Keswick Jazz & Blues Festival: Norbert & Enrico - May 9

Norbert Susemihl (trumpet); Enrico Tomasso (trumpet); Tom Kincaid (piano); Roy Percy (double bass); Jack Cotterill (drums)

(Review by Russell)

One very familiar name, one not so familiar. Multi award-winning trumpeter Enrico Tomasso crops up at most of the major festivals and as the 'big draw,' his presence delivered a full house. The other trumpet player on the bill, German Norbert Susemihl was, to all but a few, the unknown quantity. The two of them met for the first time about an hour before the start of their gig in Rawnsley Hall, scribbled down a set list and took it from there.

Any concerns that the two Armstrong disciples would get in the way of one another were soon dispelled. From the opening Cake Walkin' Babies to Black and Blue, Tom Cat Blues and more Rico and Norbert hit it off, playing as if sharing a stage for the umpteenth time. 

The rhythm section led by festival favourite pianist Tom Kincaid not only provided excellent support to the trumpeters, from time to time took its turn in the spotlight. Bassist Roy Percy and drummer Jack Cotterill handled everything that came their way and with two crackerjack players out front tht was no easy task!

Susemihl, tall, lean, divides much of his time between Copenhagen and New Orleans - somebody has to do it! He knows all the Crescent City guys - Tuba Skinny, the Shake 'Em Ups - and his thorough knowledge of the music ensured Tomasso was on his toes all night. Struttin' with Some Barbecue hit home - brilliant exchanges between the two principals and, as Rico remarked, it's one of the wonders of jazz that these occasions work. It had been an ace of a gig.  

Russell