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Avenue H
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If you have yet to hear the smooth vibes of Avenue H, you are in for a delicious jazzicopia of riffs and rhythms. Avenue H is an original four-some boasting the Northwest’s most creative, enjoyable music concocted from jazz, blues, Latin, Celtic, classical and even bluegrass influences. Though the band usually consists of a saxophonist, guitarist, bass guitarist and percussionist, they have the flexibility to expand to include a violinist and vocalist as well, in any combination. Infused with a passion for music, Avenue H’s high quality of musicianship delivers an alluring groove that has fans packing shows, asking for more.
Dan Leonardo - sax
"I feel so fortunate to be associated with a group like Avenue H. There is so much talent and creativity within the ensemble that it gives me an endless amount of freedom and ideas to play with. I have played with a lot of groups over the years, and have to say the Avenue H is a group of very special people."
Dan began learning the saxophone at the age of twelve and quickly progressed as a musician. "I guess I could always feel the music rather than just read it off the page, I think that is critical in being able to get your musical ideas across." Dan began to search for his own unique voice as a player, and has always tried to maintain an open mind when it comes to playing the sax. "So many people say that in order to be legitimate, you have to play like this person or that person, but I always wanted to do my own thing as a musician and I feel really free to do that with Avenue H."
After leaving Southern California in 1997 with his wife Robin, Dan didn’t think music would become such a large part of his life. "We left California to raise a family somewhere quiet and peaceful. I really didn’t plan on pursuing music as a vocation." Through a mutual friend Dan was introduced to Conor Miller and Pat Pearsall and the rest is history. "When I heard Conor and Pat play, I knew that I had found some special people. They were the ones that really helped my playing get off the ground."
Michael Summers – vocals/percussion
Mike has been beating things with wooden sticks for as long as he can remember. The son of a professional drummer, Michael is a child prodigy who holds audiences spellbound with his rhythmic antics and colorful improv. With influences like the Dave Matthews Band, Kool and the Gang and Tower of Power, Michael has inherited and honed a solid groove and deep pocket. Never satisfied with one style of music, Michael controls it all, from punk to jazz.
Conor Miller - guitar
The minute you begin to hear the rhythmic color that is the signature sound of Conor Miller’s guitar, you’ll know you’re listening to something truly unique. With his intuitive sense of rhythm and feel, coupled with his personal intensity, Conor lays the foundation of the Avenue H musical experience. Conor has opened for legends like Tower of Power and Robin Ford, and has extensive experience as a sound engineer. An avid brewer and outdoorsman, Conor’s sound is creamy like a stout yet edgy like an IPA.
Pat Pearsall - bass
A native of the northwest Pat grew up absorbing everything he could wrap his head around, from Miles Davis to Metallica. Not only does Pat lay down some serious pocket; he explores the musical limit of every song as well. As the bassist for Avenue H, Pat brings a bottomless bag of musical ideas to every session. Pat has played and studied extensively with a variety of bands and musicians that range from funk to hard rock to jazz. Pat’s wide variety of musical tastes truly come together when he picks up his bass.
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