Tee Fee Swamp Boogie

Leonard Gill
1952-2006

Annie shares her thoughts and feelings about Leonard:

"Leonard was a musician’s musician, he could play a slow blues baseline with the kind of timing that would make you weep – knock you right in your belly and bring you to your knees. That impeccable timing made him valued as a bass-man and came from years of living the blues. He once told me that his nickname ‘Wine’ came from his childhood; He loved playing with the brightly colored glass of broken wine bottles left in the gutters and streets of the alleys of his home in south-side Chicago. While many great musicians (Otis Rush, Otis Clay, Ron Thompson …) hired him as a bass player, his first love was the guitar, which is what he played during his four years working with BB King. With Tee Fee, he also played guitar, which is I believe what attracted him to us…we had a bass player and were looking for a guitarist when we met at Ashkenaz in Berkeley back in ‘91. Leonard gave the band a clear personality with his clean Fender Twin sound and soulful solos. We would always throw in a tune a set with an endless guitar solo to give him a chance to open out at least once a set. Leonard was a founding member of Tee Fee and recorded all four of our CDs with us. He helped determine our direction and was instrumental in developing our sound.

Leoanrd Gill was my dear friend, and my musical and romantic partner. We lived together for about eight years (he moved to his own apartment about 7 years ago) and played together for 13. Our relationship was unique - he was the only man I have ever been with that honestly understood and supported the drive that makes me write music and perform. Leonard was unique; He had the ability to see to the bottom of a person, striking away all the façade that we build around ourselves. He rarely judged and his tolerance and kindness were a great relief in the often cruel and critical world of music. I loved Leonard Gill and took good care of him while he was with me. His sudden death came as a great shock and I miss him terribly. My heart goes out to his son Leonard, his sister Barbara, and all his family and friends. We love you Wine!" - Annie

The band shares their thoughts:

“Leonard W. Gill died Tues. Oct. 3 at the age of 54. He played guitar with Tee Fee Swamp Boogie Band for 9 years and recorded 4 CD's with them. He and Annie Howard Byrd wrote several tunes together. Leonard was a musical giant. He played guitar and bass with many great performers including 4 years with BB King; and recorded with numerous blues/soul greats including Percy Mayfield. I met him when he played with Queen Ida's brother Al Rapone. He has played with most of our Bay Area zydeco bands at one time or another. He had just played at Rancho Nicasio with Ron Thompson on Friday, Sept. 30. Leonard has been playing music for 39 years. On stage Leonard was the consummate gentleman with musical choices that were as astounding as they were varied. He could play a country lick as easily as a blues riff. We are all shocked and saddened by the loss of our dear friend and fellow musician.”

-Linda Schmidt, Bassist, Tee Fee Swamp Boogie

"He was a rhythm ace and very generous in sharing and teaching music with less experienced musicians. It was an honor to share the stage with him and he never made me feel I was a lesser musician than him even though I was."

- Maureen Coyle, rubboard, vocals, accordion, Tee Fee Swamp Boogie

“When I first began working with Tee Fee as a substitute guitarist, it was immediately apparent how much respect and admiration the band had for Leonard. After listening to his unique rhythm playing and solos on Tee Fee’s records, I understood why they admired him so much. Leonard had accomplished what many guitar players strive for and never achieve. Leonard had a unique sound and feel, all his own. Although I did not know Leonard personally, his guitar playing has become a major influence and inspiration to me. Thank you Leonard.”

- Kevin Suto, guitarist, Tee Fee Swamp Boogie