Judy Whitmore, " Let's Fall In Love"

Judy Whitmore has lived a life full of adventures—novelist, theater producer, therapist, even a pilot—and all of that life experience comes through when she sings. Her new album, Let’s Fall In Love, teams her with Grammy-nominated arranger Chris Walden and a killer group of L.A. musicians. The result? A classy, romantic ride through the "Great American Songbook".

The sound is big and lush, thanks to Walden’s orchestra (including a 22-piece string section), but Judy keeps it personal—like she’s singing right to you. Highlights for me are the dreamy A Time for Love, the swinging Taking a Chance on Love, and the playful duet with Ty Taylor on the title track. Add in solos from players like Josh Nelson (piano), Peter Erskine (drums), Wayne Bergeron (trumpet), and Hendrik Meurkens (harmonica), and you’ve got an album that sparkles from start to finish.

Playlist 

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 (duet with Ty Taylor)

7. The Very Thought of You

8. It’s All Right with Me

9. Crazy He Calls Me

10. More Than You Know

11. I’ve Got a Crush on You

12. How Deep Is the Ocean

Players

• Vocals – Judy Whitmore

• Guest Vocal – Ty Taylor (Let’s Fall In Love)

• Trumpets – Wayne Bergeron, Kye Palmer

• Trombones – Andy Martin, Alex Iles

• Saxophones & Woodwinds – Jeff Driskill (tenor sax), Sal Lozano, Jacob Scesney (baritone sax), Sean Franz, Chad Smith

• Piano – Josh Nelson

• Guitar – Andrew Synowiec

• Bass – Edwin Livingston

• Drums – Peter Erskine

• Harmonica – Hendrik Meurkens

• Percussion – Wade Culbreath

• Arranger/Conductor/Producer – Chris Walden

Bottom line: If you love the "Great American Songbook", this album feels like a gift. Judy Whitmore and Chris Walden breathe new life into songs we’ve all cherished, and the musicianship is top-notch. Put on Let’s Fall In Love with a glass of wine, and let it sweep you away.

I attached two tracks from this CD for your listening pleasure.  They are two of my favorite standards, "Taking A Chance On Love" and "The Very Thought Of You".

                                                        "Taking a Chance On Love"

                                                             "The Very Thought Of You"

CD Review: Betty Bryant " Project 88"

Pianist, Vocalist and Composer Betty Bryant has just released her ninth CD entitled "Project 88".  The title is a double entendre, since the Piano has 88 keys and Betty Bryant turned 88 a year ago.  Betty Bryant is a child of the Depression and her voice and soul still carry the experiences she learned growing up during this difficult period.  The quality of Bryant's voice and phrasing are perfect for the 10 beautiful tunes she picked for her CD.  Bryant plays and sings with various configurations of musicians and she excels in each one of them.  

"Project 88" was produced by Bryant's close friend the fabulous Tenor Sax and Flutist, Robert Kyle.  Working closely with Bryant these two experienced and skilled musicians have produced a warm and wonderful  CD that feels so right.  The music is like comfort food for your body and soul. 

For those of you that are in the LA area, Betty Bryant performs regularly in local Jazz clubs so don't miss a chance to see her in person.  She has performed internationally and spent 13 years shuttling back and forth to Tokyo for a regular gig.  She has also performed in Brazil, Panama and the Middle East.  Even at the age of 88, Bryant still keeps a busy schedule.  Lucky for all Jazz lovers because she continues to be impressive with her singing and playing including her approach to Lyrics.  Bryant composed 5 of the 10 songs on the CD and the remaining 5 songs are beautiful standards that become new again with Bryant's touch.

Playlist: 

1. "Love, Came and Went"

2. "Oh, Lady Be Good"

3. "Catfish Man"

4. "Just You, Just Me"

5. "But Beautiful"

6. "Ain't Nobody's Business"

7. "Cho Cho"

8. "They Say It's Wonderful"

9. "My Beloved"

10. "It's Hard To Say Goodbye"

Players:

Betty Bryant- Piano, Arranging, Composing and Vocals

Tony Guerrero- Trumpet and Arranging

Tomas Gargano- Bass

Richard Simon- Bass

Hussain Jeffry- Bass

James Gadson- Drums

Kenny Elliott- Drums

Quentin Dennard Sr.- Drums

Robert Kyle- Tenor Sax, Flute and Arranging

Ryan Dragon-Trombone

Jeff Driskill- Alto Sax

Jay Mason- Bari Sax

Cassio Duarte- Percussion

Kleber Jorge- Guitar and Vocal

I have attached a couple of "YouTubes" with songs from this CD.  The first is a song written by Betty Bryant called "Love Came and Went" that swings with a big band feel.  The second song has long been one of Betty's favorites, "Ain't Nobody's Business". This Jazz classic has been recorded by many Jazz giants including her favorite, Jimmy Witherspoon and Betty Bryant adds  her own style to it.