Bud Shank, 82; noted flutist, alto sax 'cool jazz' pioneer

[Forkboy]

WASHINGTON - Bud Shank, who brought Brazilian music to US audiences, helped define "cool jazz" in the 1950s, and played the dreamlike flute solo on the Mamas and the Papas' 1965 hit "California Dreamin'," died Thursday at his home in Tucson. He had a lung ailment. He was 82.

Mr. Shank was a versatile musician whose 60-year career took him from the big bands of the 1940s to the Hollywood studios and to renewed respect as an innovator late in life. His style evolved with age as he burnished his reputation as one of the most important musicians of his generation.

Along with Chet Baker, Gerry Mulligan, and Dave Brubeck, Mr. Shank was one of the prime creators of the West Coast school of cool, a style of jazz seen as the relaxed, melodic counterpart of California life in the 1950s. In fact, Mr. Shank disliked the isolationist term "West Coast jazz," and his spirited, energetic style belied his roots as an Ohio farm boy. Critics considered him the equal of such other renowned alto saxophonists of his era as Art Pepper, Jackie McLean, and Phil Woods.

more:
http://www.boston.com/bostonglobe/obituaries/articles/2009/04/06/bud_shank_82_noted_flutist_alto_sax_cool_jazz_pioneer/

[BlueJazz]

1. Geez....I've always enjoyed Bud Shank and have all his Works.

I didn't know that he died ,,until now.

Thanks for posting, Forkboy. :)