Trompeta Toccata, as with Dorham's previous album Una Mas, features only four pieces, three of which were written by the trumpeter himself.
Trompeta Toccata would be his last appearance as a leader; Bob Blumenthal wrote in his 2006 liner notes for the album that "the remainder of Dorhams' recorded career was confined to sideman appearances that can be counted on the fingers of one hand".
[5] Dorham felt very satisfied working with these musicians - Joe Henderson, Tommy Flanagan, Richard Davis and especially Albert Heath - "he always kept the soloist sparked up.
"[6] About Henderson, he stated "He never fails to excite me" explaining "For instance, after I played him the melody of 'Trompeta Toccata', he wrote the chords for it.
During its recording, Dorham recalls that once they got started on it, they caught fire; even Blue Note producer Alfred Lion and photographer Francis Wolff began to move to rhythm.