In
1997, she waas invited by Jon Faddis, to perform with a star studded ensemble in Englewood, New York at the 80th Birthday
Celebration of Dizzy Gillespie. This was followed in 1999 by a further climax in her musical development with the release of her
CD "CON ALMA", a tribute to Dizzy Gilespie. This album is devoted solely to the compositions of Dizzy Gillespie.
"Con Alma" represents a milestone in Judy's career and is an impressive expression of her exceptional artistry.
The list of musicians who contributed to the success of this recording reads like a "who's who" of the jazz world:
Kenny Barron (Piano), Frank Wess (Tenor saxophone and flute), Rufus Reid (Bass), Ignacio Berroa (Drums), Claudio Roditi
(Trumpet, Flugelhorn), Mike Longo (Piano and musical director), Paquito d`Rivera (Alto Saxophone, Clarinet) as well as John Lee (Bass).
In the liner notes to her CD Slide Hampton wrote:
"Here's a true voice coming straight from the heart ... the compositions
of Dizzy Gillespie require a high quality of singing. Judy has passed it with excellent intonation and phrasing. What a range,
what a precision! She really sounds like an instrument. She sings of a theme close to her heart - love and support of
oppressed people because of prejudice of skin colour or nationality."
