Blessed with a full-bodied voice and rhythm, Gates didn't display his talents to the public until 1990 at the age of 40. Prior to that, his life read like a People Magazine story. Roaming from job to job and state to state, Gates accumluated many hard-knock-life experiences that eventually spurred on his artistic expression. "In this kind of music it's about intention, honesty and what comes through in your voice -- the experience of life," he says. Without question, Gates' story is one of challenging, changing and championing one's vision.
In the late '80's, Gates returned to his native Connecticut, devoted his full attention to music and honed a bebop approach similar to masters like Jon Hendricks and Eddie Jefferson. Like his mentors, Gates sometimes translates great instrumental solos into vocalese and pens lyrics to classic jazz compositions. Gates also is able to vocalize as an instrument – trombone, flute, bass and even drums. Invited onstage by Jon Hendricks during a 1995 performance, Gates sang drums to Hendricks' bass accompaniment of the pianist. After that, the instrument vocal became a regular part of his program.
Gates has performed in clubs and festivals all over the world and sung with such jazz greats as Mark Murphy, Kurt Elling, Jon Faddis and Lou Donaldson. His commitment to his music extends to education, and he teaches regularly at Wesleyan University, the Hartford Conservatory of Music and New Haven's Neighborhood Music School. He also has conducted workshops and residencies at numerous educational institutions all over the country. Like all seriously committed jazz artists, Giacomo Gates is a student of the music's great legacy and considers each performance to be a lesson in jazz history. Certainly for the jazz fan, it's also a compelling and enjoyable performance -- one full of Gates' joy, exuberance, wit and unlimited creativity.

For more information about Giacomo Gates and his music and tour schedule, please visit www.giacomogates.com.