Dorothy Brush "Random Thoughts" Published Nov. 16, 2005

The excitement goes on and on

Last summer I arrived at the Nashville International Airport long before my flight. I had plenty of reading material and found a secluded spot to pass the time until my flight was called. Soon an attractive woman sat down beside me. I looked up from my book, nodded and returned to reading, but not for long. I sensed an air of excitement from this person and I felt she was dying to talk.

As I closed the book she asked if I was from Nashville. This was her first time in the city. She was heading back to Palm Springs, CA and was a singer, guitarist and her card said she was the "Singing DJ."

As Judy Lunn's story unfolded, I opened my notebook and began taking notes. Hers was a story to share. A Pennsylvanian, she moved to Palm Springs 20 years ago and since 1979 has performed across the country. She believes "music is the common thread that provides a connection for all of us." Judy said, "I like to sing songs that are upbeat and happy."

Anne Murray has been a role model but at the top of her favorite performers is John Denver. Judy learned to play the acoustic finger-style guitar to accompany herself when she sang John Denver ballads. She had long had a dream to make an album as a tribute to Denver. There had been other such recordings but none by a female soloist.

When she learned that guitarist Pete Huttlinger, one of Denver's bandmates, was appearing in a California city this past January, she headed there. Following his program she was able to meet with him and tell him her dream. She left some of her recordings and he said he would be in touch.

In this case it didn't end with "I'll call you, don't call me." Pete contacted Judy and said he had taken the liberty to share her demo with Chris Nole, who had been John Denver's piano players. Chris agreed to produce the album and arranged for a third John Devner band alumni, Jim Horn, to play his famous flute arrangement as well. Judy had spent the past two weeks recording her first professional album at The Parlor recording studio, 16th Ave., Music Row. Now I understood the excitement I had sensed in her.

Judy's dream was brought to life with a great backup team of studio musicians and sound engineers brought together by Chris Nole. It included percussionist Tom Roady, Hank Singer playing fiddle and Dave Pomeroy on the bass. Brittany Allen did background and vocals. Ronny Palmer was brilliant as the recording engineer and Erik Wolf created the final master.

Judy held the dream recording in a portable mini disc player on her lap and when I said I wished I could hear some of it she brought out ear phones and what a treat. Her Patsy Cline-like alto voice is vibrant and clear. I was not surprised to learn that 30 friends and fans had helped finance this recording.

Judy chose songs written by John Devner for her album titled "Songs that Speak to Me." The only song in the album not written by Denver is "Colors of the Wind" from the movie Pocahantas. You can find out more about Judy, listen to the music and learn how to purchase the CD online by visiting her Web site, www.judylunn.com.

When I contacted Judy and told her I was doing her story, she had received an e-mail from Mike Taylor, one of Denver's origianl band members and cowriter of "Rocky Mountain High" and "Sunshine on My Shoulders." He wrote, "I have heard many tributes to John in various forms and I must say that yours is as good as it gets. You have a nice expressive voice that, when combined with some great sidement and production, gave me a fresh persepective on some songs that I have heard many times."

The excitement goes on and on!

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Dorothy Copus Brush is a Fairfield Glade resident and Crossville Chronicle staffwriter whose column is published each Wednesday. She may be reached at ebrush@frontiernet.net