Come Fly With Me
Arden House, 2023
8/10
The always impressive vocalist Judy Whitmore returns with a 4th album, where a large cast accompanies her for this musical journey around the world.
The cozy and charming “It’s Nice To Go Trav’ling” opens with Whitmore’s bright voice alongside Josh Nelson’s warm keys, and “Come Fly With Me” follows with a dreamy ambience thanks to Jamey Tate’s light drums and the expressive singing.
Deeper into the listen, “There’s A Small Hotel” makes great use of Andrew Synowiec’s warm guitar and soulful brass, while “Moonlight In Vermont” is highly intimate thanks to Edwin Livingston’s soft bass and Whitemore’s gorgeous pipes.
Moving towards the end, the sweeping strings of “Autumn In New York” carries a romantic demeanor amid the poetic delivery, and “Around The World” exits with a cinematic presence of beauty and grace, where Whitmore hits some high notes in the sublime finish.
The esteemed arranger Chris Walden is on hand for these jazz fueled selections, as Whitmore’s voice perfectly suits the swingin’ moments just as it does the gentler selections.
Travels well with: Judy Whitmore- Isn’t It Romantic?; Ada Bird Wolfe- Odd Bird