Romance, Glamour, and Big Band Brilliance—Out Now Featuring the Chris Walden Orchestra
Judy Whitmore, vocalist, storyteller, and true renaissance woman, returns with her fifth album, Let’s Fall in Love—a lush and romantic tribute to the Great American Songbook. Backed by the acclaimed Chris Walden Orchestra, the album brings timeless classics into the present with fresh energy and elegance.
Following her critically praised 2024 release Come Fly with Me, Whitmore reunites with Walden—Grammy®-nominated composer, arranger, and conductor—to create a collection that is both nostalgic and sophisticated. Walden’s signature big band arrangements serve as the perfect backdrop for Whitmore’s shimmering vocals.
“All About Jazz” hailed her previous work, asking: “Is she a singer who respects the music, captures its heart, and makes listening to every song an undeniable pleasure? Absolutely.” That spirit continues on Let’s Fall in Love, a musical journey filled with heart, swing, and cinematic beauty.
A Life as Rich as Her Voice
Judy Whitmore’s artistic journey spans far beyond music. She’s a bestselling novelist, theater producer, and licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with a master's in clinical psychology. An accomplished aviator, she once overcame her fear of flying thanks to neighbor John Denver—a spark that led to her piloting Learjets, seaplanes, and even hot air balloons as part of search-and-rescue missions in Aspen.
Though her passions are wide-ranging, music remains her first love. Whitmore currently serves on the boards of both the Pacific Symphony and the Pacific Jazz Orchestra, where she met Walden, who produced this and her previous album. Her contributions to the arts include endowing two orchestral chairs in her family’s name.
A Dream Team of Musicians
Alongside a 22-piece string section, Let’s Fall in Love features some of Southern California’s top jazz artists:
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Josh Nelson (piano)
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Andrew Synowiec (guitar)
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Peter Erskine (drums)
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Edwin Livingston (bass)
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Wade Culbreath (vibraphone)
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Hendrik Meurkens (harmonica)
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A host of world-class wind, brass, harp, and rhythm players
The Music
The 12-track album is a sweeping celebration of love, interpreted with warmth and originality. Highlights include:
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“I’ll Take Romance” – A sparkling opener featuring a standout sax solo by Jeff Driskill
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“All of You” – Cole Porter’s sensual classic, made even more sultry by Meurkens’ harmonica
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“It’s All Right with Me” – A haunting rendition underscored by Nelson’s graceful piano
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“A Time for Love” – Whitmore’s minimalist take brings a quiet poignancy to this Johnny Mandel ballad
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“Taking a Chance on Love” – A nod to her theater roots and her very first Broadway production
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“How Long Has This Been Going On” – A childhood favorite, now reimagined as a duet with Ty Taylor of Vintage Trouble
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“The Very Thought of You” – A sensuous vocal paired with lyrical subtlety
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“Crazy He Calls Me”, “More Than You Know”, “I’ve Got a Crush on You”, and “How Deep is the Ocean” – Timeless standards interpreted with depth and grace
A Voice Meant to Be Heard
Named after Judy Garland, a close friend of her grandfather, Whitmore seems destined for the stage. Whether she’s swinging effortlessly through an upbeat number or delivering a heart-wrenching ballad, her voice brings authenticity and emotion to every note. Paired with Walden’s lush orchestrations and the stellar musicianship of her ensemble, Let’s Fall in Love is a dazzling homage to 20th-century songcraft—and a deeply personal expression of love in all its forms.
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