Toots Mondello
Nunzio (Toots) Mondello (August 14, 1911 in Boston, Massachusetts – November 15, 1992 in New York City, New York) was an American swing jazz alto saxophonist. Mondello played with Mal Hallett from 1927 to 1933, where he also simultaneously performed saxophone and trombone, and with Irving Aaronson's Commanders, Joe Haymes, and Buddy Rogers. In 1934–35 he was a member of the Benny Goodman Orchestra; he returned to play with Goodman in 1939–40. In the interim he worked with Haymes, Ray Noble, and Phil Harris. He did extensive work as a studio sideman, with Chick Bullock, Bunny Berigan, Miff Mole, Claude Thornhill, Larry Clinton, Teddy Wilson, Louis Armstrong (1938–39), Lionel Hampton, and the Metronome All–Stars. He recorded as a leader between 1937 and 1939, doing two sessions with a big band, one with a nonet, and one with a trio. Mondello served in the military during World War II. He continued doing session work and remained active into the 1970s. He and Goodman reunited to record in 1967. He was also a flutist. For many years he studied with Harold Bennett and compiled a book of Bennett's finger exercises. He studied composition with Paul Creston for thirteen years, and the two remained lifelong friends. |
Birth and Death Data: Born August 14, 1911 (Boston), Died November 15, 1992 (New York City)
Date Range of DAHR Recordings: 1927 - 1957
Roles Represented in DAHR: alto saxophone, saxophone, clarinet, vocalist, composer
= Recordings are available for online listening.
= Recordings were issued from this master. No recordings issued from other masters.
Recordings
Company | Matrix No. | Size | First Recording Date | Title | Primary Performer | Description | Role | Audio |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Victor | MS-92210 | 16-in. (33-1/3 rpm) | approximately late April 1935 | Makin' whoopee | Benny Goodman Orchestra | Jazz/dance band | instrumentalist, alto saxophone | |
Victor | MS-92211 | 16-in. (33-1/3 rpm) | approximately late April 1935 | I would do most anything for you | Benny Goodman Orchestra | Jazz/dance band | instrumentalist, alto saxophone | |
Victor | MS-92212 | 16-in. (33-1/3 rpm) | approximately late April 1935 | Rose room | Benny Goodman Orchestra | Jazz/dance band | instrumentalist, alto saxophone | |
Victor | MS-92213 | 16-in. (33-1/3 rpm) | approximately late April 1935 | Pardon my love | Benny Goodman Orchestra | Jazz/dance band | instrumentalist, alto saxophone | |
Victor | MS-92214 | 16-in. (33-1/3 rpm) | approximately late April 1935 | St. Louis blues | Benny Goodman Orchestra | Jazz/dance band | instrumentalist, alto saxophone | |
Victor | MS-92215 | 16-in. (33-1/3 rpm) | approximately late April 1935 | Can't we be friends | Benny Goodman Orchestra | Jazz/dance band | instrumentalist, alto saxophone | |
Victor | MS-92216 | 16-in. (33-1/3 rpm) | approximately late April 1935 | Royal Garden blues | Benny Goodman Orchestra | Jazz/dance band | instrumentalist, alto saxophone | |
Victor | MS-92217 | 16-in. (33-1/3 rpm) | approximately late April 1935 | When we're alone | Benny Goodman Orchestra | Jazz/dance band | instrumentalist, alto saxophone | |
Victor | MS-92218 | 16-in. (33-1/3 rpm) | approximately late April 1935 | Sometimes I'm happy | Benny Goodman Orchestra | Jazz/dance band | instrumentalist, alto saxophone | |
Victor | MS-92219 | 16-in. (33-1/3 rpm) | approximately late April 1935 | Anything goes | Benny Goodman Orchestra | Jazz/dance band | instrumentalist, alto saxophone | |
Victor | MS-92220 | 16-in. (33-1/3 rpm) | approximately late April 1935 | Down by the river | Benny Goodman Orchestra | Jazz/dance band | instrumentalist, alto saxophone | |
Victor | MS-92221 | 16-in. (33-1/3 rpm) | approximately late April 1935 | Ding dong daddy from Dumas | Benny Goodman Orchestra | Jazz/dance band | instrumentalist, alto saxophone | |
Victor | MS-92222 | 16-in. (33-1/3 rpm) | approximately late April 1935 | Stompin' at the Savoy | Benny Goodman Orchestra | Jazz/dance band | instrumentalist, alto saxophone | |
Victor | BS-92546 | 10-in. | 7/1/1935 | Sometimes I'm happy | Benny Goodman Orchestra | Jazz/dance band | instrumentalist, saxophone | |
Victor | BS-92547 | 10-in. | 7/1/1935 | King Porter | Benny Goodman Orchestra | Jazz/dance band | instrumentalist, saxophone | |
Victor | BS-92549 | 10-in. | 7/1/1935 | Jingle bells | Benny Goodman Orchestra | Jazz/dance band | instrumentalist, saxophone | |
Victor | BS-07785 | 10-in. | 4/13/1937 | Carelessly | Kay Thompson Orchestra ; Rhythm Singers | Jazz/dance band, with female vocal solo and mixed vocal ensemble | instrumentalist, saxophone | |
Victor | BS-07786 | 10-in. | 4/13/1937 | There's a lull in my life | Kay Thompson Orchestra | Jazz/dance band, with female vocal solo | instrumentalist, saxophone | |
Victor | BS-07787 | 10-in. | 4/13/1937 | It had to be you | Kay Thompson Orchestra ; Rhythm Singers | Jazz/dance band, with female vocal solo and female vocal ensemble | instrumentalist, saxophone | |
Victor | BS-07788 | 10-in. | 4/13/1937 | Exactly like you | Kay Thompson Orchestra ; Rhythm Singers | Jazz/dance band, with female vocal solo and male vocal ensemble | instrumentalist, saxophone | |
Victor | BS-043921 | 10-in. | 11/27/1939 | What used to was, used to was (Now it ain't) | Ziggy Elman Orchestra | Jazz/dance band | instrumentalist, saxophone | |
Victor | BS-043922 | 10-in. | 11/27/1939 | Bye 'n bye | Ziggy Elman Orchestra | Jazz/dance band | instrumentalist, saxophone | |
Victor | BS-043923 | 10-in. | 11/27/1939 | Love is the sweetest thing | Ziggy Elman Orchestra | Jazz/dance band | instrumentalist, saxophone | |
Victor | BS-043924 | 10-in. | 11/27/1939 | Deep night | Ziggy Elman Orchestra | Jazz/dance band | instrumentalist, saxophone | |
Victor | BS-044724 | 10-in. | 2/26/1940 | Shades of jade | Lionel Hampton Orchestra | Jazz/dance band | composer | |
Victor | BS-046028 | 10-in. | 12/26/1939 | Forgive my heart | Ziggy Elman Orchestra | Jazz/dance band | instrumentalist, saxophone | |
Victor | BS-046029 | 10-in. | 12/26/1939 | Tootin' my baby back home | Ziggy Elman Orchestra | Jazz/dance band | instrumentalist, saxophone | |
Victor | BS-046030 | 10-in. | 12/26/1939 | I'm through with love | Ziggy Elman Orchestra | Jazz/dance band | instrumentalist, saxophone | |
Victor | BS-046031 | 10-in. | 12/26/1939 | Something to remember you by | Ziggy Elman Orchestra | Jazz/dance band | instrumentalist, saxophone | |
Victor | BS-060331 | 10-in. | 1/16/1941 | Bugle call rag | Metronome All Star Band | Jazz/dance band | instrumentalist, alto saxophone | |
Victor | BS-060332 | 10-in. | 1/16/1941 | One o'clock jump | Metronome All Star Band | Jazz/dance band | instrumentalist, alto saxophone | |
Victor | E1VB-2966 | 10-in. | 8/10/1951 | I remember when | Eddie Fisher | Male vocal solo, with orchestra and vocal sensemble | instrumentalist, saxophone | |
Victor | D6VB-3280 | 10-in. | 11/19/1946 | Empty saddles | Mullen Sisters ; Tony Mottola Orchestra | Female vocal trio, with jazz/dance septet | instrumentalist, saxophone | |
Victor | D6VB-3281 | 10-in. | 11/19/1946 | Time on my Hands | Mullen Sisters ; Tony Mottola Orchestra | Female vocal trio, with jazz/dance septet | instrumentalist, saxophone | |
Victor | D6VB-3282 | 10-in. | 11/19/1946 | Basin Street blues | Mullen Sisters ; Tony Mottola Orchestra | Female vocal trio, with jazz/dance septet | instrumentalist, saxophone | |
Victor | D6VB-3283 | 10-in. | 11/20/1946 | Frenesi | Mullen Sisters ; Tony Mottola Orchestra | Female vocal trio, with jazz/dance octet | instrumentalist, saxophone | |
Victor | D6VB-3284 | 10-in. | 11/20/1946 | The Kerry dance | Mullen Sisters ; Tony Mottola Orchestra | Female vocal trio, with jazz/dance octet | instrumentalist, saxophone | |
Victor | D6VB-3285 | 10-in. | 11/20/1946 | The moon of Manakoora | Mullen Sisters ; Tony Mottola Orchestra | Female vocal trio, with jazz/dance octet | instrumentalist, saxophone | |
Victor | D6VB-3286 | 10-in. | 11/26/1946 | Standing in the need of prayer | Mullen Sisters ; Tony Mottola Orchestra | Female vocal trio, with jazz/dance septet | instrumentalist, saxophone | |
Victor | D7VB-0994 | 10-in. | 6/23/1947 | Mother, Mother, Mother (is it good or is it bad) | Toots Camarata ; Beryl Davis ; Toots Camarata Orchestra | Female vocal solo, with jazz/dance band | instrumentalist, clarinet | |
Victor | D7VB-0995 | 10-in. | 6/23/1947 | You're breaking in a new heart (while you're breaking mine) | Toots Camarata ; Beryl Davis ; Toots Camarata Orchestra | Female vocal solo, with jazz/dance band | instrumentalist, clarinet | |
Victor | D7FB-2954 | 10-in. | 12/23/1947 | Poème | Henri René Orchestra ; Tosha Samaroff | Instrumental ensemble, with violin solo | instrumentalist, clarinet | |
Victor | D9AB-2177 | 10-in. | 8/18/1949 | You're breaking my heart | Harry Prime ; Ralph Flanagan Orchestra | Jazz/dance band, with male vocal solo | instrumentalist, saxophone | |
Victor | D9AB-2178 | 10-in. | 8/18/1949 | You're so understanding | Harry Prime ; Ralph Flanagan Orchestra | Jazz/dance band, with male vocal solo | instrumentalist, saxophone | |
Victor | D9AB-2179 | 10-in. | 8/18/1949 | It all depends on you | Harry Prime ; Ralph Flanagan Orchestra | Jazz/dance band, with male vocal solo | instrumentalist, saxophone | |
Victor | D9AB-2180 | 10-in. | 8/18/1949 | The wedding of Lili Marlene | Harry Prime ; Ralph Flanagan Orchestra | Jazz/dance band, with male vocal solo | instrumentalist, saxophone | |
Victor | D9VB-2766 | 10-in. | 12/14/1949 | People will say we're in love | Harry Prime ; Ralph Flanagan Orchestra | Jazz/dance band, with male vocal solo | instrumentalist, saxophone | |
Victor | D9VB-2767 | 10-in. | 12/14/1949 | It might as well be spring | Ralph Flanagan Orchestra | Jazz/dance band | instrumentalist, saxophone | |
Victor | D9VB-2768 | 10-in. | 12/14/1949 | The surrey with the fringe on the top | Ralph Flanagan Orchestra | Jazz/dance band | instrumentalist, saxophone | |
Victor | D9VB-2769 | 10-in. | 12/14/1949 | If I loved you | Ralph Flanagan Orchestra | Jazz/dance band | instrumentalist, saxophone | |
Victor | D9VB-2828 | 10-in. | 12/29/1949 | Untitled | Ralph Flanagan Orchestra | Jazz/dance band | instrumentalist, saxophone | |
Victor | D9VB-2829 | 10-in. | 12/29/1949 | Some enchanted evening | Harry Prime ; Ralph Flanagan Orchestra | Jazz/dance band | instrumentalist, saxophone | |
Victor | D9VB-2857 | 10-in. | 12/29/1949 | Oh, what a beautiful mornin' | Harry Prime ; Ralph Flanagan Orchestra | Jazz/dance band, with male vocal solo | instrumentalist, saxophone | |
Victor | D9VB-2858 | 10-in. | 12/29/1949 | What's the use of wond'rin' | Harry Prime ; Ralph Flanagan Orchestra | Jazz/dance band, with male vocal solo | instrumentalist, saxophone | |
Victor | D9AB-2859 | 10-in. | 12/29/1949 | Leave it to love | Harry Prime ; Ralph Flanagan Orchestra | Jazz/dance band, with male vocal solo | instrumentalist, saxophone | |
Victor | D9AB-2860 | 10-in. | 12/29/1949 | Farewell, Amanda | Harry Prime ; Ralph Flanagan Orchestra | Jazz/dance band, with male vocal solo | instrumentalist, saxophone | |
Columbia | W144024 | 10-in. | 4/12/1927 | Ya gonna be home to-night? (Oh yeh? Then I'll be over) | Mal Hallett Orchestra ; Toots Mondello | Jazz/dance band, with male vocal solo | vocalist | |
Brunswick | B23760 | 10-in. | 11/28/1938 | You're so desirable | Billie Holiday ; Teddy Wilson Orchestra | Jazz/dance band, with female vocal solo | instrumentalist, alto saxophone | |
Brunswick | B23761 | 10-in. | 11/28/1938 | You're gonna see a lot of me | Billie Holiday ; Teddy Wilson Orchestra | Jazz/dance band, with female vocal solo | instrumentalist, alto saxophone | |
Brunswick | B23762 | 10-in. | 11/28/1938 | Hello, my darling | Billie Holiday ; Teddy Wilson Orchestra | Jazz/dance band, with female vocal solo | instrumentalist, alto saxophone | |
Brunswick | B23763 | 10-in. | 11/28/1938 | Let's dream in the moonlight | Billie Holiday ; Teddy Wilson Orchestra | Jazz/dance band, with female vocal solo | instrumentalist, alto saxophone | |
Decca | 73792 | 2/13/1947 | Deep song | Billie Holiday | instrumentalist, alto saxophone | |||
Decca | 73793 | 2/13/1947 | There is no greater love | Billie Holiday | instrumentalist, alto saxophone | |||
Decca | 73794 | 2/13/1947 | Easy living | Billie Holiday | instrumentalist, alto saxophone | |||
Decca | 73795 | 2/13/1947 | Solitude | Billie Holiday | instrumentalist, alto saxophone | |||
Decca | 74000 | 7/11/1947 | You're breakin' in a new heart | Ella Fitzgerald | instrumentalist, alto saxophone | |||
Decca | 74013 | 7/22/1947 | Don't you think I oughta know? | Ella Fitzgerald | instrumentalist, alto saxophone | |||
Decca | 74014 | 7/22/1947 | You're breakin' in a new heart | Ella Fitzgerald | instrumentalist, alto saxophone | |||
Decca | 81328 | 8/1/1951 | The kissing bug boogie | Neal Hefti Orchestra | instrumentalist, alto saxophone | |||
Decca | 81329 | 8/1/1951 | (I wouldn't be where I am) If you hadn't gone away | Neal Hefti Orchestra | instrumentalist, alto saxophone | |||
Decca | 81330 | 8/1/1951 | Coral reef | Neal Hefti Orchestra | instrumentalist, alto saxophone | |||
Decca | 81451 | 8/24/1951 | Shine on harvest moon | Jerry Gray Orchestra | instrumentalist, alto saxophone | |||
Decca | 81452 | 8/24/1951 | Introduction to a waltz | Jerry Gray Orchestra | instrumentalist, alto saxophone | |||
Decca | 81453 | 8/25/1951 | The dipsy doodle | Jerry Gray Orchestra | instrumentalist, alto saxophone | |||
Decca | 81454 | 8/25/1951 | Flagwaver | Jerry Gray Orchestra | instrumentalist, alto saxophone | |||
Decca | 82042 | 12/27/1951 | You're the only one I love | Neal Hefti Orchestra | instrumentalist, alto saxophone | |||
Decca | 82043 | 12/27/1951 | Don't be that way | Neal Hefti Orchestra | instrumentalist, alto saxophone | |||
Decca | 82605 | 4/3/1952 | Everytime | Neal Hefti Orchestra | instrumentalist, alto saxophone | |||
Decca | 82606 | 4/3/1952 | Lonesome and blue | Neal Hefti Orchestra | instrumentalist, alto saxophone | |||
Decca | 82607 | 4/3/1952 | Sure thing | Neal Hefti Orchestra | instrumentalist, alto saxophone | |||
Decca | 82608 | 4/3/1952 | Why not? | Neal Hefti Orchestra | instrumentalist, alto saxophone | |||
Decca | 84736 | 6/22/1953 | Memphis blues | Ray McKinley Orchestra | instrumentalist, alto saxophone | |||
Decca | 84737 | 6/22/1953 | Ol' shanks mare | Ray McKinley Orchestra | instrumentalist, alto saxophone | |||
Decca | 84738 | 6/22/1953 | Rhythm-a-tic | Ray McKinley Orchestra | instrumentalist, alto saxophone | |||
Decca | 84739 | 6/22/1953 | Long gone | Ray McKinley Orchestra | instrumentalist, alto saxophone | |||
Decca | 87917 | 5/9/1955 | Jack hammer drill | George Williams Orchestra | instrumentalist, alto saxophone | |||
Decca | 87918 | 5/9/1955 | Rocking the blues | George Williams Orchestra | instrumentalist, alto saxophone | |||
Decca | 87919 | 5/9/1955 | Too much moon | George Williams Orchestra | instrumentalist, alto saxophone | |||
Decca | 103804 | 12/3/1957 | Li'l darlin' | Steve Allen Orchestra | instrumentalist, alto saxophone | |||
Decca | 103805 | 12/3/1957 | Cherry point | Steve Allen Orchestra | instrumentalist, alto saxophone | |||
Decca | 103806 | 12/3/1957 | The kid from Red Bank | Steve Allen Orchestra | instrumentalist, alto saxophone | |||
Decca | 103807 | 12/3/1957 | Oh! What a night for love | Steve Allen Orchestra | instrumentalist, alto saxophone | |||
Decca | 103808 | 12/4/1957 | Banana split | Steve Allen Orchestra | instrumentalist, alto saxophone | |||
Decca | 103809 | 12/4/1957 | Lollypop | Steve Allen Orchestra | instrumentalist, alto saxophone | |||
Decca | 103810 | 12/4/1957 | The wayno | Steve Allen Orchestra | instrumentalist, alto saxophone | |||
Decca | 103811 | 12/4/1957 | Chug-a-lug | Steve Allen Orchestra | instrumentalist, alto saxophone | |||
Decca | 103812 | 12/5/1957 | Sure thing | Steve Allen Orchestra | instrumentalist, alto saxophone | |||
Decca | 103813 | 12/5/1957 | Coral reef | Steve Allen Orchestra | instrumentalist, alto saxophone | |||
Decca | 103814 | 12/5/1957 | Why not? | Steve Allen Orchestra | instrumentalist, alto saxophone | |||
Decca | 103815 | 12/5/1957 | Plymouth rock | Steve Allen Orchestra | instrumentalist, alto saxophone | |||
Signature | SRC 189 | 10-in. | 1945 | 22 steps from the corner | Johnny Bothwell Orchestra | instrumentalist, alto saxophone | ||
Signature | SRC 190 | 10-in. | 1945 | Strange feeling | Johnny Bothwell Orchestra | instrumentalist, alto saxophone | ||
Signature | SRC 281 | 10-in. | 1946 | Etude Brutus | Will Bradley Orchestra | instrumentalist, alto saxophone | ||
Signature | SRC 289 | 10-in. | 1946 | If I'm lucky | Will Bradley Orchestra | instrumentalist, alto saxophone | ||
Signature | SRC 290 | 10-in. | 1946 | Sooner or later | Will Bradley Orchestra | instrumentalist, alto saxophone | ||
Signature | SRC 291 | 10-in. | 1946 | Turn the knob on the left to the right | Will Bradley Orchestra | instrumentalist, alto saxophone | ||
Signature | SRC 417 | 10-in. | 1947 | If there is someone lovelier | Will Bradley Orchestra | instrumentalist, alto saxophone | ||
Signature | SRC 418 | 10-in. | 1947 | Celery stalks at midnight | Will Bradley Orchestra | instrumentalist, alto saxophone | ||
Signature | SRC 419 | 10-in. | 1947 | Easy ride | Will Bradley Orchestra | instrumentalist, alto saxophone | ||
Signature | SRC 514 | 10-in. | approximately 1947 | Lonely moments | Will Bradley Orchestra | instrumentalist, alto saxophone | ||
Signature | SRC 515 | 10-in. | approximately 1947 | Bop 'n' boogie | Will Bradley Orchestra | instrumentalist, alto saxophone | ||
Signature | SRC 564 | 10-in. | approximately 1947 | What is this thing called love? | Anita O'Day | instrumentalist, alto saxophone | ||
Signature | SRC 565 | 10-in. | approximately 1947 | Hi ho trailus boot whip | Anita O'Day | instrumentalist, alto saxophone | ||
Signature | SRC 566 | 10-in. | approximately 1947 | I told ya I love ya | Anita O'Day | instrumentalist, alto saxophone | ||
Signature | SRC 567 | 10-in. | approximately 1947 | It's different when it happens to you | Anita O'Day | instrumentalist, alto saxophone |
Citation
Discography of American Historical Recordings, s.v. "Mondello, Toots," accessed November 9, 2024, https://adpprod1.library.ucsb.edu/names/106360.
Mondello, Toots. (2024). In Discography of American Historical Recordings. Retrieved November 9, 2024, from https://adpprod1.library.ucsb.edu/names/106360.
"Mondello, Toots." Discography of American Historical Recordings. UC Santa Barbara Library, 2024. Web. 9 November 2024.
DAHR Persistent Identifier
External Sources
Wikipedia: Toots Mondello
Discogs: Toots Mondello
Allmusic: Toots Mondello
Grove: Toots Mondello
Linked Open Data Sources
LCNAR: Mondello, Toots - http://id.loc.gov/authorities/names/n91084674
Wikidata: Toots Mondello - http://www.wikidata.org/entity/Q2443100
VIAF: http://viaf.org/viaf/207813
MusicBrainz: Toots Mondello - https://musicbrainz.org/artist/5481f308-4918-429c-bd01-a632e3ae9abe
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