Penguin Cafe

Penguin Cafe was established in 2009 by Arthur Jeffes, the son of Simon Jeffes, who founded the influential avant-pop band Penguin Cafe Orchestra (PCO) in 1972. The original PCO, co-founded with cellist Helen Liebmann, toured extensively during the 1980s and 1990s, developing a sound that merged folk music with minimalist aesthetics. This unique style, which Simon Jeffes described as capturing “randomness, spontaneity, surprise, unexpectedness and irrationality,” resonated with critics and audiences alike. The band released several studio albums, including “Music from the Penguin Cafe” (1976), “Penguin Cafe Orchestra” (1981), “Broadcasting From Home” (1984), “Signs of Life” (1987), and “Union Cafe” (1993). Their compositions gained wider recognition through various media placements, such as “Telephone and Rubber Band” in the films “Malcolm” (1986) and “Talk Radio” (1988), and “Music for a Found Harmonium” in “Malcolm” and “She’s Having a Baby” (1988), with both tracks becoming well-known.

After Simon Jeffes’ passing in 1997, the original PCO members briefly reunited for three sold-out concerts in 2007. Following this, Arthur Jeffes formed the new ensemble, Penguin Cafe, in 2009, with a new lineup of musicians. This new iteration performs both classic PCO pieces and new music composed by Arthur. The group has continued to engage new generations of listeners, performing at a variety of festivals and events, including the BBC Proms in 2010. Their music notably includes re-imaginings and new works that draw on the original spirit, maintaining a fresh and relevant sound while honoring its heritage. This continuation has allowed the distinctive musical approach, characterized by unconventional instrumentation and a warm, organic aesthetic, to persist and evolve.

Penguin Cafe’s work has been featured in various cultural contexts, extending the reach of this unique musical style. Tracks like “Perpetuum Mobile” have been sampled by artists such as Avicii, and utilized in television shows like “The Handmaid’s Tale” (2017) and films such as “Mary and Max” (2009). The enduring appeal of their music lies in its blend of accessible melodies with an experimental edge, making it suitable for diverse applications from film soundtracks to advertising campaigns. The group has consistently toured and released new material, ensuring the continued presence of the ‘Penguin Cafe’ sound within contemporary music. The band’s commitment to live performance and new compositions showcases a dynamic progression from its orchestral roots.