JUDY WHITMORE featuring THE CHRIS WALDEN ORCHESTRA

LET’S FALL IN LOVE

Arden House Music

The multi-talented Judy Whitmore is a vocalist with a deep love for the Great American Songbook.  Her repertoire reflects that.  Ms. Whitmore is celebrating her fifth album release.  In her spare time she writes bestselling novels, is a theater producer, and a Marriage and Family therapist with a master’s degree in clinical psychology. Originally from Aspen, Colorado, Whitmore currently resides in California.

The pleasant voice of Judy Whitmore compliments the outstanding Chris Walden Pacific Jazz Orchestra.  They open with an unforgettable arrangement of “I’ll Take Romance” that features a memorable saxophone solo by Jeff Driskill.  Whitmore radiates happiness and joy during her vocal exploration of this old standard.

On the ballad, “All of You” Whitmore’s persuasive delivery is sweetly presented with much emotion. She is complimented by the always beautiful harmonica solo of Hendrik Meurkens.

Her rich rhythm section is supportive and individually talented with Josh Nelson on piano, Edwin Livingston on bass and Peter Erskine manning the drums.  On “A Time for Love” Nelson shines during his tinkling piano solo that dances over the string section.  Nelson swings during “Taking a Chance on Love” with a few moments when he reminded me of Erroll Garner.  This song was plucked from the Broadway show “Cabin in the Sky” sung by Ethel Waters in 1940.  Coincidentally, this was the first musical that Whitmore produced.

“Needless to say, I’ve had a life-long love affair with this song,” Judy shares in her press package.

I enjoy her interpretation of “How Long Has This Been Going On.” Whitmore recalls singing along with Judy Garland while listening to the diva’s Carnegie Hall album.  This is followed by a duet with Ty Taylor on “Let’s Fall in Love.”  His smooth baritone vocals sound perfect with Whitmore’s soprano delivery.

This is an album of easy listening jazz and cabaret-styled arrangements.  Whitmore spotlights a time in history when big bands and crooners were all the rage. This album is a throwback to when the Great American Songbook was on fire with popularity.  The whipped cream on this musical sundae is the Chris Walden Orchestra, who create the magnificent easel for Judy Whitmore to paint her vocals upon. This album will be released to the public April 24, 2025.

The ORCHESTRA MEMBERS are:  Judy Whitmore, vocals; Josh Nelson, piano; Andrew Synowiec, guitar; Edwin Livingston, bass; Peter Erskine, drums; Wade Culbreath, vibraphone; Hendrik Meurkens, harmonica; Gayle Levant, harp; Laura Brenes, horn; WOODWINDS: Jeff Driskill, Sal Lozano, Jacob Scesney, Sean Franz, & Chad Smith. TRUMPET: Wayne Bergeron, Kye Palmer; TROMBONE: Andy Martin, Alex Iles. VIOLINS: Charlie Bisharat, Tamara Hatwan, Songa Lee, Jen Choi Fischer, Grace Oh, Josefina Vergara, Daphne Chen, Bethany Mennemeyer, Mark Cargill, Natalie Leggett, Luanne Homzy, Jackie Brand & Aiko Richter. VIOLA: Erik Rynearson, Luke Maurer, Andrew Mcintosh, Leah Katz, Linnea Powell. CELLO: Vanessa Freebairn-Smith, Tim Loo, Hillary Smith & David Mergen.

Reviewed by Dee Dee McNeil

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