Vocalist, pilot, and best-selling author Judy Whitmore introduces her rendition of “Come Fly With Me,” the title track from her upcoming album, slated for release in 2024.
“Come Fly With Me” integrates two of Judy’s greatest passions: traveling the world and continuing the legacy of the Great American Songbook. Recorded with a full orchestra at EastWest Studios in Los Angeles, the forthcoming album reveals a lavish elegance, immediately enveloping the listener in its lush, soaring surfaces.
Over the course of 12 gorgeously orchestrated tracks, the Southern California-based vocalist’s third LP offers up a musical travelogue, bringing her beguiling voice to timeless songs set in far-flung places across the globe.
Informed by the lifelong wanderlust that’s found her climbing the Great Wall of China and taking in the running of the bulls in Spain, the album draws from Whitmore’s decades of experience as a jet pilot—a journey that began thanks in part to her former neighbor, famed folk singer John Denver. The result: a body of work as transportive, illuminating, and endlessly enchanting as travel itself.
Produced, arranged, and conducted by seven-time Grammy®-nominated composer Chris Walden, “Come Fly With Me” showcases the sophisticated yet ineffably warm vocal work Whitmore has brought to the stage at such historic venues as Carnegie Hall.
Working with her longtime vocal coach/mentor Peisha McPhee and pianist Josh Nelson, the album encompasses everything from jazz standards to traditional pop classics to early R&B ballads.
“Come Fly With Me” opens on a soft, gleaming piano topped by Whitmore’s evocative vocals, at once velvety and deliciously alluring. Graceful strings infuse the melody with sumptuous textures, adding to the gliding sensation of the song. The sparkling piano takes over in the solo section, followed by the re-entrance of Whitmore’s luxurious voice.
CelebMix spoke with Judy Whitmore to discover the inspiration for the song and to find out more about the upcoming music video.
What inspired your take on “Come Fly With Me” and what does this track mean to you?
I’ve always loved this song. It’s usually done in a swing tempo, and I was excited when Chris Walden suggested doing it with a Bossa beat. Flying has been one of my life-long passions ever since I became a pilot. For me, flying is not just the thrill of being up in the air but is a means to experience exotic places. I’m also inviting the listener to join me on a musical journey around the world.
How has traveling impacted your view of the world and of music?
My repertoire has expanded through my love of travel. I enjoy singing about places I love to visit…for instance songs about Paris, London or Rome…and I sing about all three of these places on the new album.
What can fans expect from the forthcoming music video?
You can expect a new take on this classic standard, along with great orchestrations and a video that I hope will inspire you to soar.
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