Katherine Penfold

A couple weeks ago, this album appeared on my desk, and it sat there until just now when I thought I would open it up and see what the record had in store. And lo and behold what did I find out? That Katherine Penfold is a fellow Brandon University alum. Although she is originally from Nova Scotia, she got her start by playing coffee houses (likely on our own SUDS stage) and local stages around Manitoba and Saskatchewan beginning at the tender age of thirteen.
Let me first say that although Penfold's music is out of my area of expertise, I admittedly enjoyed the album in a late-night-chill-back and-vibe kinda of way. Regardless if she is performing her own songs or doing covers, Katherine's voice is simply gorgeous.
Live at the Park was recorded May 28th 2010 at the Park theater in Winnipeg and is Penfold's second album. It features an abundance of fine Winnipeg musicians including Ron Paley on piano, Jordan Jackiew on keys, Carl Strempler on guitar and Walle Larsson on the sax just to name a few. And allow me to just interject here for a second and say that Larsson absolutely rips on that damn sax.
Even though I found it a little odd for someone to do a live record on their second go around, Katherine Penfold pulls it of quite well. Her covers, including Gravity by John Mayer and Respect by Otis Redding, are well choreographed, but by far her originals are what really stood out, especially the song Please Forgive Me.
- Brad Denbow - The Quill

New to the CBC R3 Database, Katherine Penfold’s Please Forgive Me is a swanky and sultry throwback to the Philly Soul era.
Funky guitar, roiling Hammond organ, and a bumping percussion track combine with Katherine’s sassy lyrics and incredible voice to create a fresh new take on a tried and true sound.
Penfold, winner of GrooveFm’s $25,000 Singer/Songwriter competition in 2007, has just released her debut album, and can be seen performing live in her [current] home town of Vancouver.
Here’s hoping Katherine continues her winning streak, and a tour brings her across Canada and beyond.
- CBC3 Radio - Zoot Aloors 2

New to the CBC R3 Database, Katherine Penfold’s Please Forgive Me is a swanky and sultry throwback to the Philly Soul era.
Funky guitar, roiling Hammond organ, and a bumping percussion track combine with Katherine’s sassy lyrics and incredible voice to create a fresh new take on a tried and true sound.
Penfold, winner of GrooveFm’s $25,000 Singer/Songwriter competition in 2007, has just released her debut album, and can be seen performing live in her [current] home town of Vancouver.
Here’s hoping Katherine continues her winning streak, and a tour brings her across Canada and beyond.
- CBC3 Radio - Zoot Aloors 2

"Live at The Park" is just enough pop, soul, style and good taste to make any music lover perk up, and any Manitoban proud... keep you eyes out for this thrilling starlet and stunning songwriter..."

"If you find the sensation of shivers down your spine annoying, if you, as a rule, don't like listening to insanely skilled musicians, if the idea of music written, recorded, and in part inspired by your very own neck of the woods strikes you as unglamorous, then you probably wouldn't like Katherine Penfold's new album, "Live at The Park," much."

"the bubble of anticipation for an original song bursts deliciously with the amazingly electrifying and tender "Don't Be A Fool," which is pretty much the perfect pop song..."

"Original song "Believe Me" follows suit, with a soulful, unforgettable chorus that's bound to randomly hit you hard in the middle of your day if you're feeling extra good." - Natalie Borhn - Brandon Sun

A delightful authentic live album. What a voice! Katherine is incredibly souful, and interprets classic jazz standards in a wonderful way, with terrific supporting musicians. There are also several excellent originals. The audience can really be felt in the encore of Respect, with incredible guitar work. Katherine's version of the song "Smile" will rip your heart out, in the nicest way. Probably the album's highlight. - David Christianson

“She has a big voice; her delivery uses vocal dynamics reminiscent of black vocalists such as Aretha Franklin on a gentler day.” - Jan DeGrass

"... Establishes herself from the first note as a solid singer, with a strong sense of rhythm, lovely inflections and nuances, great flexibility and overall freshness."

"[Journals] is a collection of songs that is true to Penfold's musicianship, with a blending of elements that might not be obvious partners - but she pulls it off"

"Striking and gifted young musician not only onto the national platform, but internationally as well." - Brandon Sun - Joanne F. Villeneuve

"Her voice and lyrics are similar to both Kate Voegele and Milissa O'Neil, but Penfold stands out with her jazzy beats"

"Her songs are catchy and not your run-of-the-mill lyrics about loser ex-boyfriends..."

"Penfold sounds as if she's reading straight from a journal which is mature and soothing. Her songs are refreshing and upbeat while showing expressions and emotions. It's easy to sing along to her alluring melodies and captivating lyrics." - Ashley Wiebe - The Uniter