out of the Dark (1998) and Vortex (2019). Fusco collaborated extensively as a sideman with artists such as Buddy Rich, Danny D’Imperio, John Pizzarelli, and Steve Smith. Additionally, Fusco taught jazz at Kean University in New Jersey from 1988 onwards. From 2016 until his death on April 5, 2021, he recorded five albums for SteepleChase Records.
