Kim Pensyl
Solo Sketches October

Kim Pensyl has just recorded his most personal, intimate, and musically rewarding work to date. The context of the music brings to the forefront the incredible depth of the artist as a performer and composer. The result is a complete balance of mind, body, and spirit. Kim Pensyl reaches a new level of communication with this work on “Solo Sketches” and this is your personal invitation to experience music that has the unique ability to touch your soul.

Kim Pensyl is a man of multiple accomplishments. Although he has recorded a few solo piano pieces on his many CD’s, he has never recorded a whole CD of solo piano music – until now! “Solo Sketches October” is the first solo piano CD by Kim Pensyl. It features 6 brand new pieces, 4 of his favorite pieces from previous recordings, and 1 piece from a collaboration with a musical colleague. Below is a description of the music that I have recorded. This is part of the liner notes as well.

Cadillac Mountain:  This piece depicts the feeling my family had as we sat on top of Cadillac Mountain in Acadia National Park, Maine, watching the majesty of the sunrise. As I ran back down the mountain towards Bar Harbor, the sights which continued to unfold as the sun rose were awe inspiring. My wife Linda was born here and I’m grateful she took our family back to experience “the way life should be”.
Grand Lake:  Another family vacation and another National Park, this time in the Rocky Mountains.  The beauty of nature never ceases to amaze me and I love to try to capture some of that magical beauty in my music.  A small lake surrounded by soaring mountain peaks, Grand Lake is serene and peaceful beyond words.
Early Light: The painting “Early Light” by Stephen Sebastian was the catalyst for the song.  He has made the light dance on his morning painting of a creek and its surroundings.  My musical waltz dances across the stones and water towards a new day.
October Morning: In this piece I am trying to musically convey the feeling I get from the inner power of Stephen Sebastian's art. The painting on this album cover, that he graciously let me use, is the inspiration for the work.  The “October” tree reminds me of life renewing itself.
Quiet Café: From the CD “Quiet Café” that I wrote for my Mother after she passed away.  Because she was so positive, I wanted an uplifting feeling to remember her with, in a musical way.  I still love this piece and the feeling it gives me.
Bo’s Bounce: This is such a fun tune. There are elements from several styles of jazz in this piece and hopefully you will want to tap your toe. My son William not only taps his toes, but his fingers and everything else when I play this song.
Alone: This has been one of my most popular pieces. I believe it is because of the sentiment – my Mother titled this song after my Father died. It was her favorite song, and she found comfort in it, feeling that she was not really alone, just separated for now from her loving husband.
A Smile of Love: My musical colleague, Jon Krosnick, recorded this song with his group Charged Particles. I heard it and thought – like a composer – if I could make some changes and re-write some parts that this would enhance the music. Jon was very open to such a wild idea and let me take his work and make it our work. I thank him for that.
Memories for Tomorrow: The artist Leonardo Nierman has inspired me as I try to understand art and music. His intellect and deep revelations of nature provide insight and shine new light on subjects that have been debated for centuries. I wrote this for him on the “Eyes of Wonder” CD.
Eyes of Wonder: This is the title song from the CD “Eyes of Wonder”. This was my tribute to the birth of my first child – Catherine Grace. She is now 11 years old and still my “Eyes of Wonder”.
In Pursuit of the Blue Monk: This is for John Paton, who has always been there to support me in any way he can. There are countless times when I have needed his advice on musical and business decisions. He is so generous with his time and help. He is often the first person to hear what I’m creating – while I am creating it, and his feedback is invaluable. Many thanks to you.