Odd pairing - Assunto founded and led the Dukes of Dixieland which was at the height of its popularity in 1962. These recordings were done for Columbia at the same time as sessions by Herb Ellis and His All-Stars. Ellis was touring with the Dukes (with also included Fred Assunto on trombone, Jac Assunto on trombone and banjo, Gene Schroeder on piano, Bob Casey on bass, Charlie Lodice on drums and on two tunes, Edmond Hall guesting on clarinet) and recorded a mainstream session under his own name featuring Buddy Tate, Ray Bryant and Gus Johnson. Roy Eldridge was also supposed to be there, but when he was delayed and missed the first two sessions, Frank Assunto stepped in, providing some of the best work of his career.