Conte Candoli Quartet

For his first MODE release, Conte chose a standard  rhythm foundation to support his creative trumpet designs. Piano is under the capable hands of young Vince Guaraldi whose two-fisted attack has earned for him the immediate respect of  music men. Bassist Monty Budwig is a thoroughly dependable player with a sharp rhythm sense and an acute ensemble feeling. Drummer Stan Levey worked the Kenton band with Conte and has a keen perception of the leader's particular style and attack. His support is invaluable. 

Another feature of MODE's Conte Candoli release is the elaboration on arrangements for the date by "Count" and his brother Pete. Pete's power-packed trumpet playing was a highlight of Woody Herman's first herd on which he and Conte sat together. With a deep respect for Pete's diverse talents, Conte was pleased to find him available to puzzle out the interesting originals heard here.

Keeping in mind that exploration is an important part of the jazz picture, Conte Candoli is always a welcome record study. His keen jazz sense and his interest in adapting unlikely melodies to that art have established him in the forefront of major influences. In the house of jazz royalty, the "Count" is a permanent fixture. *Joe Quinn (liner notes)* 

This session features the excellent bop trumpeter Conte Candoli in a quartet with pianist Vince Guaraldi, bassist Monty Budwig, and drummer Stan Levey. In addition to the joy of hearing Candoli so well-showcased, this set is recommended because of the interesting repertoire. In addition to "Flamingo", "Diane", and "No Moon at All", one gets to hear rare selections penned by the likes of Al Cohn, Osie Johnson, Conte's brother Pete Candoli, and the leader himself. *Scott Yanow*

Arguably one of the best records cut for the short-lived Mode label in the late 50s – and easily one of the best from trumpeter Conte Candoli too! For the session, Conte front a quartet with Vince Guaraldi on piano, Monty Budwig on bass, and Stan Levey on drums – and Guaraldi's piano style's got a heck of a lot more soul than you'd expect, a detail that brings a nice depth to a session that might have been otherwise lightweight – and which comes off with the same strength overall as the pair's outing from the same time for the Crown label. Candoli seems to play about half the tracks with a mute, but still in a style that's more open and fluid than much of his other work from the time. *dustygroove.com*

Side 1

1 - Something For Liza

(Al Cohn)

2 - Walkie Talkie

(Pete Candoli)

3 - Flamingo

(Grouya, Anderson)

4 - Mediolistic

(Osie Johnson)

Side 2

5 - Tara Ferma

(Pete Candoli)

6 - Diane

(Rapee, Pollack)

7 - No Moon At All

(Mann, Evans)

8 - Mambo Blues

(Conte Candoli)

Conte Candoli (trumpet), Vince Guaraldi (piano), Monty Budwig (bass), Stan Levey (drums).

Recorded at Radio Recorders, Hollywood, California, June 1957.