Kimia Penton was born in the Middle East, raised in London and now calls Dallas, Texas her home. The singer, songwriter, violinist and psychologist who started classical violin lessons at the age of 7, plays a fusion of pop, jazz, and world music. Her brand new album “Where the rain falls”, will be released on July 21st, 2017. Kimia is in love with her violin and it permeates every note and melodic phrase of the new album. Added to this is the jazz influenced arrangements and sublime musicianship of her band. The production is faultless and the microphoning of the instruments and Kimia’s voice gives the impression you are sitting a few feet away from them. The strumming of the guitar strings and the thumping bass on the opening track “Alive Again” and the piano driven ballad “Stepping Stones” gives me chills.
There is a beautiful balance of organic instruments to compliment the vocals and they feel not overly rehearsed, like when musicians are playing live; there is a palpable energy of unbridled excitement coming through the speakers. The technique is bewildering. Kimia Penton’s voice adapts to the jazzy surroundings and different tempos with ease. She sings gently and warmly, over small ensemble playing, that is simply classy.
“Where the rain falls” is not just a jazz-flavored album; it is an album whose roots are in jazz, classical, as well as folk-pop musings, showing her to be a good writer, player and vocalist with loose-limbed phrasing to match the smooth tones. As a musician, vocalist and lyricist, Kimia is in a solid place in terms of near-mastery.
Together, she and the tight ensemble convey a warmth and quietude that envelops the entire affair. And they do so with a smoky groove on “Show Me Love”, a song that unfolds with a sultry smolder, and where the resonating bass line alone, is totally intoxicating.
The acoustic swoon on “Where The Rain Falls” is sublime as the restrained intensity of Kimia’s songwriting rushes in together with her violin, validating her lyrical wisdom and musical sensibilities.
From its calming chord progressions to its sultry chords, “Not Goodbye” confidently immerses Kimia’s music in a genre-bending fusion, creating a truly amazing listening experience. Her voice is rich and captivating, and here she puts the focus squarely on that, making sure her skill comes to support it.
“Where the rain falls” is a beautiful recording and Kimia Penton is following her love of music wherever that happens to take her. I am more than happy to join her on that journey, as I know the massive talent she possesses, and I know she can do anything and go anywhere with it. This record breathes with a sense of musical adventure and exquisitely sculpted songs.
