The Great American Songbook is considered to feature some of the greatest and most iconic popular and jazz songs of all time. Renowned vocalist, author, theatre producer and performer Judy Whitmore recently reimagined 12 of them on her debut album Can’t We Be Friends. While she’s currently working on a new album, PopWrapped are delighted to premiere her new stand-alone single, a rendition of “Moonlight in Vermont” and Judy spoke to PopWrapped about why she chose to cover “Moonlight” in particular, the advice she’d give to her younger self and what’s coming next from and for her.
Where did the inspiration to cover “Moonlight in Vermont” come from?
My mother bought me the sheet music for “Moonlight in Vermont” when I was ten years old. I took it to my piano lesson, and I remember it was the first time my piano teacher said, “Don’t play the music as it’s written. Just play the melody and the chords. Make it up as you go. Be creative.” It was a turning point for me. For the first time, I felt like a real musician. Of course, the following week my piano teacher had me playing Mozart again!
What does the track mean to you?
The lyrics of the song – “Pennies in a stream, evening summer breeze, ski trails on a mountain side” – paint a picture of serene rural beauty. I know this song is about Vermont, but the images it conveys remind me of Aspen, Colorado. I lived there for ten years, and sometimes I really miss the mountains, and the easiness of life in a small town. This song transcends time. When I sing it, for a moment I’m back in Aspen.
You have received acclaim for your work honoring the songs of The Great American Songbook. What do these songs mean to you then and now?
When I was very young, I loved watching old movie musicals on TV with my Mom. During the musicals numbers we would always sing along. Much of the Great American Songbook is derived from Broadway and film. The songs are a joy to sing because the melodies are gorgeous, and the lyrics express deep emotion. It is an important body of work. These “standards” published during the 20th Century have stood the test of time. These heartfelt and uplifting tunes endure because they offer us a brief escape from the challenges of real life…something we can all use now and then.
If you could give a young Judy one piece of advice, what would it be?
Follow your dreams. They will take you to where you are supposed to be.
What can listeners expect from you next?
My wonderful producer, John Sawoski, has arranged for me to record a jazz album late this summer with the extraordinary pianist and composer Mike Lang. I was privileged to work with Mike on my album Can’t We Be Friends, and I’m really looking forward to going back to Capitol Studios with him! I’m excited for live performances to begin again. Feinstein’s at Vitello’s, in Studio City, is one of my favorite clubs!
Check out the video for “Moonlight in Vermont” below and for more information on Judy Whitmore, visit her website, give her page a like on Facebook or follow her on Twitter and Instagram. Header photo credit: Nicholas Koon Photography.
