Local artist Katherine Penfold released her debut CD Journals earlier this fall. The album is comprised of 10 songs with a jazzy/R&B sound. Her voice and lyrics are similar to both Kate Voegele and Melissa O’Neil, but Penfold stands out with her jazzy beats, and by having a subtle country twang. A few of her songs are slower and folk-sounding, while other songs have funk or pop tempos. Her songs are catchy and not your run-of-the-mill lyrics about loser ex-boyfriends, which I’ve found to be common among other women songwriters and singers of today. 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.

Published in Volume 64, Number 11 of The Uniter (November 12, 2009)