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Jack Cooper: Big Band Reflections of Cole Porter

By C. Michael Bailey
September 25, 2003
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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.

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I'm Sanctified and Southern Fried / Mama tried and daddy cried / I tell the truth 'cept when I've lied / And like my huevos on the side.

Track Listing

1. "It's All Right With Me"; 2. "Love For Sale"; 3. "Night and Day"; 4. "Twelve"; 5. "So In Love"; 6. "Ev'rything I Love"; 7. "From This Moment On"; 8. "Two In Love"; 9. "What Is This Thing Called Love"

Personnel

Jack Cooper

woodwinds

Jack Cooper, music director, arranger; John Lux, alto sax, flute; Mike Krepper, alto sax, flute, clarinet; Tom Link, tenor sax, flute, clarinet; Andre Marlin, Jeff Huddleston, tenor sax, flute; Michael Scott, baritone sax, flute, bass clarinet; David Spencer, Reid McCoy, Ward Yager, Tom Clary, trumpet, flugelhorn; Greg Luscomb, Milton Aldana, Lance Green, Ken Spain, Jack Brumbaugh, trombone; Bill Flores, bass trombone; Kerry Mavassagh, guitar; Alvie Givhan, Gene Rush (6), piano; Tim Goodwin, Sam Shoup, bass; Bo Harris, James Sexton, drums; Ed Murray (2, 8), Latin percussion. Special guest artists —Marvin Stamm, trumpet; Sandra Dudley, vocals.

Album information

Title: Big Band Reflections of Cole Porter | Year Released: 2003 | Record Label: Summit Records

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