The Jazz Orchestra of the Delta: Big Band Reflections of Cole Porter (2003)

C. Michael Bailey

Senior Contributor since 1997

...wants to know if Gene Harris is playing "Summertime" in Heaven...

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Published: September 25, 2003

The Jazz Orchestra of the Delta: Big Band Reflections of Cole Porter

The Jazz Orchestra of the Delta is a 17-member big band lead by Jack Cooper and, on this present recording, featuring trumpeter Marvin Stamm and vocalist Sandra Dudley. The Memphis-based group and special guests direct their attention here to the music composed and inspired by Cole Porter. Dr. Cooper spent the better part of the last decade scoring these chestnuts, and his careful consideration is apparent in the effortless swing that the band brings to these pieces.

"Love for Sale" and "Night and Day" get a star treatment from Sandra Dudley and Marvin Stamm. Both war horses sound fresh and sprite. "So in Love" is transformed by Dudley into a plush and sensuous ballad of yearning. "Twelve" and "Two in Love" are Cole contrafacts composed by Peter Erskine and Dr. Cooper, respectively, that allow the orchestra to take center stage and show how well a Cole Porter idea can swing. Tap your foot to this one.

For more information, please see Summit Records .

Track Listing: It

Personnel: Marvin Stamm

Style: Straight-ahead/Mainstream