Al Dente

Despite being a firm jazz festival favourite and a prolific contributor to other player's sessions, this is the trumpeter Enrico Tomasso's first album as leader. He's produced a loose, relaxed, free-blowing yet highly structured session and a truly satisfying debut.

With a handpicked "A" division rhythm section, Tomasso positively cooks on trumpet and flugelhorn through a carefully chosen set of standards and jazz compositions. The influence of a wide range of trumpet greats can be discerned throughout the record. "Jubilee" summons up the ghost of his mentor Louis Armstrong, "Little Jazz" is a reworking of a classic Roy Eldridge track and "Brotherhood of Man" is evidence of the influence of Clark Terry. Despite such a well-studied approach, Rico remains very much his own man with a highly developed and easily recognizable and individual style.

Tomasso has had a highly varied career, which includes 12 years with the Pasadena Roof Orchestra and stints with many high profile bands from Ray Gelato to Acker Bilk. He has also been trumpeter of choice for musicians as varied as Bryan Ferry, Marc Almond and film composer John Altman.

Personnel: Enrico Tomasso (trumpet, flugelhorn), John Pearce (piano), Andrew Cleyndert (double bass), Bobby Worth (drums)