Penguin Cafe Orchestra

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(1974 – 1997)

The Penguin Cafe Orchestra was the creation of classically-trained guitarist, composer and arranger Simon Jeffes (Crawley, Sussex, England, 1949-1997). Jeffes and cellist co-founder Helen Liebmann were members throughout it’s life; a number of other musicians became part of the ensemble playing live and also appearing on studio albums according to the instrumentation of particular pieces. Four members of the original PCO, Geoffrey Richardson, Jennifer Maidman, Steve Fletcher and Annie Whitehead are still together playing the music under the name ‘The Anteaters’. Jeffes’ son Arthur has formed a new group called ‘Music from the Penguin Cafe’ which plays some of his father’s music along with his own compositions.

The Penguin’s sound is not easily categorized, but has elements of exuberant folk music and a minimalist aesthetic occasionally reminiscent of composers such as Philip Glass.

The PCO toured extensively during the 80’s and early 90’s, and two albums, “When in Rome” (1988) and “Concert Program” (1995) captured the sound of the live ensemble. Penguin Cafe Orchestra recorded and performed for 24 years until Jeffes died of a brain tumour in 1997. The 10th anniversary of Jeffes’ death was marked by the original PCO reforming for three concerts at the Union Chapel in London in 2007.

In 2009, Arthur Jeffes, Simon Jeffes’ son, put together a new ensemble to play PCO music and his own compositions, under the title Music From The Penguin Cafe.

Tagged as:

instrumental, ambient, contemporary classical, new age, classical
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tashafuzz wrote:
Thursday evening

Musicians playing as PCO at Glatonbury were AMAZING! I honestly wish they could have played a full set. Musically the best show at Glasto 2009!

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leonardo4it wrote:
last week

I love them! I'll amosto go to a concert everywhere they'd be

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sleepyjz wrote:
last month

these guys are the absolute masters of every genre and sub genre of everything instrumental

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Nefertiti2 wrote:
last month

great music!!!!!!

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transjungian wrote:
last month

Message from original members of PCO: We are definitely NOT on tour. We've only played three concerts at the Union Chapel since Simon died and the musical direction for those was done by the original members. Arthur played with us on percussion and keyboards for those concerts, and is now playing some Penguins tunes with his band. The manner in which this is being marketed , which is completely out of the control of the members of PCO, appears to have resulted in widespread confusion.

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interbear wrote:
last month

I saw PCO in Nov in their concert to commemorate 10 years since Simon Jeffes died. Original members with son Arthur at the helm. Saw them last night at ICA, and you're right, new band members with Arthur once again at the helm. Not as polished as the original, but good nontheless, and they are marketed as PCO, so I think you'll find they ARE on tour.

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markthedrummer wrote:
last month

The Penguin Cafe Orchestra are not on tour, this band doesn't contain the original band members and isn't the PCO.

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imthecure wrote:
May 2009

Air A Danser.[:

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kayleighc13 wrote:
May 2009

Big News... Music from the Penguin Cafe with Arthur Jeffes play a one off gig at the Modernist icon De La warr Pavilion on the south coast. I'm definately going for my PCO fix!

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Wesbecher wrote:
May 2009

They are subtly influential - genial! Instantly addictive...

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mdt wrote:
May 2009

The Simon Jeffes "Piano Music" album is good. It includes the last PCO recording of a new piece (Lullaby), recorded after Simon's death. Most of the collection is solo piano by Simon, including two tracks from the PCO Union Cafe album. The CD is out-of-print but available on the iTunes store.

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James_Hartley wrote:
April 2009

I first heard these guys at the end of the movie Talk Radio. I never stopped loving that song :)

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LisaLane408 wrote:
April 2009

just amazing in every respect.

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takachinonosue wrote:
April 2009

This music got soul

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badoom_bum wrote:
March 2009

what difference does THE make, for Christ's sake

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sunsamba wrote:
March 2009

music for the soul

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timberchap wrote:
March 2009

let the emotions run in a funny way smile its for us sad but happy - how is that ?

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simeonlee wrote:
March 2009

Great

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KeithJones wrote:
March 2009

Wonderful! Especially "Signs of Life"....

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freakf_cker wrote:
March 2009

Telephone and rubber band is my favourite PCO track of all time.

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