A fine pop-jazz keyboardist, trumpeter, and popular attraction on the "contemporary jazz" circuit, Kim Pensyl has recorded a long string of best-selling sets for such labels as Optimism, GRP, and SHanachie. Early on he played a variety of instruments, including trumpet, from age 12 and electric bass in a rock group before settling on keyboards. Pensyl attended Ohio State University, playing with the OSU jazz band. After earning a degree from the Eastman School of Music and attending Cal State Northridge, 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 (when he began his solo career and recorded his first set as a leader) Pensyl had his style together, playing what could be called atmospheric lite jazz.

Released in 1988, 1989, and 1990, Pensyl Sketches, Vol. 1, Total Club Hits Vol. 2, and Vol. 3: The Subliminal Verses all sold quite well; the former two sets were recorded with Pensyl as the only musician. During the remainder of the ‘90s and into the new millennium, Pensyl began throwing a few curve balls at his listeners, including 1993’s piano-synth holiday outing A Kim Pensyl Christmas; 1996’s Under The Influence, with Pensyl interpreting some of his pop and R&B favorites; 1998’s Quiet Cafe, which brought his trumpet playing more to the fore; and 2001’s …At The Moment Of Our Most Needing Or If Only They Could Turn Around, They Would Know They Weren't Alone,, which found Pensyl taking on the mantle of trumpeter even more strongly, in a hard bop setting. Released in 2008, "When Katie Smiles" featured Pensyl at the Steinway for a set of smooth jazz-influenced originals. ~ Scott Yanow, Rovi