Shane Leonard’s interest in songwriting and old traditional music wasn’t passed down from family, as it is was with most of the musicians he's come to admire, and he didn’t grow up anywhere near Appalachia. But then again, his music isn't exactly traditional. Combining countrified instrumentation with elements of electronic and avant garde, this is music moving ever-onward while remaining keenly aware of the past.
In addition to his solo work, Shane has performed and recorded with groups as diverse as MIT's Balinese Gamelan and Ensemble Robot, old time stringband Stoop Singers, jazz trio Gryn Gryn, and artists like Evan Ziporyn (Steve Reich), Sean Carey (Bon Iver), and Dean Granros (Happy Apple, Lee Konitz). He's learned traditional fiddle and banjo in the homes of masters Lee Sexton and Clyde Davenport, taught courses in West African drumming and American roots music through the Exploration School at Yale University, and is a member of the Eau Claire Music School faculty. Currently, Shane tours with Field Report and Kalispell, playing drums, guitar, fiddle, banjo, and singing.
In addition to his solo work, Shane has performed and recorded with groups as diverse as MIT's Balinese Gamelan and Ensemble Robot, old time stringband Stoop Singers, jazz trio Gryn Gryn, and artists like Evan Ziporyn (Steve Reich), Sean Carey (Bon Iver), and Dean Granros (Happy Apple, Lee Konitz). He's learned traditional fiddle and banjo in the homes of masters Lee Sexton and Clyde Davenport, taught courses in West African drumming and American roots music through the Exploration School at Yale University, and is a member of the Eau Claire Music School faculty. Currently, Shane tours with Field Report and Kalispell, playing drums, guitar, fiddle, banjo, and singing.
