Bob Cooper/Conde Candoli Quintet

Personnel: Bob Cooper (oboe, tenor saxophone); Conte Candoli (trumpet); Ross Tompkins (piano); Paul Kreibich (drums).
Liner Note Author: James Rozzi.
Recording information: Hyatt Newporter, Newport Beach, CA (06/25/1993); Hyatt, Newporter, Newport Beach, CA (06/25/1993).
Photographers: Conte Candoli; Ray Avery.
It is difficult to believe, listening to this enthusiastic bop date, that tenor saxophonist Bob Cooper would pass away only 41 days after the recorded concert. Cooper never declined, and he certainly seems right in his prime, jamming eight standards with trumpeter Conte Candoli (long an underrated great), pianist Ross Tompkins, bassist John Leitham and drummer Paul Kreibich. Whether it be a romping "Confirmation," "Airegin," "Hackensack" or a medium-tempo "Come Sunday," this is a highly enjoyable straight-ahead set with everyone in excellent form. Bob Cooper certainly went out on top. ~ Scott Yanow