Paul Russo, right, with jazz singer Giacomo Gates, at the Syracuse Jazz Festival. (Photo by John Herr)
If jazz music in Syracuse was part of your life, you knew Paul Russo.
The man made certain of that.
The Syracuse native loved the style of music to its heart and his core. His son Craig played Latin jazz, put out albums. His brother Victor taught jazz, won awards as educator of the year.
Paul Russo was a big man, sometimes a loud man, a businessman who moved to Dubuque and then Utica and then back to Syracuse. He staged small jazz shows. He volunteered at the big jazz festivals, with the lanyard hung around his neck as he welcomed VIP pass holders into the seating by the stage with a pat on the back and his arched eyebrows and a story, a question, another story, a statement of opinion that had to be fact that might be whispered into your ear or might be yelled across several rows.
Paul Russo was a character that made the Syracuse jazz circle wider and more vibrant.
I truly believed he was most happy when he was presenting me his hand-written letters about Craig’s latest accomplishments and a CD, or pointing me toward Vic with word about another award. If Central New York singer Nancy Kelly had any blip on her radar, Paul made sure I heard.
Paul S. Russo at the Savoy in Rome, N.Y. (Photo by John Herr)
Paul S. Russo died Friday at the age of 77.
Calling hours will be 4 to 7 p.m. Wednesday and services will be 11 a.m. Thursday at Farone and Son, on Park Avenue in Syracuse. Burial will follow services Thursday, at St. Mary’s Cemetery.
You can leave condolences at the Farone site here.
Photographer John Herr, who contributed the pictures posted with this story at no cost, calls Russo a good friend and regular traveling partner to jazz shows around the region.
Herr happily remembers Russo watching the monthly performance of the big band Salt City Jazz Collective at the downtown Syracuse Suds Factory. “Sometimes directing,” Herr recalls of Russo’s front-table presence at the gigs, adding that future editions “should be dedicated in his memory.”
Russo aligned himself front and center at the Central New York Jazz Arts Foundation, M&T Syracuse Jazz Festival, small shows, big shows, college bands, high school ensembles, junior high outfits, kids learning to play.
He thought it was the most natural thing in the world to love jazz. What, don’t you, his face said.
That sort of spirit doesn’t come along every day.
Did you ever see Paul Russo demonstrate his love of jazz music and the people who made it? Do you have a Paul Russo story to share? Is there a Paul Russo-type who shared his love of music or the arts where you live?
Mark Bialczak 
A well written tribute.
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Thank you, Kim.
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I never met him, but I was well aware of his legacy. It’s comforting to see someone so invested in something they love, the community they love, and blending them together.
It’s comforting to see that our area’s longtime senator, DeFrancisco, is heavily involved in keeping not only jazz, but all music, alive in Central New York.
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RIP, Paul.
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Musicians never die, this is such a lovely tribute! They just join the jazz band in the sky! Smiles and hugs, Robin
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Good thought there, Robin! I can tap my toes to it. Thank you.
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he sounds like a wonderful man, in mind, body, and spirit all. and there is no doubt he will be sorely missed, hope he’s sitting in with his jazz buddies who went before him, somewhere )
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Great thought there, Beth. Perfect wish for Paul. Thanks for adding that wonderful sentiment.
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I can feel your sadness. I’m so sorry. Sounds like we’re missing out on one helluva guy. You describe a man with words that come to mind when people think of you. I’m sure of it. I love jazz. Billie Holiday, Sarah Vaughn, Ella Fitzgerald, Chet Baker…
So sorry hermano
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Thanks, hermana. Spin a jazz album today. Go for some vinyl.
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Thanks for sharing his spirit Mark. My sympathies to his family and music lovers.
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Thank you, Colleen!
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So sorry to read this one Mark. It’s hard when legends die, and we are left with the memories, but remember one good thing here, the memories never die as long as you keep them alive. And you have some good ones here my friend, so never lose them, and he will never die.
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He was singular, Angie. Acted just like he wanted to, and that’s pretty hip. Thanks, my friend.
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77 is so young these days! 😦 Nice tribute, Mark.
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You are correct about that. Thanks, Mrs. B.
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Such great smiles in those photos, Chum. I love Jazz.
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Jazz comes in so many cool forms, from Louis Armstrong to Sinatra to the Marsalis family and on and on. Yes, Aud, I love jazz for sure. Paul’s smile in these photos was gigantic. He was with a jazz great in the top one, and in the second, he was sitting next to his son, who isn’t pictured.
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And on and on… It is so cool that you know so much, Chum. Louis is a great!
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It was part of my living for 21 years, Aud. Pleasantly and passionately so, I may add.
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I did not know (of) Paul, but your tribute is beautiful and I’m sorry he passed on. ❤
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Thanks for your kind words for Paul, Rachel.
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🙂
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I don’t have any Paul Russo stories to share but I can tell from your post that this man had a kind of passion that many lack today.
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Yes, he was jazz cool for sure, CBXB.
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I have never heard of him Mark, but reading your tribute makes me wish I’d met him. ❤
Diana xo
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Thanks for your kind words about Paul and my little story, Diana. 🙂
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Thank you for writing about a man who was passionate about what he loved. It’s sad to see that kind of “spirit” slowly fading from mankind. His example just wants you to dig in deeper and to keep on going no matter what this world says. (((HUGS))) Amy
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Yes, that kind of passion was his badge, Amy.
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(smile)
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Wonderful tribute, to a man of music and spirit. I always appreciate that (and your spirit, too, Mark).
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Paul was the kind of character I know you would appreciate, Ann, from the type of folks you go to see at stand-up. He wasn’t a comic, but he was naturally engaging.
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It’s hard to hit the ‘like’ button for this post Mark, for in its beauty and affection is the reality that someone so memorable has passed away…
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Yes, the thing is, Mimi, is that folks like this don’t come around much anymore …
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