Amy Cantrell
Interviews
Judy Whitmore – Come Fly with Me
By: Sammi Turano
Q) How would you describe your sound?
A) I think my sound is best described as mellow jazz.
Q) Who are some of the musical influences (other than Frank Sinatra) that have inspired you throughout your career?
A) Ella Fitzgerald’s phrasing is perfection. She would be at the top of my list…Also, Lady Gaga’s album with Tony Bennett.
Q) Your new single “Come Fly with Me” is a remake of Frank Sinatra’s hit. What made you decide to cover such an iconic song?
A) This song is the quintessential combination of two of my greatest passions in life—music and flying. It was a natural.
Q) Your version of the classic song has such a unique sound. How did you come up with it?
A) It was my producer Chris Walden’s idea to do it with a bossa beat. It’s usually done in swing tempo. My version is a dreamier take on this classic.
Q) You have said “Come Fly with Me” combines your love of travel and continuing the legacy of the Great American Songbook.” In what way(s)?
A) The music of The Great American Songbook embodies concepts of romance, excitement, and longing. This song has it all.
Q) Your song is already getting a lot of buzz. How does it feel to know it’s getting such a positive reaction?
A) It’s thrilling to see that this timeless Sammy Cahn song is alive and well in the 21st century!
Q) The video for the song is expected to drop later this month. What can you tell us about it/the inspiration behind it?
A) The inspiration for the video came entirely from Tom Curitore. Although it was my idea to wear my pilot’s wings in the video!
Q) You have an album coming out early next year. What are some themes you’ll be exploring on it?
A) The album title is Come Fly with Me and all the songs are about travel. I sing about romantic, far-away places where I have spent time – Paris, London and Rome. It’s like a musical trip around the world.
Q) What is the next single you plan on dropping from the album?
A) The next single is “I Thought About You.” The first line in the song is “I took a trip on a train.” I love trains, so we had to include this one.
Q) You have worked with many incredible people in the music business. Who has had the biggest impact on you and why?
A) Without a doubt that would be Peisha McPhee. Peisha was the premiere “American Idol” vocal coach for four seasons, and working with her has changed my life. She is my vocal coach, my mentor and my dear friend. Those millions of streams for my music on Spotify are because of her.
Q) Who are some other people you want to collaborate with in the future?
A) Okay, this is pure fantasy. If a genie gave me two musical wishes it would be to record a song from The Great American Songbook with Michael Feinstein and Michael Bublé. Getting back to reality, I would like to continue working with the same fabulous people I’ve worked with on my previous albums.
Q) You have been in the music business for decades. What advice would you give to up-and-coming artists?
A) My advice would be to zero-in on a goal, focus, and never give up.
Q) In addition to music, you are also a pilot. What is it about flying in the sky that captivated you?
A) I have flown all sorts of aircraft– jets, seaplanes, hot-air balloons—but my favorite was always a single-engine Cessna. There is incredible freedom in being up in the air with no roads…you just go wherever you want to go. Of course, you can’t do this over cities with restricted airspace!
Q) Additionally, you are an avid traveler, which led to amazing adventures, including running with the bulls in Spain and climbing the Great Wall of China. Which one of these experiences has had the biggest impact on your life and why?
A) Attending Carnival in Venice, Italy – it’s a surreal experience and at the top of my list. My friends and I have done this numerous times. For five days we dress in 18th century costumes, attend parties in palazzos on the Grand Canal and generally enjoy the marvelous surroundings.
Q) What would you like to say to your fans and supporters?
A) Thank you for allowing me the joy of sharing my music with you!
Watch The Video for Come Fly with Me
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