Franco Ambrosetti

Swiss trumpeter and flugelhorn player, born December 10, 1941 in Lugano, Switzerland. Son of Flavio Ambrosetti. Basic musical studies in Lugano, started his musical career in 1961, made his American debut 1967 as a member of his father's group, performing at Monterey Jazz Festival. In Europe he has appeared in radio and TV and has toured nearly all European countries. He also toured in the U.S. with the The George Gruntz Concert Jazz Band; he plays regularly in clubs in New York City such as the Blue Note, and Sweet Basil. In 1966 Ambrosetti won first prize at the international jazz competition held in Vienna under the direction of Friedrich Gulda. From 1963 to 1970 he played with his father's quintet (including George Gruntz and Daniel Humair). The group continues today, mainly as a quartet with Franco as bandleader. In his longtime cooperation with George Gruntz, he has learned to compose in a creative way. He has composed scores for movies and TV movies, for example "Die Reise", directed by Markus Inhof (1986) Together with his father, pianist George Gruntz and drummer Daniel Humair, he formed a successful all-star big band "The Band" in 1972, now called the The George Gruntz Concert Jazz Band with whom he performs regularly.