Bud Shank, Noted Flutist

Bud Shank was a versatile musician who was credited with bringing Brazilian music to U.S. audiences and helped define"Cool Jazz" in the 1950's. He died at the age of 82 on April 2, 2009 at his home in Tuscon, AZ.

Mr Shank had a 60 year career starting in the Big Bands of the 1040's. He was one of the creators of "West Coast school of cool,"along with Chet Baker, Gerry Mulligan and Dave Brubeck.This form of jazz was seen as the relaxed, melodic counterpart of the California lifestyle of the 1950's.

He was one of the first musicians to use the flute as a musical instrument in jazz. He later utilized his skills as a backup musician for various recording artists.

Among his biggest works was a 33 second flute solo in the 1965 smash hit "California Dreamin" by the Mammas the Papas which he improvised in the studio. He would also have a noted flute solo in the Association's number one hit "Windy" in 1967 .