 After a series of concerts and shows in Naples, he was contacted by pianist and singer Renato Carosone, who was asked to put together a group for a club's opening night, and the Trio Carosone, with Gennaro "Gegè" Di Giacomo on drums, was formed.The trio recorded several albums for the Pathé record label, and then became a quartet with Hungarian Romani musician Elek Bacsik on bass, guitar, and violin.In 1954 Van Wood left the Trio Carosone in order to devote himself to his solo career.