Having worked with Bud in the music biz for some 67 odd years, I am deeply saddened by his passing. He was not only a bandmate, but a mentor in many ways, by broadening my understanding and approach to music. In other words, much like an older brother. His commitment to music was evidenced by the publishing the voluminous "Bud's Fake Book". To this day I regularly refer to it when I need refreshing on a melody or chord structure. I will miss him until the day that I rejoin him, which shan't be too awfully far away. Godspeed, old pal.

Message from Carl Reiley

July 20, 2017 2:03 PM

So sorry. to hear of Bud Bechtold passing. I've known him all my life being from the same town(Bellaire, MI.) I and Bob Shanahan et al played at least three summers three days a week in a trad jazz group on Torch Lake in the mid 1950s as well as a number of other gigs. Bud was also the one who took me on my first airplane ride long before. my musician days. Bud will really be missed. Sorry I can't make the memorial gig . but I live on the left coast. Carl Reiley