About Gooch

Michael "Gooch" Gurciullo’s lifelong passion for big band music began in his hometown of Omaha, Nebraska. After performing in professional local bands throughout his youth, he attended North Texas State University (NTSU), where he studied under jazz legends Rich Matteson, Dan Haerle, and Jack Peterson. During this time, he also studied privately with trumpet virtuoso Don “Jake” Jacoby and toured with Guy Lombardo’s Royal Canadians.

Following a year as the featured soloist with the world-famous Glenn Miller Orchestra, Gooch moved to Monterey, California. There, he founded the Monterey Jazz Orchestra, which held a notable residency at Clint Eastwood’s Mission Ranch.

Gooch then spent 15 years in Las Vegas, becoming a staple of the city’s elite music scene. He performed in The Rat Pack Is Back, Lon Bronson All Star Band, Jump Jive & Wai, and spent six years as the lead/jazz trumpet player for Wayne Newton, touring extensively across North America and Australia.

In 2004, he established his own Las Vegas Big Band with a home base at Murphy’s Pub, featuring the city’s top-call musicians.

In 2008, Gooch returned to Omaha and formed a Midwest edition of his Big Band, performing over 750 gigs during a decade-long residency at Anthony’s Steakhouse. His discography includes The Other Half of Me (2010) and Start of Something Big (2015), with a third album of original compositions currently in development.

A dedicated educator, Gooch has taught for the award-winning "Jazz Goes to School" program for over two decades and he is currently on the faculty for the Reggie Shive Jazz Camp. He continues to tour internationally with Sinatra Forever, The Official Blues Brothers Revue and his own band, Gooch & The Guys.

Since November 2018, Gooch has been based in Phoenix, Arizona, where he continues to lead and evolve his musical operations.