[1][2] Following the success of pianist Vince Guaraldi's album, Jazz Impressions of Black Orpheus (1962), Crown reissued Little Band Big Jazz as Vince Guaraldi and the Conte Candoli All-Stars in 1964.

New cover art featured a painting of Guaraldi in place of the group photo used on the original release.

[3] AllMusic critic Scott Yanow noted: "While the solos are excellent, trumpeter Conte Candoli's six originals (two co-written with pianist Vince Guaraldi) are not particularly memorable.

Their chord structures are comfortable for the musicians but none of the melodies will be remembered".

[4] Guaraldi biographer and historian Derrick Bang commented, "All in all, this is an engaging album, if in the old Big Band style.