Heather Kropf: Reviews

by John Hayes
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
Heather Kropf's second independent, self-produced CD plays like the work of a seasoned pro, and she's beginning to realize that people get it. "What Else is Love" crackles with contemporary folk, pop and jazz elements -- bright ideas framed in solid pop sensibilities performed by Kropf on a 1920s Steinway surrounded by electric instruments. Her songs are turning heads in the local singer-songwriter circle, and she scored a rare coup, landing rotation-level airplay on WYEP.

Year in Review
WYEP, 91.3 FM, Pittsburgh
Local folk singer and songwriter Heather Kropf pens beautifully detailed songs, teaming them up with the area's best acoustic players. Kropf represents a new wave of young singers on the edge of representing the region to a wider audience.

Album Review
Rebecca Martin (www.rebeccamartin.com)
Heather's voice is truly refreshing...she is one of the few natural singers that I've heard in recent years. Her melodies are rich and memorable, and she sings them with such strength and yet has a sense of space and openness that is impressive. Phrasing is not a learned thing - it is a truly magical gift that Heather possesses as well.

by Phillip Harris
Pittsburgh Magazine
With a heavenly voice somewhere between Aimee Mann and Jill Sobule, Heather Kropf's debut CD Sky (Reverie Records) is a welcome change of pace in these days of uptempo-whiny-middle-class-white-boy-tirades. The tempos are mellow but not maudlin and, as a piano player, Kropf is melodic and delicate but powerful... Great stuff.

by Tim Stevens
Pittsburgh Magazine


Pittsburgh Vocalist/Pianist Heather Kropf Releases Beautiful Second Album of Original Compositions “What Else Is Love”

In the 1970’s I was deeply moved by the sound and wonderful talent of vocalist/pianist/song-writer Carole King. When I was recently introduced, through “a friend of a friend” to a new CD by a transported Portland, Oregon native by the name of Heather Kropf, who moved to Pittsburgh in 1995, I couldn’t help but think of those days in the 70s and Carole King.

Kropf is unique in the approach to her music. A Pittsburgh magazine review of her 2000 debut album, Sky, has this to say: "(Kropf) is not afraid to explore a subject in depth, from different angles, much as an artist would do different studies of a still life..." After listening to her new CD, comprised of 11 compositions, all written by Kropf, I must say this description sums up her gifts to the world of music.

I originally listened to the new CD because I was told it had jazz influences. While it is not a jazz album, the CD offers cuts with a jazzy flavor that are powerful in their simplicity and eloquence. I found myself going back to it, playing it again, and feeling I would be remiss if I didn't write about what I was listening to. The title cut, "What Else is Love" has the compelling rhythmic feel of a Sade classic. Another composition, "Drive," makes you want to stop whatever you are doing and leave for solitude in the country! It's a moving blend of voice and piano. "Daylight" calls for you to "shed the shroud of bitterness, longing, and regret..." and reminds you that "the garden waits for everyone, you're as good as anyone in the daylight." Kropf's words go beyond rhyming lyrics. They are poems put to music.

Yes, Kropf is truly gifted. Her voice quietly soars with warmth, great tone, honesty, clarity and beauty. Adding to the experience is the production quality -- clear as a bell. I'm proud to say that this musical masterpiece was recorded at Heid Studio in Aspinwall, owned by George Heid, and a lot of the postproduction was handled in New York studios. Kropf served as the primary arranger, producer and executive producer, and was involved in producing the mixing sessions as well. Providing the perfect musical support were the accompanying musicians: Keith Hershberger on acoustic guitar and background vocals; John Purse on electric guitar; Randall Venturini on bass, acoustic guitar and keyboard; and Joe Waslousky on drums.

Remember the name Heather Kropf. She just might be the next Pittsburgh vocalist and musician to make it big on the national scene.