Search - Pete Candoli :: From the Top/The Candoli Brothers

Good, but I expected better

James A. Vedda | Alexandria, VA USA | 08/05/2007

(3 out of 5 stars)

"The Candoli brothers were among the top jazz trumpeters of their generation. Pete was best known for his lead playing, and Conte was one of the all-time great jazz soloists. Knowing their other work, I had high expectations for this release of two albums recorded in 1978. However, I found it a bit disappointing because the choice of material could have been better - more attuned to the instrumentation of trumpet and 3-piece rhythm section - and the arrangements were unimaginative.

The first seven tracks are Pete and the rhythm section; the other six tracks add Conte. The most interesting among them are the last three: Dizzy Gillespie's "Blue `N' Boogie," "Love Your Magic Spell Is Everywhere," and Charlie Parker's "Ah-Leu-Cha."

Jazz trumpet aficionados may enjoy hearing the Candoli brothers in a small-group setting. Personally, I prefer their brilliant work with big bands such as Stan Kenton, Woody Herman, and The Tonight Show Orchestra.

Note on duplicate releases: This material was also released in 2000 on a CD titled "Fascinating Rhythm" from Fresh Sound Records."