Kim
Pensyl is a multi-instrumentalist. He played piano with nine years,
trumpet at twelve and later in a school band also bass. His favorite
instrument is still the piano. No wonder, he is proud owner of a
nine-foot Steinway piano, earlier resided in the home of the great
Vladimir Horowitz. Kim started his solo career with the critical
acclaimed Pensyl Sketches 1 (1988), 2 (1989), & 3
(1990) and A Kim Pensyl Christmas in 1989, all released by
Optimism. On his next label GRP he delivered 3 Day Weekend
(1991), Eyes Of Wonder (1993) and the re-release of his
Christmas album (1992). When You Were Mine (1994) and Under
The Influence (1996) followed on Shanachie, Quiet Cafe
(1998) and Places I've Been (1999) on Fahrenheit and At The
Moment (2001) on Lightyear.
While most of his
earlier albums are in the smooth jazz genre, Kim decided to change his
lead instrument from piano to trumpet and to concentrate on jazz, what
was his original intention and musical education. Places I've Been
is settled in contemporary jazz, while At The Moment was the
final step to jazz. When Katie Smiles (2008) is Kim's return to
contemporary jazz and to the piano.
Pensyl’s piano and keyboards are supported by the bass (Andy Woodson),
drums (Reggie Jackson), electric and acoustic guitars (Kevin Turner)
and percussion (Jim Ed Cobbs). The title song When Katie Smiles
showcases Kim Pensyl in full swing. The accentuated piano melody is
answered by Kevin's guitar.
Slap Happy means buoyantly or recklessly carefree or foolish
(Merriam Webster). Musically transferred it's relaxed improvised
performance around a theme. Where'd Love Go? has a classic
attitude in the style of Chopin. A sweet ballade, the ingenious
instrumental answer to The Supreme's flat lyrics.
Here Comes The
Sun, oh no The Rain. Like raindrops notes are falling on
your head. While Kim always performs on a melodic path, Kevin explores
some improvisational ground. Pensyl's great love of music which he
shares as integral part of the Jazz studies of the University of
Cincinnati finds its congenial expression in his music like Grand
Lake. An awesome melody in highest professionalism.
Offside
contemporary trends in music Kim Pensyl shows in Beside The Shallow
Pond his way to perform contemporary jazz. He stays true to
himself and his musical principle. Gentlewind Dr. is named for
the street on which the artist lives. In musical notes Kim describes
the busy city life.
On Summer Days
we can listen to an unusual duet between Kim's piano and Andy
Woodson's bass. Friends of the Rhodes will love Kim's addition and
also the romantic guitar enchants the audience. Far away from
eccentricity Kim plays his piano on Once Again in simple
elegance.
Critics often
acclaim Pensyl’s lyrical piano poetry. On This Day is a good
example for his captivating piano magic. Love Comes First
reveals more of Kim's emotional side. “As on all my albums, When
Katie Smiles is about communicating feelings born of my life
experiences. This makes each album something very personal, emotional
and expressive, but it also makes me a bit apprehensive since I put
myself in such a vulnerable position by sharing my feelings so
openly.”
When Katie Smiles is Kim Pensyl's very personal gift of musical
feelings. Eternal Music which withstands the ravages of time.
