Enrico Tomasso (Trumpet - UK)

Enrico Tomasso, son of the fine jazz clarinetist Ernie Tomasso was exposed to the best of jazz from when he was born and started playing the trumpet at the age of five. His father nurtured and encouraged him, passing on a lifetime of jazz study. He gave him every opportunity to meet and hear great musicians such as Benny Goodman, Dizzy Gillespie, Maynard Ferguson, the Basie and Ellington bands and many others.

His biggest inspiration was Louis Armstrong, whom he met and played for during Louis' visits to England in the sixties. This led to a correspondence and friendship until Louis' death. Rico is one of Britain's brightest and most versatile jazz stars. He spent twelve years with the Pasadena Roof Orchestra, and then a long stint with Ray Gelato. He now works regularly with Acker Bilk and his Paramount Jazz Band. He has worked with Keith Nichols on special repertory projects.

Photo courtesy of Bruce Lindsay