Enrico Tomasso Plays Louis Armstrong's "On the Sunny Side of the Street"

When Louis Armstrong came to England in 1968, he was greeted at the airport by 8-year-old trumpeter Enrico Tomassao. Armstrong was so touched, he kissed Tomasso's hand and invited him backstage every night to give him advice. On March 8, 2015, Rico was a featured artist at the fabulous "Louis Armstrong Story" concert at the Bristol International Jazz and Blues Festival. Louis would have been proud to hear his young disciple play such favorites as "West End Blues," "Struttin' With Some Barbecue" and "On the Sunny Side of the Street." Louis Armstrong House Museum Archivist Ricky Riccardi was on hand to film this short bit of Rico playing "On the Sunny Side of the Street" during the morning rehearsal for the show--he hadn't even changed into his stage clothes yet! You'll also see Festival Artistic Director Denny Ilett, guitarist Don Vappie, trombonist Ian Bateman, drummer Julie Saury, pianist Dan Moore, bassist Sebastian Giaradot, and a steller reed section including Andy Williamson and the legendary Pee Wee Ellis. Thank you, Rico for keeping Louis's music and message alive!
And here's a photo of Louis kissing Tomasso's hand in 1968....and Riccardi kissing the same hand in 2015!
www.facebook.c...