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Michael "Gooch" Gurciullo
Mike Gurciullo has been associated with big bands ever since he was a kid in Omaha, NE. All through jr. high and high school he played in the usual school programs, but also worked outside of those settings in professional big bands in the local area. Upon completion of high school, Mike chose North Texas State University for his continuing education. There he got to work with great jazz educators Rich Matteson, Dan Haerle, and Jack Peterson. Outside of the university, Mike studied privately with world famous trumpet virtuoso, Don "Jake" Jacoby. While attending N.T.S.U., Mike formed his own big band called, "The Arctic Muther's." It was comprised of some of the best young talents in the music program at the time. Mike also co-led a big band with Don Jacoby called, "The Swing of Things." While still in college, Mike did some touring with Guy Lombardo and His Royal Canadians under the direction of Art Mooney.
Upon completion of N.T.S.U., Mike gigged for a year as the featured soloist with the world-famous Glenn Miller Orchestra. After a year, Mike moved west to Monterey, California. While there, he founded The Monterey Jazz Orchestra, and played Monday nights at Clint Eastwood's Mission Ranch.
After several years, Mike set forth for the Entertainment Capital of the World: Las Vegas. During his twelve years spent in Vegas, Mike worked most of the major showrooms with the headliners. He also carried the lead/jazz trumpet spot in the Wayne Newton Orchestra for 4 years. He traveled exclusively with Mr. Newton all over the US, Canada, and the 2006 Australian Tour. Mike also founded the Las Vegas Lab Band. He had the top call players meet with him on Monday nights to bring some of the hottest big band jazz to the people of Las Vegas.
In 2008, Mike returned to his hometown of, Omaha, NE., where he married the "hometown sweetheart.” They live happily together with their two kids in West Omaha. Sorry folks, no dog...yet! Once again, he assembled, Mike Gurciullo & His Las Vegas Lab Band, (the midwest version). Mike and his band found a home to play on Monday nights at The Ozone. They have been performing there strong for over two years. They also just recently released their first CD entitled, "The Other Half Of Me."
Mike still works with many of the cats from Vegas in two shows called, "Drinkin, Singin, Swingin" and "Sinatra Forever." In addition to Laughlin and Vegas, the shows tour throughout the U.S. In 2010, they capped a successful tour of Chile, South American, returning just days before the big earthquake struck.
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Guitarist Michael McClintock’s Stunning Jazz Debut 'Here And There'—Now Available
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Michael McClintock
With a sound shaped by different continents and a deep love for musical storytelling, Michael McClintock is emerging as a bold new voice in contemporary jazz. He is a multi-instrumentalist, composer, and arranger known for his soulful guitar work and boundary-crossing musical vision. Drawing deep inspiration from Cuban, Brazilian, and jazz traditions, his approach reflects not heritage, but decades of immersion, study, and heartfelt connection to the music he loves. Originally from Neosho, Missouri, McClintock now splits his time between ...
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3Below 'Live In Mérida' Featuring Michael Manring (Jaco Pastorius), Trey Gunn (King Crimson), Alonso Arreola Releases November 8, 2024
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Glass Onyon PR - Keith James
3Below features three extended range instruments played by Michael Manring (Jaco Pastorius alumni, creator of the Hyperbass), Trey Gunn (Warr Guitarist with King Crimson), Alonso Arreola (Mexican bassist, writer and poet). Their latest release, Live in Mérida, was recorded on November 5, 2023 at the Palacio del La Música de Mérida in the Yucatan in Mexico. During this performance, they were joined by special guest Emmanuel Pina on the oud. 3Below began in a small but significant way when Arreola ...
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Michael Howell: In the Silence, 1974
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JazzWax by Marc Myers
Michael Howell is a little-known jazz and fusion guitarist, but those who are familiar with his music love him. One of my favorites is his album In the Silence. Recorded for Milestone in April 1974, the LP features Bennie Maupin (ts,saxello,b-cl,alto-fl,pic), Michael Howell (g), Henry Franklin (b), Leon “Ndugu" Chancler (d) and Kenneth Nash (perc,cga). Born in Kansas City, Howell was taught by his father and guitarist Herley Dennis Howell. Michael Howell studied classical guitar at the Music and Arts ...
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Michael Cuscuna: 1948-2024
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Michael Ricci
Michael Cuscuna, a titan in the world of jazz, passed away on April 20, 2024, leaving behind a legacy that will resonate for generations. Michael is survived by his wife Lisa, his children, Max and his wife Jackie, and Lauren, and two grandchildren, Nicolas and Penelope Cuscuna. His passing leaves a void in the hearts of all who knew him. May he rest in peace, and forever be remembered as he will be deeply missed. Throughout his career, Michael possessed ...
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Santana Drum Legend Michael Shrieve To Release New Album 'Drums Of Compassion' on May 24, 2024
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Glass Onyon PR - Keith James
Legendary drummer Michael Shrieve announces the much-anticipated release of his album, Drums of Compassion, set to drop on May 24, 2024 on Trey Gunn’s innovative label, 7D Media. This album is a testament to Shrieve’s artistic journey, encapsulating over fifty years of musical exploration and collaboration with some of the most revered names in the industry. Drums of Compassion is not merely an album; it’s an odyssey that began two decades ago inspired by the Dalai Lama’s call for a ...
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Pianist Michael Wolff Guests with Bassist Leon Lee Dorsey and Drummer Mike Clark on Evocative Tribute Album, 'Letter to Bill Evans'
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Lydia Liebman Promotions
For their seventh outing together as a close-knit, collaborative rhythm tandem, bassist Leon Lee Dorsey and drummer Mike Clark tapped pianist Michael Wolff as third man in their ongoing trio adventures. Wolff, who had previously appeared with Dorsey and Clark on 2020’s Play Sgt. Pepper, was indeed the perfect choice to complete the triumvirate on this heartfelt tribute to the late, great pianist-composer known for his contributions to Miles Davis’ Kind of Blue as well as his hugely influential trio ...
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'The Practice Notebooks Of Michael Brecker' Now Available From Sher Music
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Sher Music Co.
Sher Music Co. proudly presents The Practice Notebooks of Michael Brecker, an extraordinary release that grants unprecedented access to the inner workings of one of the greatest saxophonists in jazz history. This remarkable publication offers a rare opportunity for musicians to dive deep into the mind of a jazz legend and unlock the secrets of his improvisational mastery. Featuring over 700 beautifully engraved entries, The Practice Notebooks of Michael Brecker chronicles 35 years of Brecker's artistic journey, capturing his inspirations, ...
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Jazz Musician of the Day: Michael Brecker
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Michael Ricci
All About Jazz is celebrating Michael Brecker's birthday today!
Michael Brecker was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and exposed to jazz at an early age by his father, an amateur jazz pianist. Among the generation of jazz musicians that saw rock music not as the enemy but as a viable musical option, Brecker began studying clarinet, then moved to alto saxophone in school, eventually settling on the tenor saxophone as his primary instrument. After only a year at Indiana University, Michael ...
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Genre-Busting Pianist Michael Kaeshammer Announces 15th Studio Album 'Turn It Up' Out March 17
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Collabo PR
Michael Kaeshammer isn’t so much a pianist as a piano whisperer, a master musician and songwriter able to coax dazzling, kaleidoscopic sounds from his instrument in a way few can rival. That gift powers Kaeshammer’s upcoming 15th album, Turn It Up, due out March 17. The new single “Never Knew What Love Was,” which showcases Kaeshammer’s pure-pop style, was released last week at all streaming services and digital retailers (Listen Here). The song follows the release of the title track, ...
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Chicago-Based Saxphonist Michael Hudson-Casanova Releases 'Animus'
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Michael Hudson-Casanova
Saxophonist Michael Hudson-Casanova is releasing his sophomore album with his first Chicago-based band on March 2, 2023. The release show will take place at Hungry Brain Chicago (2319 W. Belmont Ave) on March 3rd. Animus will be available on digital, CD, and limited edition vinyl formats. Hudson-Casanova composed an entirely new book of music for his trio with drummer Gustavo Cortiñas and guitarist Erik Skov. Both of these Chicago jazz veterans have their own unique projects and bring a large ...
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Len, You are right as usual.....THE OTHER HALF OF ME by Mike is not only a swinger but it is a WINNER! I am on cut three and all three are marked to go in rotation on a regular basis....when I say regular...it is going to be played, played and played all through 2011 on my show. Not only Mike is a great musician (trumpet) but a fabulous singer too. He knows how to handle a great song...with PANACHE!!! (FOUR OUT OF FOUR SO FAR and still counting)
Comments from CD customers:
Herb Anderson Mike: I have had to make a quick trip to Philadelphia, flying there Wednesday and returning today. Loaded your album on my iPod, and have been absolutely amazed at the talent that came screaming out of the headphones. What a great demonstration of passion and dedication to your craft! The voice, the horn, what a package. My congratulations to you, sir. October 1 at 8:16am ·
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Recordings: As Leader | As Sideperson
