Jonathan Crayford is one of New Zealand’s most exciting exports to the world of music. This prolific composer, performer and pianist spent 20 years honing his craft in New York, before returning to NZ in the naughties to rock the music scene. Crayford has most recently been living in Paris and Spain, writing a film/opera and recording two albums of solo piano music in Spain and a trio album in New York.
It’s hard to pinpoint what makes Jonathan’s music so alluring. There’s no doubt his virtuosity, but virtuosity for its own sake is rarely engaging. The name of his 2014 album – Dark Light – offers a clue to his appeal. The title is a paradox, and Crayford’s music is full of paradoxes. There are shadows everywhere, but they’re always flecked with light. There’s formidable technique but also heartfelt connection and a fierce intellect behind his elaborately constructed compositions, as well as a spirit of openness and sharing that offers musicians an equal partnership in their creative collaborations.
