In a musical world where keeping a working band has proven difficult for many bandleaders, drummer-bandleader Steve Smith has managed to keep two bands working for the past decade. Smith's jazz-rock band Vital Information, has been working and recording for 27 years, while his straight-ahead group Jazz Legacy (which began as a Buddy Rich alumni group called Buddy's Buddies) has been touring and recording since 1999. Therefore, it makes perfect sense for this prolific bandleader, who has made a career out of amalgamating the many twists of his musical calling, to create a new band, Vital Legacy, which Smith refers to as, "The best of both worlds!"
The lineup of Vital Legacy brings together members of both bands: saxophonist Andy Fusco (from Jazz Legacy) guitarist Vinny Valentino (from Vital Information), pianist Mark Soskin (from Jazz Legacy), bassist Baron Browne (from Jazz Legacy and Vital Information), and Steve Smith manning the drums. Smith describes the line-up: "We used to have a sax player in Vital Information, in fact, Bill Evans played on our most recent recording, Vitalization. So to have saxophonist Andy Fusco playing melodies and solos on the Vital Information tunes simultaneously adds another dimension, while also bringing back a sound from our formative years. Plus Andy has a very unique take on the jazz/rock material. Vinny Valentino has a strong 'straight-ahead' background, so we can play the Jazz Legacy material with him playing the tenor parts on the guitar. Consequently, he plays in the 'front line' on the Jazz Legacy tunes. Keyboardist Mark Soskin tears up the Vital Information material. He plays the Fender Rhodes and acoustic piano in Vital Legacy and has a strong background of playing both straight-ahead and fusion. The highly versatile bassist Baron Browne and I are in both bands, so that's the easy part, we already know all of the music!"
The "best of both worlds" is a theme for Steve Smith's career that has taken him from rock stardom with the band Journey to the legendary fusion band Steps Ahead, to supporting musical icons Ahmad Jamal, Zakir Hussain, and Jean-Luc Ponty. In the last ten years, Smith has also led, or co-led, fifteen different jazz or jazz/ rock projects for the Tone Center label. The label has recently released Best Of Steve Smith – The Tone Center Collection. His educational Hudson Music DVD's Steve Smith - Drumset Technique/History of the U.S. Beat and his latest DVD Drum Legacy-Standing On The Shoulders Of Giants are best sellers in the music educational market. The latter recently won Drum! magazines Best Educational DVD for 2008. Smith's constantly evolving drumming career has earned him Modern Drummer Magazine's #1 All Around Drummer award five years in a row, which led to him being voted one of the Top 25 Drummers of All Time. In 2002 Smith was also voted into the Modern Drummer Hall of Fame.
Andy Fusco was the lead alto saxophonist of the Buddy Rich Big Band from 1978-1983. He has toured with a number of other legendary performers including Gerry Mulligan, Mel Lewis, Frank Sinatra, and John Pizzarelli, and is widely recorded both as a sideman and the leader of his own ensemble.
Mark Soskin is an in-demand sideman, a hard working bandleader, and a gifted composer/ arranger. He has recorded and performed with such diverse musicians as Sonny Rollins, Joe Henderson, Randy Brecker, Billy Cobham, Buster Williams, Eddie Henderson, Stanley Turrentine, and Herbie Mann. His latest recording is entitled Man Behind the Curtain and features Ravi Coltrane, Bill Stewart and Jay Anderson.
Andy Fusco:
Andy Fusco, alto saxophone, was the lead alto saxophonist of the Buddy Rich Big Band from 1978-1983. He has toured with a number of other legendary performers including Gerry Mulligan, Mel Lewis, Frank Sinatra, and John Pizzarelli, and is widely recorded both as a sideman and the leader of his own ensemble.
Big Man's Blues, Fusco's debut recording as a bandleader, was listed by the Newark Star Ledger as a must for serious be-bop listeners. Andy's CD, Out of the Dark, a Criss Cross release, was awarded 4 stars in the March 2000 issue of Down Beat magazine, in a review by Zan Stewart declaring Fusco "plays sizzling be-bop with grit. His influences range from Charlie Parker and Jackie McLean to John Coltrane, and the present is as much a part of his art as is the past. He's a powerhouse who delivers on any kind of material."
As a sideman Fusco played lead alto on Don Sebesky's RCA CD entitled Joyful Noise, a tribute to Duke Ellington, which won 2 Grammy awards in 2000. He joined tenor saxophonist Walt Weiskopf on Weiskopf's highly acclaimed Criss Cross recordings of his sextet, Sight to Sound, Sleepless Nights and Simplicity.
Tea for Two, a project co-lead with Weiskopf, was released in the autumn of 2005 for Criss Cross Jazz. More recently, Fusco has been a featured soloist and lead altoist on John Pizzarelli's big band and small band recordings. Andy is also the featured soloist on the critically acclaimed 2008 release Film Noir by arranger Carlos Franzetti with accompaniment by the City of Prague Philharmonic.
From 1999-2006 Andy toured and recorded with Steve Smith and Buddy's Buddies, a quintet tribute to the music of Buddy Rich, also featuring tenor saxophonist Steve Marcus and drummer Steve Smith. In 1999 they released Steve Smith and Buddy's Buddies, a studio recording featuring all Buddy Rich Alumni. In 2003, the group released 2 CDs, Steve Smith and Buddy's Buddies, Very Live from Ronnie Scott's Set One and Set Two, on Tone Center Records, live recordings of their performances at the legendary London jazz club in June 2002. From 2006 to the present Andy is an integral member of Steve Smith's Jazz Legacy, and all-star quintet. Jazz Legacy has recently release two albums: Live On Tour Vol. 1 & Vol. 2 and the band is prominently featured in Steve Smith's Hudson DVD, Drum Legacy – Standing on the Shoulders of Giants.
Fusco is also an educator and clinician, and currently heads the jazz band and directs the Jazz Program at Kean University, in New Jersey.
Mark Soskin:
Mark Soskin was born July 12, 1953 in Brooklyn, N.Y. Soskin has recorded and performed with such diverse musicians as Sonny Rollins, Joe Henderson, Randy Brecker, Billy Cobham, Buster Williams, Eddie Henderson, Stanley Turrentine, Cornell Dupree, Herbie Mann, John Abercrombie, Claudio Roditi, Sheila Jordan, Gato Barbieri, Joe Locke, David"Fathead"Newman, Mark Murphy, Slide Hampton, Pete and Sheila Escovedo, Bobby Watson, Miroslav Vitous, The NY Voices and others.
Soskin attended Colorado State University where he pursued classical studies, but at this time his interests in jazz music were growing. In 1973 he enrolled in The Berklee College of Music, studying composition as well as arranging. In Boston he began to work professionally until moving to San Francisco, eventually going on to work with some of the west coast's finest players.
Shortly after arriving in San Francisco, Soskin was introduced to the Latin music legend, Pete Escovedo. Along with Pete's daughter, percussionist Sheila. E, they toured and recorded as Azteca, a group in which Soskin's keyboard, writing, and arranging talents were showcased. Eventually, the group, which now included Tom Harrell on trumpet, went on to record two discs for Fantasy Records, produced by drum ace Billy Cobham. Soskin was enlisted in Cobham's band, a stint that lasted for two years and which produced two recordings for Columbia. Between tours for Cobham, Soskin did a tour and live recording for the CBS All Stars with Tom Scott, Alphonso Johnson, Steve Khan, and Billy Cobham. At this time Soskin was very active as a session player at Fantasy studios in Berkeley, California and veteran jazz music producer Orrin Keepnews took notice.
Soskin signed his first recording contract with Prestige (a subsidiary of Fantasy) produced by Keepnews, entitled "Rhythm Vision." This featured the likes of Benny Maupin and Harvey Mason with the album eventually making it into Billboard's top ten Jazz Chart.
Keepnews introduced Soskin to Sonny Rollins, which started a long, fruitful collaboration (14 years). Besides the extensive touring throughout the world, Soskin can be heard on a number of critically acclaimed recordings with the tenor sax master, including a video,"Saxophone Collosusî.
Since 1981 Soskin has resided in New York City, remaining active as sideman and as a leader. He has seven of his own recordings to date and three as co-leader, one which features Harvie Swartz and Joe LaBarbera with Sheila Jordan called "Spirits", one under the name "Contempo Trio" with Danny Gottlieb and Chip Jackson featuring Ravi Coltrane and another Contempo Trio recording named "The Secret of Life" featuring Carolyn Leonhart. His recording, "17" on TCB, highlights Soskin in a quintet setting featuring mainly original compositions. His latest CD "One Hopeful Day"(Kind of Blue,2007) features John Abercrombie,John Patitucci,Chris Potter, and Bill Stewart.He continues to maintain a busy tour schedule as well as giving master classes and workshops. Television performance credits include the HBO hit series, "Sex And The City." Examples of arranging projects have been writing for Slide Hampton's "World Of Trombones" and his writing and playing on Steve Smith's DVD,"Drumset Technique/History of the U.S. Beat". Soskin has been featured in solo piano concerts throughout the world such as the Ottawa Jazz Festival. He has performed the premier of contemporary classical music composer John Adams' opera, "Ceiling/Sky" at Lincoln Center.
Soskin is currently on the faculty of The Manhattan School Of Music and has been written up in numerous music publications, including Ira Gitler and Leonard Feather's Biographical Encyclopedia of Jazz and The Jazz Book by Joachim E. Berendt. Mark Soskin is featured in the film documenting latin jazz artists entitled "Calle 54." †
Mark Soskin teaches privately and is also available for master classes and workshops.
Baron Browne:
Born and raised in Georgia, USA, Baron Browne gravitated to music at a very early age, learning to play his uncle's drumset at 7 years old. As a teenager he dabbled in piano lessons and at age 12 played guitar for a year before realizing that bass guitar was to be his instrument.
At age 18, Baron was launched into the professional music scene right out of high school, moving to Boston and studying at the Berklee School of Music. After studying at the prestigious school for a year, he began working full time in Boston with artists such as Kevin Eubanks, Tiger Okoshi, Mike Stern, Bill Frisell and Dean Brown.
In 1983, Baron received a call from jazz-fusion violinist Jean-Luc Ponty. After touring for three years and recording three albums with Ponty, Billy Cobham came calling. Baron traveled extensively throughout Europe and the U.S. with the legendary drummer. After three years and two albums with Cobham, Baron returned to the Ponty band for more work.
In 1992, Baron joined the group Steps Ahead featuring Mike Mainieri and "Saturday Night Live" saxophonist Alex Foster. One year later he was invited by renowned jazz vibraphonist Gary Burton to join him for tours of Japan, Europe and the U.S.
Baron's versatility with playing all styles of music allowed him to also perform with R&B and Pop artists such as Brian McKnight, Tom Jones and Exposé.
In 1996, Ponty called on Baron once again to record his first live album in over 20 years ("Live at Chene Park"). The album received rave reviews from jazz critics. In 1997 Baron's talents were secured by renowned Journey drummer Steve Smith for a European tour with his group Vital Information.
The sought-after bassist has made several television appearances, including "The Pat Sajak Show" on CBS and "Ohne Filter" in Germany.
Baron can be heard on many albums by jazz recording artist Walter Beasley. Walter's album "For Your Pleasure" reached the number one spot on the Billboard contemporary jazz chart. Because of Baron's musical experience, Walter also made Baron musical director of his touring band.
In 1999 Baron went on an extensive tour of Europe, the U.S., Australia and New Zealand with Steve Smith and Vital Information to help promote their CD entitled "Where We Come From." A double live CD called "Live Around The World" documenting the band on that tour was released Sept. 2000.
In the year 2002 Baron continued to tour with Vital Information to promote the CD "Show 'Em Where You Live." He was also included in the writing and producing of this album.
While working with Vital Info, Steve Smith also uses Baron for his Buddy Rich tribute band Buddy's Buddies with Mark Soskin and Buddy Rich alumni Steve Marcus and Andy Fusco. They have released two live recordings showcasing that lineup, "Very Live at Ronnie Scotts' Set 1 and Set 2."
As of 2009, Baron continues to write and perform with Vital Information as a full-fledged member. Their latest release "Come On In" received rave reviews from jazz critics around the world.
Baron has continued to be a major force in the music industry. He has expanded his range to include producing and arranging for other artists as well as his own projects.
For more biographical and recording info, visit Baron's Web site.
Vinny Valentino:
Born on June 20, 1964, and playing guitar since age six, native Virginian Vinny Valentino is the newest member of Vital Information. Vinny began touring in a progressive rock band while still in high school. At age 16, influenced by the music of George Benson, Vinny began pursuing jazz as a career. He recalls, "The turning point for me was hearing George Benson in concert; I had never heard anybody play like that. It was an eye-opening experience." Vinny and his mentor George have since developed a close friendship.
Vinny earned his Bachelor of Music in Jazz Studies at Howard University. He began his musical studies at Northern Virginia Community College and continued them at George Mason University before concentrating on jazz at Howard. In 1988, he released his first solo recording entitled, Vinny Valentino, and now has five recordings to his credit. Endorsements include Yamaha Guitars and Guitar Synthesizer, Ampeg amps, D'Addario strings, Digitech Effects, Cakewalk Music Software, and Bag End speakers.
Vinny has shared the stage or recording studio with such jazz greats as Tom Scott, Gary Bartz, Jeff Andrews, Randy Brecker, Bill Evans, John Benitez, John Pattitucci, Richard Bona, Bob Moses, George Benson, Keter Betts, Victor Bailey, Steve Gadd, Dennis Chambers, Patrice Rushen, Charlie Byrd, Buck Hill, and Jimmy McGriff. In 2004 Vinny filled in for Frank Gambale on a four week Vital Information tour of Europe.
Vinny appeared with his band as the feature performers on BET's jazz cable program, "Bet on Jazz." This one-hour feature program became one of the top five requested programs on "Bet on Jazz". One of the first musicians to perform live on the World Wide Web, Vinny continues to pioneer on the Internet with online clinics, performances and lessons at http://www.vinny.com. Vinny's compositions have been recorded by John Benitez, George Benson, Sunny Sumter and Steve Haas and are featured in the "All Jazz Real Book." The National Endowment for the Arts and the Virginia Commission for the Arts have recognized Vinny's talents as composer, arranger, and recording artist with a grant for a series of works entitled "New Music for Three Guitars."
Based in New York City, Vinny tours extensively, playing concerts, festivals, and club engagements around the world. Currently in addition to performing with his own bands Vinny is performing with Bill Evans as well as Steve Smith and Vital Information. Vinny and his trio were selected by the Kennedy Center and the Department of State to represent the United States in the U.S. Jazz Ambassadors Program. He and the trio featuring bassist John Benitez and percussionist Gilad toured 7 countries (Uruguay, Peru, Ecuador, Venezuela, Trinidad and Tobago, Colombia, and Brazil) in South America for six weeks playing concerts and giving music master classes. "Vinny and the group provided an eclectic combination of new rhythms and sounds mixed with old Ellington Classics that, by the end of the evening, had the entire audience clapping along in admiration and accompaniment." (AMERICAN EMBASSY MONTEVIDEO, URUGUAY) "The Extremely talented and eminently likeable Vinny Valentino Trio gave new meaning to jazz in Ecuador." Vinny is constantly working intensively on his own new sounds, new compositions and new recordings. Keep posted to http://www.vinny.com for the latest on Vinny and his music.
His recording, Color Funk, brings the organ trio into the 21st century, combining pop, hip hop, and rock elements in a classic jazz setting. "My favorite musicians have always been the cats that never look back. You can pick them out of any recording by the sound of a few notes. Innovation is the key to original creativity."
His international debut recording, The Distance Between Two Lines, shot straight up the charts to #2 and stayed on the national charts for more than 14 weeks -- an unprecedented achievement for a first international release. Paul Anthony of Jazz Unlimited called it "one of the top five albums of 1993."
Vinny's 1996 international release, Now and Again, extended his critical acclaim. George Benson refers to Vinny as a "young genius with brilliant tone and fresh ideas." Vintage Guitar Magazine writes "wonderful jazz player with killer chops, wonderful compositional skills" (March 1997). "Valentino doesn't hide behind reconstituted Wes Montgomery licks like so many guitarists these days... crafty fingerings, delectable originals" (Gavin Jazz, May 10.1996). Ralph Mitchell of WFSK-FM raves, "My goodness. Talk about hot house jazz, that CD is smoking!!"
Keep posted to www.vinny.com for the latest on Vinny Valentino and his music.
Andy Fusco, alto saxophone, was the lead alto saxophonist of the Buddy Rich Big Band from 1978-1983. He has toured with a number of other legendary performers including Gerry Mulligan, Mel Lewis, Frank Sinatra, and John Pizzarelli, and is widely recorded both as a sideman and the leader of his own ensemble. 
Mark Soskin was born July 12, 1953 in Brooklyn, N.Y. Soskin has recorded and performed with such diverse musicians as Sonny Rollins, Joe Henderson, Randy Brecker, Billy Cobham, Buster Williams, Eddie Henderson, Stanley Turrentine, Cornell Dupree, Herbie Mann, John Abercrombie, Claudio Roditi, Sheila Jordan, Gato Barbieri, Joe Locke, David"Fathead"Newman, Mark Murphy, Slide Hampton, Pete and Sheila Escovedo, Bobby Watson, Miroslav Vitous, The NY Voices and others. 
Born and raised in Georgia, USA, Baron Browne gravitated to music at a very early age, learning to play his uncle's drumset at 7 years old. As a teenager he dabbled in piano lessons and at age 12 played guitar for a year before realizing that bass guitar was to be his instrument.
Born on June 20, 1964, and playing guitar since age six, native Virginian Vinny Valentino is the newest member of Vital Information. Vinny began touring in a progressive rock band while still in high school. At age 16, influenced by the music of George Benson, Vinny began pursuing jazz as a career. He recalls, "The turning point for me was hearing George Benson in concert; I had never heard anybody play like that. It was an eye-opening experience." Vinny and his mentor George have since developed a close friendship.