Reviews of When Katie Smiles JAZZWEEKLY.COM Kim Pensyl Pianist Kim Pensyl has been putting out happy and joyous smooth jazz discs like this for years, and he does them well. His warm touch, and his Mozart-like ability to produce a catchy melody have graced 14 releases, this one with Andy Woodson/b, Reggie Jackson/dr, Kevin Turner/g and Jim Ed Cobbs/perc. Each song, which has a flavor similar to Floyd Cramer’s “Soulful Strut”, have a lyricism that just begs for, well, LYRICS! Songs like “Where’d Love Go?” and “Here Comes The Rain” feature well locked rhythms, with Turner’s guitar a definite plus in the equation. Woodson’s rubber necked bass on the hip hop “Slap Happy” will get your neck nice and loose, while the strings on the melodramatic “Summer Days” segue into some lazy porch jazz. Pensyl’s touch throughout is clean, articulate and inspiringly optimistic. Good, celebratory smoother.
Reviewed: Jonathan Widran – jazzmonthly.com For those fans who have only become acquainted with smooth jazz over the past ten years, the name of this brilliant and versatile composer/pianist may be new. So, considering Pensyl’s popularity and impact during the genre/format’s first official decade, a little history might be in order. Starting with his three “Pensyl Sketches” collections from 1988-1990, he enjoyed tremendous airplay and chart success on labels like GRP, Shanachie and Farenheit up through the late 90s. Pensyl—also a talented trumpeter--was twice named one of Billboard’s Top 20 Contemporary Jazz Artists of the Year, scoring four Top Ten albums. He was named Best New Jazz Writer of the year in 1989 by ASCAP. N.A.R.M. honored "Pensyl Sketches #3" with a Jazz Album of the Year award in 1991. Pensyl has recorded with jazz legends such as Toots Thielemans and modern greats like Joey Calderazzo, Bob Mintzer, Chiele Minucci, Andy Narell, Will Kennedy, Steve Rodby, and Alex Acuna. He has performed at such esteemed jazz venues as The Blue Note, Blues Alley, Caravan of Dreams, Scullers, Beacon Theatre, and Great American Music Hall. He has also appeared at the Clearwater Jazz Festival, Sunfest, Summerfest, Stone Mountain Jazz Festival, and Pacific Jazz Festival among others. Also, Kim has toured with the Woody Herman Orchestra and Acoustic Alchemy. Since disappearing from the national scene, he’s been doing local shows in and around his hometown of Cincinnati and is currently teaching jazz at the College Conservatory of Music at the University of Cincinnati. He performs with the faculty and guest artists at CCM, like Arturo Sandavol, Terri Lyne Carrington, and Mulgrew Miller among others, along with several big bands in the Cincinnati area. Pensyl’s “When Katie Smiles” is his first smooth jazz recording in 10 years, and it’s a welcome return to form, going in a slightly more urban direction (just as the genre has since his departure) but still full of the beautiful, easily rhythmic melodies and graceful piano touch that has long been his trademark. There are many highlights among the 11 compelling pieces. The opening title track, which might remind people of the vibe of his contemporary Gregg Karukas, is lively, infectious and swings easily, but those funkier grooves come out quickly on the old school flavored “Slap Happy,” which balances a bright hooky melody with some darker chordings and thick drum and bass rhythms. That moody, soulful edge emerges even more intensely on “Here Comes The Rain” and the easy rolling “Beside The Shallow Pond.” The seductive and hypnotic “Where’d Love Go?” and “Grand Lake,” on the other hand, are on the lush, elegant and jazzy side. A silky R&B influenced track like “Summer Days” captures the best elements of both of these approaches…it’s old school, Rhodes-spiced R&B mixed with a sexy modern groove and beautiful jazzy piano and guitar interaction (with Kevin Turner). The sweet ballad “Once Again” begins with a film score lush synth orchestra, which was another well known style he delved into back in the day. The genre has changed a lot in the years since Pensyl’s super-melodic piano “sketches” were among its most popular sounds—and the good news is, he’s definitely kept up with the times, fashioning an instantly likeable and accessible collection that blends his love of graceful, easy flowing pop-jazz with contemporary flavors and grooves. Now that independent labels are in style and he doesn’t have to rely on the whims and fortunes of big companies, Pensyl will hopefully stick things out and get his solo career moving again. If that’s his intention, he’s off to a great start with “When Katie Smiles.”
Best Jazz of 2008 Kim Pensyl, "When Katie Smiles": This CD from the pianist/composer, a lifelong resident of Columbus, Ohio, who broke through in the mid-to-late-1980s with his "Pensyl Sketches" releases for Optimism Records and teaches at the University of Cincinnati, feels more like jazz than a lot of the instrumental pop that is marketed as "smooth jazz." Scoring are the title track, a neat little shuffle; and the funky "Slap Happy."
Montgomery man to jazz up Raymond Walters According to Kim Pensyl of Montgomery, "Cincinnati is blessed with many great jazz musicians with Pensyl is no exception. This accomplished jazz composer, pianist, trumpet player recently released his 14th album, a smooth jazz collection entitled When Katie Smiles. Pensyl, a member of the faculty at the University of Cincinnati's College Conservatory of Music, will lead The Kim Pensyl Group at Raymond Walters College as part of the Rhythm N Blue Ash concert series, at 8 p.m. Saturday Jan. 24.Tickets are $10, and $5 for students and children. Critical success is nothing new to Pensyl, his debut album, "Pensyl Sketches No. 1," reached No. 3 on Billboard's Contemporary Jazz Chart almost 20 years ago. "Smiles" is also receiving rave reviews for its heartfelt sounds. According to Paul Ericson of smoothjazznow.com Pensyl's "music connects with the listener in a private and intimate way and that is what makes music the most beautiful and touching art form ... when it connects one on one within our own deepest inner being making it personal." Pensyl connects with his audience by communicating emotions and feelings from his own life through music. His music possesses warmth, is deeply personal, and according to Pensyl, "It creates a bond of understanding that I treasure."
EURweb.com Contemporary Jazz pianist Kim Pensyl started in the music business on GRP Records and moved over to Shanachie years later. He then went on to start his own company (label, publishing and production) Penton Music with partner John Patton. Penton Music has just released his latest project, "When Katie Smiles." "The title is about my daughter," Kim said. "I had to reacquaint myself with fans that enjoyed my music," he continued about his return to "Contemporary Jazz." Pensyl, who is also an accomplished trumpet player, has named all the titles of his albums after his daughter, such as his "Eyes of Wonder" and "Portrait of Grace." The "When Katie Smiles" CD has 11 selections of creatively arranged tracks that makes you want to set back, relax and release the stress of the day. The first single off the album is "Where'd Love Go," one of my favorites cuts on the album, along with the title track. Pensyl has won several "Best New Jazz Writer" awards from ASCAP and has made Billboards' Top 20 Contemporary Jazz Artist of the Year Charts twice. "I have three careers," Kim laughs. "I'm a pianist, trumpeter and teacher at University of Cincinnati. I still like musicians playing together…The chemistry when people play together…."
Smoothviews.com Reviewed by:Anne Aufderheide It’s been over 10 years since I’ve heard of a new Kim Pensyl recording. He simply dropped off my radar. Rumor had it that he switched back to playing trumpet. Well, he’s back on piano and keyboards and better than ever, on his 14th album, When Katie Smiles, released October 28th from Penton Music Productions. I’m pleased to report, this artist still has incredible chops. The album is filled with gorgeous melodies, sophisticated harmonies, deep grooves, and superb sound production qualities. Pensyl’s keyboard artistry has grown and flourished over the years, pure listening pleasure. This is Pensyl’s first contemporary jazz recording in a decade. He is playing with a talented backing band consisting of Andy Woodson on bass, drummer Reggie Jackson, electric and acoustic guitars from Kevin Turner, and Jim Ed Cobbs on percussion. The players comingle with Pensyl’s keyboards, never stepping on or overwhelming the melodies yet freely interacting and improvising. Although he has played trumpet and piano throughout his career, Pensyl’s instrumental voice on When Katie Smiles is the piano and keyboards. He produced the album giving his quartet a live sound. An ingenious composer, Pensyl’s melodies are joyous, contemplative, heartfelt and eloquent, thoughtfully yet organically given space to breathe, unfold, and flow in uncluttered arrangements. Commenting on the inspiration behind his new album, Kim Pensyl says, “The distance one travels in life is greatly enhanced not only by those that travel with him, but those he meets along the way. Happiness is deepened by the enrichment that family and friends can bring. We receive that joy not only by giving to one another, but in receiving. That joy is what I feel ‘When Katie Smiles’ at me.” The CD opens with the cheerful title cut “When Katie Smiles.” Within seconds of its beginning, I knew I was being treated to signature Kim Pensyl. “Slap Happy” has an amazing groove, at once funky and quirky. It has been selected as the first track sent to radio and is now garnering airplay across the country. “Where’d Love Go?” is a majestic tribute to romance, one of the loveliest tracks on the record. The upbeat “Here Comes The Rain” feels like classic Pensyl, yet his playing and composing reveal much more maturity and seasoned artistry. The peaceful “Grand Lake” carries an exquisite melody line, along with some pleasant nature sound effects. Pensyl’s delicate touch on the keys is very beautiful. Pensyl’s lyrical piano poetry takes us on a stroll “Beside The Shallow Pond.” It includes a delicious guitar solo from Kevin Turner. “Gentlewind Dr.” is named for the street on which the artist lives. The inviting feeling permeating the melody is quite heartwarming. Opening with a strong bass presence, “Summer Days” is yet another highly melodic tune, tenderly played by Pensyl and the band. Another fine guitar solo from Turner, along with stand out percussion, fill out the track. Like many of Pensyl’s compositions, “Once Again” seamlessly unites simplicity with sophistication and intelligence. As the end of the track nears, Pensyl and band bring on a lush flourish and crescendo – very lovely. Throughout the course of “On This Day,” the tempo and mood of the piano vacillates, but the dependable rhythm section serves as the underlying pulse to provide continuity throughout. Bringing the collection to a close is “Love Comes First” with its easygoing, sweet melody. The overall experience is most uplifting, leaving me feeling good. Kim Pensyl, welcome back! You have been missed. “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. However, the chance to communicate deeply with listeners is certainly worth the risk. It creates a bond of understanding that I treasure,” explained Pensyl. “My music is a positive light, deeply committed, and is offered with sincerity in the hope it will bring joy to others by sharing part of my life.” In case he hasn’t come across your radar, a Columbus, Ohio native, Pensyl’s lust for music was born in the musical heyday of the late 1960s and early 1970s. He first picked up the trumpet and extensively studied composition, arranging, production, engineering, and performing. He explored various music genres with fervor from jazz, big band, chamber, and orchestral to rock, R&B, and pop. After graduating The Ohio State University School of Music with honors, Pensyl moved to Southern California where he earned a Master’s degree in composition. Afterwards, Pensyl worked in the Los Angeles area with a wide variety of bands including those led by Al Hirt, Don Ellis, Hubert Laws, Gerald Wilson and Louie Bellson; he even played trumpet with Guy Lombardo! After a few years of studio work, in 1988, he began his solo career. He returned to Columbus after gaining valuable experience on the road performing and writing arrangements for various touring groups. Pensyl captained his own band at local gigs and also played solo piano dates. This led to the recording of his debut album, Pensyl Sketches #1, which was released twenty years ago. In 1989, ASCAP named him “Best New Jazz Writer” and two years later, NARM selected Pensyl Sketches #3 as “Jazz Album of the Year.” Twice, Pensyl made Billboard’s top 20 “Contemporary Jazz Artists of the Year.”The dedicated family man, who still wields the trumpet and piano, has recorded with Toots Thielemans, Joey Calderazzo, Steve Rodby, Chieli Minucci, Alex Acuna, Adam Nussbaum, Andy Narell, Chuck Bergeron and Will Kennedy among others. He’s toured extensively throughout the world and has performed with his band at venues such as The Blue Note, Blues Alley, Scullers, The Clearwater Jazz Festival, Sunfest, Summerfest, The Beacon Theater, Caravan of Dreams, Stone Mountain Jazz Festival, Pacific Jazz Festival and The Great American Music Hall. He appeared on PBS, BET Jazz and Mexico TV. His 14 albums are diverse collections of modern acoustic jazz, contemporary jazz, solo piano renderings, and even Christmas music. He has more than 100 published works recorded and over 150 compositions and arrangements in his catalog. He shares his wisdom, experience and love of jazz with students at College-Conservatory of Music at the University of Cincinnati where he is a prized part of the Jazz Studies program following four years as a faculty member at the music school at The Ohio State University. Remaining a wide-eyed student of music himself, Pensyl took on the role of teacher in 2000 when he accepted a faculty position at The Ohio State University. Four years later, he joined the College-Conservatory of Music at the University of Cincinnati where he is an integral part of the Jazz Studies program. Pensyl writes for and performs with guest artists at the university such as Arturo Sandoval, Bob Mintzer and Terri Lyne Carrington. He enjoys sharing his immense knowledge, vast experience, and great love of music with his students. Enthused and committed to challenging himself in his writing and performance, Pensyl is the featured artist in the WJZA Smooth Jazz Trio around Central Ohio and also performs at various clubs and concerts. He is anxious to take the band out on the national circuit in support of When Katie Smiles.
jazzreview.com Reviewed by: Nina Goodrich Review: Kim Pensyl's love of music began early in Columbus, Ohio during the 60s and 70s, when he studied composition, arranging, engineering and performing at the Ohio State University School of Music before moving on to Southern California, earning a Bachelor's Degree in composition. Returning home to Columbus, Pensyl was in great demand with his own band. His first album, Pensyl Skethes #1 was released 20 years ago. Now 14 albums later, Pensyl is just as fresh as when he began, though in the meantime, Pensyl earned ASCAP's Best New Jazz Writer title and NARM chose Pensyl Sketches #3 as Jazz Album of The Year. Opening with the title track "When Katie Smiles,' a gentle groove invites the listener into the visionary mind of Kim Pensyl as he twists and turns on keyboard with a strong backing by Reggie Jackson on drums. This upbeat tune lightens the mood. Putting himself emotionaly 'out there' Pensyl states, "Each album is something very personal, emotional and expressive" as he shares his feelings so openly, creating a bond of understanding that he treasures. "Slap Happy" steps up the tempo, executing a pronounced interplay between Kim's masterful keyboard and Reggie Jackson's strong drumm arrangement. Driven by a deep bass, this tune makes the listener want to tap, pop or shake something. Returning with "Where'd Love Go?," the group stays finely tuned to each other on the entire trip through this contemplative song. Appropriately "Here Comes The Rain" follows, keeping the listener in a thought provoking mood, though more spritely in ambiance. Pensyl's keyboard is powerful, blended with a fine percussion. Kevin Turner does a nice stand up on guitar for this song. Slowing down, allowing each keystroke to penetrate the listener, "Grand Lake" is a solemn melody with grandness. Picking up the mood again, "Gentlewind Dr.," Jacson's skill on drums is a delightful interplay with Pensyl's artful keyboard work. Turner strolls the strings of his guitar while Cobbs keeps a tight rhythm on percussion. Expansive and engaging, "Gentlewind Dr." is peaceful yet exploding with rich sound. Penned by Pensyl, "Beside The Shallow Pond" has a familiar and comfortable feel to it. Light and airy, "Summer Days" is percussion driven, guitar enriched , and keyboard edged. Strings open "Once Again" as a deluxe setting for Pensyl's elaboration on keys. Closing the album with "Love Comes First" is a perfect way to express what Pensyl feels about his musical creations as well as his love for his adoring family. A finely tuned craft of writing, performing and sharing his love of music with audiences is what Kim Pensyl is all about. His talent for interplay, releasing just the right note at the right moment, creating suspence and delivering all the listener hopes for is a very special skill Kim Pensyl has shared for 20 warm, wonderful years. No wonder Pensyl made Billboard's top 20 Contemporary Jazz Artist of the year--twice. Along with keyboard, Pensyl also plays trumpet and has recorded with Toots Thielmans, Joey Calderazzo, Andy Narell, Chuck Bergeron, Will Kennedy, Alex Acuna among many others. He has performed with his band on PBS, BET Jazz and Mexico TV. Pensyl also holds a faculty position at Ohio State University. He writes and performs with guest artists Arturo Sandoval, Bob Mintzer, Terri Lyne Carrington and Pensyl still performs regularly in Ohio. The band is ready to roll and eager to spread the word of this latest creation When Katie Smiles. Tracks: When Katie Smiles, Slap Happy, Where'd Love Go?, Here Comes The Rain, Grand Lake, Beside The Shallow Pond, Gentlewind Dr., Summer Days, Once Again, On This Day, Love Comes First
Review: Smooth-jazz.de 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. 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. 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.
Review: Smoothjazznow.com Nov. 20, 2008 - In today’s fast and hectic paced world there are times when you just have to put aside some ideas or goals and get back to them hopefully at a later time. It is probably even truer if you are an artist or musician, as capturing the moment is an art we all must strive for in this journey called life. Around two decades ago Kim Pensyl released his debut CD ‘Pensyl Sketches #1’ to critical acclaim from those in Contemporary Jazz land. Over the next few years his artistry grew, he was the 1989 ASCAP Best New Jazz Writer and was twice a Billboard Magazine top 20 Contemporary Jazz Artist of the Year. Pensyl traveled the world sharing his music with diverse packages of modern acoustic Jazz, contemporary Jazz, solo piano recordings and even some great Christmas music. He is also on the staff of Jazz studies at The College-Conservatory of Music at the University of Cincinnati. Now Kim Pensyl returns to Contemporary Jazz with his new CD ‘When Katie Smiles’ with eleven new tracks composed, written and arranged by Kim. The results are melodies that are thoughtful and uncluttered and allowed to breathe. Let’s look at some highlights. From the slick and smooth opening notes of the title track ‘When Katie Smiles’ the vibe is simple and infectious with Kim’s stellar piano and a smooth and tight rhythm section from Andy Woodson and Reggie Jackson. His magical piano artistry that brought him fans decades ago is there once again with toe-tapping solos that are warm and allowed to unfold and flow while allowing the track to soar. Next is the first single sent to radio ‘Slap Happy’ that is powered by some deep bass and solid percussion while Kim’s use of the keyboards surrounds you with melody. The hook is easy to digest and should be a favorite on Contemporary Jazz radio. ‘Where’d Love Go?’ is one of those tracks that is a showcase of Kim’s wonderful talents. The composition is simple, yet intricate allowing for the track to breathe and for the listener to follow easily and find that magic moment when music and your inner spirit communicate, it is almost hypnotic in its depth and one of my favorites on the disc. ‘Here Comes The Rain’ has a Chicago rainy day feel to it with a constant melodic groove and at times a slight blues feel to it courtesy of some nice guitar and piano interplay. You can almost feel the windshield wipers keeping time to this one as you drive home on a rainy day on Lake Shore Drive. ‘Summer Days’ has a mood that is thoughtful and contemplative and is sort of like a cruise on an early fall like day towards the end of summer, the vibe is easy to digest and allows for moments of spontaneous splendour which is indeed like nature toward the end of a long hot summer.
JazzTimes By Brian Soergel Fresh-faced students at the University of Cincinnati’s College-Conservatory of Music call him Mr. Pensyl. Kim Pensyl is, after all, an assistant professor of jazz studies. But many of us may recall Pensyl from earlier days, especially his three-CD Pensyl Sketches series in the late 1980s and the sublime pop-jazz of 3-Day Weekend in 1991. Pensyl, a pianist who four times has had albums on Billboard’s Top 10 contemporary jazz charts, has been under the radar for a while. But with When Katie Smiles it’s like we’ve been sent on a time machine to an earlier era when contemporary jazz was all about personal feelings and soul-baring expressions. Pensyl conveys this well in a gentle, new age kind of way through tunes like the title track and “Where’d Love Go.” Joined by bassist Andy Woodson, drummer Reggie Jackson, guitarist Kevin Turner and percussionist Jim Ed Cobbs, Pensyl lays down an impressive collection of positive, acoustic-piano music perfect for cocooning. Pensyl’s more rebellious students may not embrace the overriding mellowness. But that said, Pensyl shows that he can raise the energy level with “Slap Happy,” a Joe Sample-like bop with a rockin’ electric guitar solo.
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