Grammy-winning pianist and keyboard player Jim Beard, who worked with the likes of Wayne Shorter, Pat Metheny and Steely Dan, has died at the age of 63.
Born in Philadelphia, Beard studied jazz in his early years and moved to New York in 1985, becoming a touring member of John McLaughlin's fusion outfit, Mahavishnu. His working relationship with Wayne Shorter began in 1986, and continued until 2000.
