Vancouver soul dynamo Dawn Pemberton has a deep musical foundation rooted in tradition. Dawn spent her formative years surrounded by a family of multi–instrumentalists and developed a true love of music as a young girl. In addition to regularly collaborating on the projects of her peers and having an educated background in jazz voice and piano, Dawn is a talented and passionate songwriter in her own right. A staple of the West Coast music scene, Dawn can be found tearing it up as a vocalist, arranger, and go-to for live performances and studio sessions.
Dawn is 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. It’s all about the groove for me." On leadoff single ‘Deeper’ soulful grooves meet swirling organs, punchy horns, and tight drum breaks that pay homage to Dawn’s roots in gospel but update the sound with a feel all her own.
Dawn Pemberton is the secret weapon of funk and soul groups all over Western Canada. Dawn has shared the stage with the likes of Maceo Parker, Linda Tillery, John Lee Sanders, The Sojourners, John Boutté and Dutch Robinson. Her gifts have been featured in the music of future jazz group 1Luv (Sonar Kollektiv) and in blues juggernaut, The Harpoonist and The Axe Murderer.
Dawn’s creative voice has been bubbling to the surface for the better part of a decade. Her proven track record as a singer and performer is undeniable and the time has finally come for her to express her unique 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."
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." Vibrant, genuine, and soulful, Dawn brings it with a sense of adventure and serious groove and creates a unique and dynamic package.
The album won Urban Recording of the Year at The 2015 Western Canadian Music Awards.
Say Somethin’ Media Reaction:
"Vancouver’s Pemberton, a longtime vocalist, arranger and live performer, releases her funky, soul–jazz debut. Her ageless grooves, backed by a wealth of talented instrumentalists, certainly say something. Forecast: Dawn will be crowned the new queen of Canadian soul."
- Pop Forecast, Postmedia
"Her retro soul–funk tunes have been expertly captured on her debut album Say Somethin’."
- The Vancouver Sun
"One of the jazziest R & B plates to get served up. …Say Somethin’ is certainly worthy of listening"
- The Province
"Vancouver’s Dawn Pemberton has catapulted her gorgeous debut album, Say Somethin’ into the foyer of cool, a very classy soul/R&B production with some jazz and funk dressings"
- Canadian Music Blog
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Soul, R&B, Funk.
Sounds Like: Aretha Franklin
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