Peter Gallio Obituary

Pete (Peter Campbell) Gallio
Professional Musician
August 5, 1966 – May 31, 2022, age 55
"Freedom is where the artist begins: there are no rules, and the principles and habits are up to you." ROBERT PINSKY
Pete Gallio, master of the tenor saxophone, dark humor and blazing analytical thought left us on May 31, 2022, at the age of 55 with a little less music in our lives and much to remember, much to think, cry and laugh about.
He was preceded in death by his mother, Patricia (Carr Marshall) Gallio. Pete is survived by his father Louis Gallio of Houston, sister Angela Green of Dallas, and partner Lisa Modisette of Normandy Park.
Pete was born in Virginia, raised in Texas, schooled in solid musical foundations at the University of Miami and University of North Texas, traveling around the world on tour with famous bands ranging from big bands like the Artie Shaw Band, Woody Herman Band, Stan Kenton Alumni Band, to Latin heart throb José Luis Rodrigues (El Puma), even disco icon KC and The Sunshine Band and the Haitian Magnum Band to jazz stalwarts like Maynard Ferguson.
Pete had the good fortune of performing with other great musicians like Joe Williams, Dizzie Gillespie, David Liebman, Bob James, Diane Schurr, Buddy DeFranco, Louie Bellson, Frankie Valli, The Temptations, Evidence (Thelonius Monk Tribute), Jimi Tunnell and Trilateral Commission, Convergence, Four Tops, Ben E King, Pete Drungle, Jay Thomas and Oliver Groenewald Newnet, and many more. He was influenced by nature, art, politics, history, and many musicians – the ones that stand out include John Coltrane, Michael Brecker, George Garzone and most recently he was jamming on the little-known New Yorker Danny Walsh.
Pete loved so many of you (maybe let you know and maybe not), music, the tenor saxophone, a 6-star factory mouthpiece that's never been worked on, the freedom and discipline of jazz improvisation, good time and a good funk bass line, the Pacific Northwest, rain, Lisa, animals, ice cream, candy, history, the truth, and the list goes on.
A musical tribute and open jam will be held to celebrate and pay Pete tribute for the wealth of music secrets and listening he gave to so many of us on July 22nd, 2022, at Normandy Park Community Club. Contact [email protected] for details.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Pete's favorite charity West Seattle Food Bank or one of the Seattle organizations supporting jazz music and musicians like Jazz Clubs Northwest or Earshot Jazz.
Please share memories, photos & condolences on the Tribute Wall, located above.
Arrangements entrusted to Emmick Family Funeral Home & Cremation Services - West Seattle, Washington
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