THERE are not many jazz musicians who can say their mentor was the great Louis Armstrong.

But that is the proud boast of UK jazz star Enrico Tomasso who says his biggest inspiration was the legendary trumpeter, composer and singer, affectionately known as Satchmo.

He played trumpet for Louis during the American jazz superstar’s visits to England in the sixties.

This led to correspondence and a lifelong friendship until Armstrong died in 1971, aged 69.

Jazz music courses through Enrico’s veins. His dad was the celebrated clarinettist Ernie Tomasso.

Enrico, who started playing the trumpet when he was five, says: “I was brought up on the earlier styles of swing and Dixieland by my dad.”

A firm favourite at the Stoneham Lane Club, Enrico has won a string of British Jazz Awards for the best trumpet category, including at The Concorde where the prestigious award ceremony was held.

Described as one of Britain’s brightest and most versatile jazz stars, Enrico makes a welcome return to The Concorde on May 16.

He will be headlining Swing Till You Bop along with Colin Good ( piano), John Day (bass), Bobby Worth (drums), Ian Bateman (trombone) and Alan Barnes who plays clarinet as well as alto and baritone saxophone.

Another Concorde favourite, Barnes, who has regularly scooped the BBC Jazz Musician Awards has been honoured with the freedom of the Eastleigh club.

For more information ring 02380613989 or visit www.theconcordeclub.com