Terry and I are sad about the passing of an incredible musician and remarkable gentleman, Butch Baldassari. Our friend, Mike Bub, knew him as well as anyone. His thoughts are below:
Dear Friends,
With heavy heart I am sending this to let you know that good friend and Mandolinist, Butch Baldassari, passed away early this morning at St. Thomas Hospital here in Nashville, TN. Some of you may not be hearing this for the first time today but I wanted let all that are in my email list know just in case. It has been nearly 20 years ago that Butch and I moved to Nashville with Chris Jones and Ward Stout to pursue our musical endeavor in Weary Hearts. I have known Butch since I was probably 15 or 16 and that is just shy of 30 years. We've played alot of music and traveled many miles together before our musical paths took on new directions in the early 90's. He was a great player known for his taste and beautiful tone on the mandolin. He was a sharp businessman, and involved himself in all aspects of the music business as it related to the mandolin: recording artist, session musician & sideman, performer, producer, label owner, arranger, bandleader, booking agent, instrument collector & designer as well as teacher. Butch's music covered alot of varied genre's and he played it all with great ability and respect.
Butch's fight with brain cancer has lasted over a year and a half. Saddened to see him go, I am relieved that he is no longer having to suffer with this terrible and painful disease. His fight has been valiant and inspired due to his wife Sinclair and son Blake at his side the entire way. Keep them in your thoughts as they struggle through these toughest of times.
Rest in peace my friend..
Mike Bub
Nashville, TN
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