Interview: Judy Whitmore on new love-themed album, plans for the year and more

Written By Neil Shumate, OOTB Publications

Judy Whitmore—vocalist, licensed jet pilot, best-selling author, psychologist, theater producer—recently released her fourth album and it comes as no surprise that it’s yet another soothing instant classic from the singer who has a devoted appreciation for the Great American Songbook.

The relaxing album is appropriately titled Let’s Fall In Love as it focuses on songs that revolve around love. Recorded alongside a full orchestra at Hollywood’s EastWest Studios, the 12-song independent album was produced and arranged by seven-time GRAMMY®-nominated composer, arranger Chris Walden (Paul McCartney, Barbra Streisand, Stevie Wonder).

In this OOTB interview, Whitmore reflects on the new album, her upcoming plans and more.

What an exciting time with the release of your fourth album! How did you approach recording this album compared to your previous works?

I knew I wanted to do an album of love songs. It felt like we listened to every love song ever written while we were putting together the song list. You can’t imagine how many fabulous love songs there are! We came up with a list of 40 favorites!

How did you narrow down which love-themed 12 songs to record and release for this record?

That was the hard part. I listened to many versions of each song and imagined how I could make it my own. I also evaluate the lyrics. I wanted the songs to have meaning. From beginning to end, the whole process of coming up with 12 songs took about three months.

Were there any songs that didn’t make the album that you hoped would be on it?

I came into this project with only one song that “had to be” on the album… “A Time For Love.” After we got the 40 songs together, it was really hard to start cutting. We loved them all.

When did you first realize or think to yourself: “Hey, I’m really excellent at this singing thing.”

I never had the thought that “I’m excellent at this singing thing.” However, when I got an email from Spotify saying my albums were streaming in 164 countries, I couldn’t help thinking, “Wow! I’m doing something right!”

Having a range of experience in many facets, even outside of music, what is one thing that tops the list that you’d like to do, that you haven’t done yet?

I would like to go to Iceland to see the Northern Lights.

What is next for you after this release and what things are you currently working on now?

I’m thrilled I’ll be recording a Christmas album this summer. It will be released around Thanksgiving. I’m also currently working on a new book and I’m rehearsing for a new show.

Listen To Album

https://open.spotify.com/album/

https://www.youtube.com/playlist

Tracklist

1. I’ll Take Romance

2. All of You

3. A Time For Love

4. Taking a Chance on Love

5. How Long Has This Been Going On

6. Let’s Fall In Love

7. The Very Thought of You

8. It’s Alright With Me