Biography* 1964, Trumpet
Picked up a horn when he was eight. Ever played since then. After leaving behind the usual kid’s brass band stuff Gassmann is focusing on jazz as his chosen form of art. While earning money in his teenage years by playing all kind of performances, Gassmann first appears in a professional jazz context in his early twenties.
In the second half of the eighties Gassmann forms his own groups, among which was the Michael Gassmann Quartet. This group was well known for its furious performances based on instant arrangement concepts.
Discovering the treasure of italian esprit and expressivity, Gassmann starts collaborations with musicians like Claudio Fasoli, Stefano Battaglia and others. Meanwhile in Switzerland Gassmann becomes a well-asked sideman, performing with Swiss icons Andy Brugger and Harald Haerter, but also with international guests like Abdullah Ibrahim.
Gassmann tours all Europe but also performs in the USA and in Africa. Today Gassmann focuses on a limited set of valuable bands which maintain a working context. His band Fearless Five is gaining momentum. In Italy he is a steady member of the Parma Frontiere Orchestra. With the Stefano Battaglia Sextet he is performing in major festivals in Europe and overseas.
