Rico Tomasso (cornet, trumpet, vocals); Andrew Oliver (piano)
Chiswick, London, Portland, Oregon this evening. A virtual reunion of Rico Tomasso and Andrew Oliver. First up, a rag, James Scott's Climax Rag. An ocean apart, together in music, Armstrong devotee Tomasso blew both cornet and trumpet, Oliver, piano, stonkingly good piano. Rico's mother was watching, so, being a good boy, our man played Come Back, Sweet Papa (Armstrong's Hot Five) for her, honouring his grand father. Rico noted many familiar names were looking in, some never miss.
Another classic, one Rico had yet to play on his many lockdown live streams, the first tune he could recall hearing Armstrong play...Basin Street Blues (Rico's first vocal of the evening), Rico announcing he and Andrew would play an early Armstrong version, one which omitted a verse in favour of a more bluesy feel. Another rag...Maple Leaf Rag arranged by our man Stateside. Now for an uptempo number. Rico needed a moment to get his brain into gear for this one! Phew! Followed by Chicago Breakdown taken at less frantic pace, much to the relief of Rico!
Rico's Beer of the Week...an American IPA. I know, said Rico, turncoat! The beer, Shipyard IPA, readily available in your local supermarket. And so to Barry Harris' I Surrender Dear, Rico on flugelhorn with a vocal chorus for good measure. Finally, Johnny St Cyr's Oriental Strut. It had been another good Popup Louis.
News flash! Next week Rico will be working with Tom Langham. News flash! Two weeks today Rico will be taking the night off (Christmas Day)...what's the world coming to?! Russell
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