about this event
“Swing’s The Thing!”
Experience the magic of Enrico Tomasso, one of the finest jazz trumpet players in the UK, with the terrific Australian sax and clarinet player Duncan Hemstock and their fantastic all-star rhythm section, for an evening of joyful, swinging, straight ahead jazz. Guaranteed to bring a smile and get you dancing all the way home!
Enrico Tomasso started playing the trumpet at the age of 5 having been inspired by a recording of Louis Armstrong. When Louis Armstrong paid his final visit to England Tomasso’s father took the 7-year-old Enrico to meet Louis and play for him. Louis Armstrong was greatly impressed and gave the budding trumpet player many tips on playing jazz trumpet. Louis kept in touch with Enrico for the rest of his life. After music college Enrico spent many years working in bands including twelve years with the Pasadena Roof Orchestra, then a long stint with Ray Gelato, and with visiting American players. Among those he has played with are Scott Hamilton, Ken Peplowski, Bucky Pizzarelli, John Dankworth, and Tommy Whittle and the Piazza All Stars. Enrico has won best trumpet player in the British Jazz Awards six times and continues to be rated at the very top of his profession.
Duncan Hemstock was given his first clarinet and a Benny Goodman cassette when he was 13. Upon hearing the first phrase, he fell in love with Jazz and Swing music and eventually he made his way to the local jazz club. There he learnt from and worked with many talented and experienced musicians, and was lucky to be taught by virtuoso clarinet player Andy Firth. Growing up in Adelaide, he toured in the much loved Royal Garden Jazz band and as a soloist all across Australia. Now living in London, Duncan is relishing the many opportunities to perform for dancers and concert audiences alike throughout the UK and Europe. He brings his joy for life and music to every performance, always delivering with a smile and a cheeky quip or two. His clarinet playing is not only influenced by Goodman, but also the fiery intent of Edmond Hall, while his Tenor Saxophone approach is inspired by the great Lester Young.