Claude Gnocchi was born in Rome, Italy and immigrated to the US as a child in 1950. He started trumpet studies in the Alliance, Ohio High School music program (in the 60s). Later attended the University of Puerto Rico and the Puerto Rico Conservatory of Music (70s). Years later he was a professional “section trumpet” for many Hotel house bands and local TV shows; backed up the likes of Sammy Davis, Ertha Kit and Dean Martin. Became a lawyer in 1978 and quit music for 10 years until he re-discovered an affinity for jazz improvisation and straight-ahead jazz. Played with many big bands in the Washington DC metro area. Also, while in DC, he studied trumpet and jazz with two local greats – Scott Holbert and Tom Palance. Became interested in recording studio engineering and created CTS Records Studio in Fort Washington, MD.
CTS Records is a small project studio that was created about 10 years ago with the sole purpose of memorializing/archiving the musical vision of its founder, Claude Gnocchi. This vision was and still is to perpetuate the “straight-ahead” jazz trumpet tradition.
Claude, a lawyer and musician is the owner, “audio engineer,” and trumpet artist for CTS records studio; last year, however, the auspicious arrival of a business partner, Michael Misianowycz, a jazz lover, bon vivant, world-traveler, photographer and entrepreneur, has made possible the expansion of the project studio into a fledgling business; The CTS Group.
Read more...