After the Jazz Orchestra of the Delta was established in 1998 the group and musical director were afforded an opportunity by Summit Records to collaborate on a jazz release for the label. Two things were required by Summit: a theme and a guest artist. The theme of Cole Porter's music fit well due to a recent Cole Porter tribute with Sandra Dudley the ensemble had performed, native Memphian Marvin Stamm was picked as the guest artist for the release. There were two failed recording sessions for the release due to severe weather problems and power outages, this delayed the completion of the CD for about 18 months.
Porter's music has been utilized on hundreds of jazz recordings to include Big Band Reflections of Cole Porter (Porter in the 1930s)
Most recently the entire album was featured on Scott Ellsworth's long running Scott's Place jazz radio show for February 2, 2019.[4]
On Tuesday evening, July 15, 2003, the Jazz Orchestra of the Delta held the CD release performance and party at the Gibson Guitar Factory & Showcase, one block South of Beale Street in downtown Memphis, TN. The evening was sponsored by the Mid-South Jazz Foundation and was highly successful with a sell out performance. Both Sandra Dudley and Marvin Stamm were in attendance for this performance so to showcase the selections from the recording. Marvin Stamm's improvisation on Twelve is published as a transcribed solo in the Charles Colin publication "The Marvin Stamm Project."[5] An EP was distributed in late 2003 by Summit Records featuring 'Night and Day' and 10 other artists/cuts from Summit Records for the year.
"...(The Jazz Orchestra of the Delta) delivers Big Band Reflections of Cole Porter, an album that is sure to delight fans of ambitious, lush big band music. Supplemented by singer Sandra Dudley and trumpeter Marvin Stamm, this is a beautifully arranged, executed, and produced album."
"...the result is a cohesive ensemble that understands (Cooper's) musical direction so well that they reproduce precisely what (he) has intended...Balance and phrasing, suitable textures, and mellow harmonic ties follow with glamorous effects."
"...(the arranger) is to be congratulated on the way he orchestrated some of (Porter's) best known songs, maintaining interest, despite the familiarity with the material. So in Love comes from...probably Porter's best loved show and Ms. Dudley takes it at a super slow tempo that works brilliantly."
"...(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 forthright 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 soloing."
