Born: October 18, 1958 Primary Instrument: Trumpet
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.
To be continued...
Awards:
Louis B. Hubert Memorial Jazz ScholarshipLen, 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 ·
Dan Jacobs Mike, just got the new album today . . . it is HOT man! You are a proven veteran trumpeter but I had no idea that you can sing your ass off!!!! Wonderful CD. Lets talk soon.
Chad Sidles Mike, I just listened to your “Call Me Irresponsible”, nicely done!! Great vocals and pitch changes. Giving Chet Baker a run for his money.
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