Say Somethin'

Vancouver soul dynamo Dawn Pemberton has a deep musical foundation rooted in tradition. Spending her formative years surrounded by a family of multi-instrumentalists she developed a true love of music from the very beginning. A staple of the West Coast music scene, she can be found tearing it up as a vocalist, arranger, and go-to for live performances and studio sessions.

The secret weapon of funk and soul groups all over Western Canada, she has shared the stage with the likes of Maceo Parker, Linda Tillery, John Lee Sanders, The Sojourners, John Boutte, and Dutch Robinson. Her gifts have been featured in the music of future jazz group 1Luv (Sonar Kollektiv) and the blues duo The Harpoonist and The Axe Murderer.

Heavily influenced by rhythm, she is drawn to the percolating under current of soul-jazz and funk which is infused in everything that she does. "I've got a rhythmic stream running through me at all times," says Pemberton. "It's all about the groove for me." Joining her in studio for the recording of the album are Johnny Andrews on Drums, Scott Tucker on Bass, Gavin Youngash on Guitar, Max Zipursky playing Keys, Raphael Geronimo with Percussion, Colin Maskell on Saxophone, and Kristian Naso on Trumpet.

Say Somethin', is about having the courage to be vulnerable, about opening up what's in our hearts and on our minds. "It's a necessary pep talk to myself and hopefully others. We have to be our biggest fans and motivators." On leadoff single "Deeper" soulful grooves meet swirling organs, punchy horns, and tight drum breaks that pay homage to Pemberton's roots in gospel but update the sound with a feel all her own.

Her creative voice has been bubbling to the surface for the better part of a decade. With a proven track record as a singer and performer it is undeniably the time for her to come forward and express her own vision. "I enjoyed helping others bring their projects to life and after a while I wanted to experience the process for myself, from beginning to end. It was important to be in full control of the musical choices so that they truly reflected my personality and vibe."