October 2000

Andy Fusco
Out of the Dark
Criss Cross Jazz

By Chuck Berg

Andy Fusco is a player's player, a steely-edged bopper whose wide swaths suggest Bird as well as Trane. For a sample, check out his poignant plaints in "It's You or No One." As evidenced on "You've Changed," the Buddy Rich alum is also a first-rate ballad player. Sharing the frontline is the searing trumpet of Joe Magnarelli. Rhythm section chores are handled with aplomb by Joel Weiskopf (piano), Peter Washington (bass) and Billy Drummond (drums). In all, it's a swinging neobop date with snap, crackle and pop.