Jimmy Giuffre died

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Jimmy Giuffre died on Thursday in Massechutes; he was 86.

He composed "Four Bothers" which was a hit for Woody Herman's band in 1947. After early experience in jazz bands, Mr. Giuffre took an interest in counterpoint, fugues and other elements of classical music. He became identified with John Lewis, George Russell, Gunther Schuller and other musicians who sought to blend jazz and classical music in a style known as Third Stream. He also formed a group called Jimmy Giuffre 3 with guitarist Jim Hall and trombonist Bob Brookmeyer.

As his musical style moved further and further from mainstream, Jimmy directed his attentions to composing and teaching. He started composing for theater, ballet and commercials and also taught at New York University, the New School and the New England Conservatory of Music. "I don't play to win a mass audience, although I wouldn't shun them if they wanted to come along," he told The Washington Post in 1964. "The best way to win a mass audience is to cater to the most familiar. If I wanted that, I'd play with Guy Lombardo or Lawrence Welk."

After experimenting with electronic music in the 1980s, Mr. Giuffre returned to his earlier style and toured internationally until 1996 when he also retired from teaching.

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