Trumpet player with the Del-Rays 1967-68 (see bio) while fulfilling his military duties in Annapolis. He concurrently played with the Naval Academy Band. According to Del-Rays member Jack Griffin Gatchell “had formerly played with Stan Kenton, Woody Herman, and a stint with Skitch Henderson’s Tonight Show Band. Needless to say, the Del-Rays were happy to have such an accomplished professional in the band.”
After leaving Baltimore in 1968 he joined with Genya Ravan (a Janis Joplin protegee) and some New Jersey musicians to form Ten Wheel Drive. The group recorded albums on Polydor and Capitol Records. Notable performances included Fillmore East, Carnegie Hall, Atlanta Pop Festival…
Gatchell was later a member of New York based horn band Gotham and was on their 1972 album. He continued as a prolific studio musician throughout the ’70s-80s appearing on many albums released by artists such as Esther Phillips, George Benson, Bob James, Deodato, Michael Zager Band, and many others. He was chosen by Simon & Garfunkel to be in their backing band for the famed Concert In Central Park and appears on the album and movie.
Gatchell passed away on June 9, 2004 at age 59.
