Music

Penny for Your Ears

Tom Giffey |

If you’re looking for a relaxing listen that’s easy on the ears and offers lush arrangements of many familiar melodies, look no further than Notes of Love, a new CD from pianist and singer Penny Lynn of Eau Claire. Penny has more than 40 years of experience as a vocalist and pianist as well as master’s and bachelor’s degrees in music. Her skill as a performer and arranger comes through in calming piano renditions of beloved standards such as “Memory,” “Moon River,” and “Hello.” Most of the focus is on the keys, but Penny sings on a few tracks, too, demonstrating a mature but delicate voice. She explains that the tunes were chosen as musical “love stories” and that they include some of her favorites and the favorites of her late husband, John Hoffland, and their son, Lukas (who sings with his mother on a couple of tracks), as well as her beloved Pekingese, Capi (who gets his own cameo on the disc). The album is available online (www.lukaslight.com); at The Local Store, 205 N. Dewey St., Eau Claire; and from the artist herself. The collection of 17 songs was recorded at Penny’s home, and retains the comfortable intimacy of a living room concert with your nearest and dearest.