Songs Of My Dreams
Self-Released, 2026
8/10
This debut from the vocalist James Judson brings a wealth of guests to the 13 songs that touch on all the hallmarks of jazz that we enjoy.
“Is There A Chance” starts with a lively spirit, where Judson’s bright voice soars alongside Gary Matsumoto’s agile keys and plenty of animated horns, and “The Shadow Of Your Smile” follows with intimate strings and Charles Ruggiero’s soft drums amid the elegant singing.
Further along, “Kiss Me” offers a romantic mood via the gentle keys and emotive singing, while “Holding On” benefits from Charles Glenn’s bass and Anders Mouridsen’s guitar that makes for a breezy and melodic album highlight.
“Walking A Sidewalk” and “On And On” exit the listen. The former enlists Dan Lutz’s bass and Max Haymer’s piano that suit Judson’s colorful pipes, and the latter is a vulnerable ballad which welcomes Steve Cotter’s dreamy guitar that complements Judson’s cozy singing.
Judson wrote 11 of the songs, and though he’s been singing since a child, he took a 30 year break from music before making this album, which is quite surprising cause it’s fleshed out like a seasoned vet that’s versed in the golden age of Big Band jazz.
Travels well with: Dave Slonaker Big Band- Shifting Paradigms; Dave Wilson Quartet- When Even Goes Fast