As a big fan of the classical genre, I was very excited to discover pianist Jacqueline Kroft. Her EP, Piano Preludes, Vol. 02 is stunningly beautiful, echoing the neoclassical style of the genre well. Every piece on the EP is beautiful to behold, making it perfect for anyone into their classical music. If you’ve not checked it out yet, you can find a full stream at the end of this interview.
By Jane Howkins
You released an EP titled Piano Preludes, Vol. 02. What can you tell us about the EP?
It started off with the one piece which is Prelude 04 on Volume 01. It came quickly and as I was playing it, my son came upstairs and asked whose music I was playing. I said it’s my new work and it’s about you. From its conception, the response has been like that, overwhelmingly positive and vibrant.
How has the reception to the EP been so far, and where can the EP be purchased?
I’ve written and released a lot of music but somehow these piano preludes have touched people in a way that I’ve never experienced before. It truly is joyous.
It is available on all streaming and downloading sites.
Can we expect a Piano Preludes, Vol. 03 at some point?
Oh yes, there are another 16 tracks to be recorded and I’m in the process of finding the right studio right now.
Do you plan to release any singles from the EP in the near future?
Yes I probably will once the series is completed.
Are there any plans to release a full-length album?
Now that you mention it, I think when all the work has been completed it would be the right thing to do. I have initially released them in volumes of 5 preludes each so that people can take the time to listen to them in our busy world. Giving them all 27 would be a lot of new music to listen to at first.
Your music is clearly based within the classical genre What/who influences you most as an artist? What have you been listening to recently?
I am influenced by all music. My piano preludes sound like classical music because piano lends itself to that genre. However you will hear rock, pop, folk and jazz in its structure. This I really like and I think my fans do too. I like the way you call it neoclassical – I think that’s a cool name encompassing my overview of music at the present moment in history.
This week I listened to Black Pumas, all kinds of house, Bill Withers, Keith Jarrett, Leonard Bernstein, Traffic, Bach and Beethoven.
Do you have anything else exciting coming up this year?
Well I’m beginning to tour with this great saxophonist, Patsy Gamble. We’re doing the churches of England because of their beauty and acoustics. There’s this spiritual essence in churches that is inviting to me because I feel these preludes are a gift from heaven. I can’t believe how special English churches are with their architecture and history! We just played our first concert at St. Paul’s in Covent Garden last Thursday.
You’re based in Gloucestershire. How is the local music scene faring at the moment?
Stroud is a cool town, no doubt about it. The best part is that it’s chock full of artists, musicians, composers and writers at the highest level. There’s lots of venues to play and galleries to exhibit in. There is always something going on and it’s a hop, skip and a jump to London for some frenetic energy!
Do you have any tour dates lined up for the UK?
We have started booking the tour and you can find all the dates on my site: www.jacquelinekroft.com
Any last words for the fans?
I am deeply touched by your support and I hope my new music will continue to bring an uplifting and inspiring element to your lives, and have I told you I love you today? I do. See you at the shows.