b. 11 May 1924, Turin, Italy. Valdambrini learnt the trumpet and violin as a child and studied at Turin Conservatory. He worked with a variety of local groups in the 40s and played in a jam session with Rex Stewart in 1948. He formed a quintet with saxophonist Gianni Basso in 1955; this band has played in various guises intermittently right through to the late 80s. It has always been one of the most highly rated Italian bands, in which Valdambrini has been able to display an excellent technique in the bop-orientated playing he favours. He has also worked with various big bands including those of Lionel Hampton and Maynard Ferguson. In 1967 and 1968 he joined Duke Ellington’s Orchestra for concerts in Milan. Since 1972 he has also played with the Television Orchestra of Rome.