Jazz guitarist Billy Bauer dead at 89

Bauer, who lived in Albertson, N.Y., died Friday of complications from pneumonia, said his daughter, Pamela.

He developed much of his solo technique while playing with Tristano's group, which he joined in 1946. Before that, he had played mostly rhythm parts.

Bauer recorded both with the band and with individual members, such as saxophonists Lee Konitz and Warne Marsh. He founded a publishing company, William H. Bauer Inc., to publish compositions by himself, Tristano, Konitz and Marsh.

He went on to work with Goodman and Parker, and recorded one album as band leader: “Plectrist," from 1956.

As the jazz recording industry began to fade, Bauer switched to teaching, opening the Billy Bauer Guitar School in Roslyn Heights, N.Y., on Long Island, in 1970. He continued teaching lessons until shortly before his death.

Born in the Bronx, Bauer first played banjo and ukulele before changing to guitar in his teens.

He wrote an autobiography called “Sideman."

-- Associated Press