Sorry for the off-topic, I'll keep it short.
You mentioned Claudio- I had the opportunity to play with him recently. He is a warm, sweet person- a real gentleman. Our gig happened to be on his 59th birthday, May 28th.
Now about his playing.......he plays a rotary-valve trumpet, which you don't see too often. He has a beautiful warm buttery sound on that axe, and his improvisations are very engaging. They aren't simply a bunch of licks strung together, but consist of beautiful melodic ideas that he develops like a storyteller. Content over technique for me any day (not to imply he is lacking in the latter). His playing truly reflects his personality.
Anyway, that was the first time I had the chance to meet him, and I feel very fortunate. I've become much more of a fan than I was before. People should not overlook him.
Perhaps Chuck will have a comment or two.
Forgive me for the temporary tangent.