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Billy Bauer (1915-2005) was one of the great (and often overlooked) jazz guitarists of the 20th century.

Bauer established himself early on in the New York jazz scene. He played with the Jerry Wald band before joining Woody Herman in 1944 as a member of the 1st Herd. And in 1946 he played with Benny Goodman and Jack Teagarden.

Bauer established himself as a solid rhythm player with these bands; however, it was in the small groups that emerged from these bands, led by Chubby Jackson, Bill Harris and Lennie Tristano, that Bauer established himself as a significant soloist in the evolving bebop movement. Bauer's solo work with these groups has been sited as some of the best examples of early bebop guitar. But, more significantly, his solo work has been sited as some of the most progressive playing for any era. His work with Tristano in the mid 1940's represented some of the most progressive guitar playing up to that time.

During the 1940's, Tristano and Bauer enjoyed a natural synergy in style and approach to their music. Tristano's intricate arrangements beautifully highlighted Bauer's unique style. These examples demonstrated that Bauer was not just a good guitarist, but also an outstanding musician. His unison playing with Tristano was precise, and his accompaniment to Tristano's piano represented some of the best and earliest examples of great guitar comping.

Bauer continued his pioneering guitar work with Lee Konitz in the 50's and 60's. As with Tristano, Bauer found a kindred musical spirit in Konitz. Konitz's avant-garde saxophone work was a perfect match for Bauer's advanced guitar. Together, the two musicians demonstrated a unique musical dialogue across a range of styles from bop and cool to the avant-garde. Duet For Saxophone and Guitar, was an unusual instrument paring, that really allowed Bauer’s great musicianship to be heard. Early in 1956, Bauer made a recording under his own name. Plectrist put Bauer front and center throughout, playing great jazz guitar.

Near the end of his career, Bauer appeared at the 1997 JVC Tributes for Barney Kessel and Tal Farlow.

In the history of jazz guitar there have been many examples of great musicians who are often overlooked for the enormous influence they had. He led the way for guitarists like Jimmy Raney and student Joe Satriani. Together with Tristano, they brought the piano, guitar, bass trio to a whole new level.

Billy Bauer's 215 page autobiography, Sideman, can be ordered here: http://www.siterrific.com/Bauer/