Cape Town born and raised singer songwriter Penelope is releasing her debut album titled “In the Key of Me” on Thursday 1st of May. The lover of animals, adventure, nature and history is known for her specialization in vintage Jazz and her ability to embody the glamour with an enchanting voice that transports audiences to a bygone era. She feels this is the right moment to thank audiences that have been enjoying her live performances with an album.

“I wanted this recording to feel personal, a reflection of who I am, where I’ve been, and the music that has shaped me”, she told “Jazz It Out”. Giving this album its title felt like the most appropriate thing because it captures that intention. “It’s not just a collection of songs, it’s a piece of me”, as she was counting days ahead of its release. This body of work is a carefully curated collection of her favourites which blends nostalgic melodies with a fresh and personal touch.

Singer songwriter Penelope. Picture by Stephen Dyason

With eight tracks, including two original compositions “Tempo e Espaço” and “Whiskey Doll”, the album serves as a testament to her journey from shyness to self-assurance in the Jazz world. “I can proudly say that those songs are my own compositions, based on the conversations and experiences I’ve had with real people with whom I shared moments”, with a sense of fulfilment. She always messed around with different instruments at school. Her parents always knew that she was musical but studied to be a special needs teacher instead. Penelope fell right into the deep end when she started singing again at a later stage.

She has always had a deep and personal connection to vintage Jazz. “It has shaped the way I hear music, the way I interpret it, and the kind of atmosphere I want to create”, she explained. The singer who is also a radio presenter was drawn to the elegance and timelessness of that era, wanted the sound to reflect that – class and refined, but still with her own personal stamp on it. In the recording, she also draws inspiration from her father’s musical influences, vintage movies, the rich arts and culture of Cape Town, friendships made and treasured moments along the way. Each track holds a deep sentimental value.

Penelope’s shyness almost prevented her from becoming a musician. “It hasn’t been an easy journey. In fact stepping into self-assurance was once of the hardest things I’ve had to do”, she said. One of the best advices she received from a fellow singer was: “When you are on stage, don’t focus on what’s outside – focus within”. She began to see each performance as a personal challenge, and made a quiet promise to herself not to allow shyness stand in the way of her dreams. “The music became my anchor and my courage”, she added.

Listening to her songs ahead of the release. Picture by Tom Parkin

Jazz enthusiasts that have attended her gigs have been asking for an album for quite some time, and it’s been something she has been longing to create. “I do feel that this is the right moment, both personally and musically, to honour that journey”, she said. This album is a way to celebrate the path she has walked so far, and thank those that have been consistently supporting her, encouraging her, and connected to the music she shares. It was recorded at Nuthouse Studios in the Mother City.

“In the Key of Me” features an outstanding lineup of Cape Town musicians with Penelope on vocals, Nick Ford on double bass and musical director, Andrew Ford and Brathew van Schalkwyk on piano, Matthew Keswell on drums, Willy Haubrich on trombone, Willie van Zyl on saxophone and clarinet, Muneeb Hermans on trumpet, Bradley Prince on guitar, Daniel Murcottt on flute and James Ford. It will be available on all major streaming platforms as well as YouTube. She has always loved lyricism and intelligent songwriting and this album has afforded her an opportunity to do just that.