Jack Cooper: Big Band Refections of Cole Porter

Cole Porter didn't set out to write songs for the jazz folks to sink their teeth into; but it's happened that way anyway. It seems any jazz artist worth their salt tackles Porter at one time or another. Charlie Parker had a field day; Ella Fitzgerald put out a couple of albums' worth of Porter songs. And Frank Sinatra's "I've Got You Under My Skin," written by Porter with Nelson Riddle orchestrating and Old Blue Eyes singing, is artistry at its highest level. Period.

And now the seventeen piece Jazz Orchestra of the Delta, under the direction of Jack Cooper, bites into the Porter songbook, with results that sparkle and shine.

Jack Cooper's arrangements of the Porter standards are knockouts. Propulsive and sassy on an initial listen, revealing subtle shadings and intricate nuances upon repeated listening. Very forhtright and mainstream. I might have guessed Don Sebesky as arranger on a blindfold test, for the clean lines and solid constructions that still allow plenty of room for creative sololing.

Guest trumpeter Marvin Stamm (Stan Kenton Orchestra, Thad Jone/ Mel Lewis, Frank Sinatra, etc.) sits in on a few numbers, with flowing, fluid lines; and Sandra Dudley—who has sung with pianist Fred Hersch and the Nelson Riddle Orchestra—adds vocals on four tunes. Her singing on "Night and Day" with an exquisite arrangement featuring flutes and flugelhorns is a particular favorite; and "From This Moment On" showcases Dudley's stunningly beautiful scatting chops.

Cole Porter's songbook is in outstanding hands and horns and vocal chords here. A set that charms the listener into repeated and rewarding spins.

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