Rico Tomasso (trumpet, vocals); Andrew Oliver (piano)
Chiswick, England, Portland Oregon, USA, what's 4911 miles between friends? American pianist Andrew Oliver recently returned to his homeland following an extended stay in London where he made a big impact and many friends. Rico Tomasso played many a gig with Oliver, including several sessions at Mike Durham's International Classic Jazz Party, and naturally enough the pair have kept in touch, so much so that this weekend they're playing two live stream sets of numbers associated with - who else? - Louis Armstrong.
Opening tonight's first session Rico recalled the late Fergus Read. Rico and Fergus played together on many a Monday night in the London area and one of Fergus' favourite tunes was Sunset Cafe Stomp. It was a nice dedication to a man who died at the age of just 40 or 41. Andrew accompanied as Rico played the Hot Five/Seven clarinet part on his trusty trumpet.
The one vocal of the evening on Red Sails in the Sunset from Armstrong's mid-thirties' period was adequately lubricated by one of two remaining bottles of beer Rico had acquired from the Humpty Dumpty Brewery in Reedham, Norfolk. Reverting to Armstrong's Hot Fives period, Rico took great delight in Oliver's stompin' introduction to Two Deuces and in the duo nailing the doubling-up section (Louis and Earl Hines).
Singing off with another of Louis' late twenties' numbers - Hear Me Talkin' to Ya - Rico reminded his many Facebook friends about his tip jar arrangement whereby any contributions would be split 50-50 with this evening's guest Andrew Oliver. Yes, Rico certainly enjoyed himself this evening. More tomorrow (Saturday) at seven o'clock sharp.
Russell
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