Chic Compass Blog
Jonathan Karrant

JONATHAN KARRANT’S CHRISTMAS WISH

By Joan S. Peck

Distinguished Jazz singer Jonathan Karrant, joining forces with the incomparable Joe Alterman Trio, has a highly anticipated holiday album, CHRISTMAS WISH, set to release on November 11, 2022. This once-in-a-lifetime record features Grammy-winning Jazz Legend Diane Schuur, renowned saxophonist Houston Person, and Kenny Rampton, trumpeter of Jazz at Lincoln Center. This incredible team of artists has reimagined twelve of the most beloved holiday songs and brought new life to them with profound and unique arrangements.

Jonathan grew up in Fort Smith, Arkansas, in a close, supportive family. “I was very musical, dramatic, and playful as a kid. Always acting things out and playing games or belting out songs. The life of the party, even at age ten. I started singing in church and took private music lessons. I also performed in the school choir and performed in several local plays. My Mother had a ballet studio, so instead of having a babysitter, I took tap and jazz dance classes.”

Photo of Jonathan Karrant by Yadmir Santiesteban

After high school, Jonathan studied at the William Esper Performing Arts Academy in New York City before moving to San Diego, where he discovered a thriving music scene. His debut album, “On and On,” was recorded at Studio West in Rancho Bernardo with pianist Josh Nelson, guitarist Mark Shapiro Bassist Rob Thorsen, and drummer Duncan Moore. It reached number 4 on the Billboard Jazz Charts, gaining national success in the jazz world.

His most played single on Spotify is his more sophisticated and jazzy recording of the ’80s pop song Lady in Red. It was recorded at Peter Sprague’s studio in San Diego with pianist Mikan Zlatkovich, bassist Bob Magnuson and drummer Duncan Moore. After its release, Jonathan was named Best Singer by the Bravo San Diego Awards.

Jonathan’s recent album, Shadows Fall, collaborates with pianist Joshua White, a San Diego native beloved in the area. The album hit number 4 on the iTunes Jazz Charts and was in the top 10 on the National Community Radio Charts.

“The Shadows Fall album was inspired by the people of San Diego often letting me know when they heard Joshua and me perform together, it was magic. While I now perform all over the country and work with musicians from all over the country, San Diego will always have my heart.”

Jonathan Karrant

Photo of Jonathan Karrant by Yadmir Santiesteban

Jonathan considers himself a jazz singer, though not as traditional or pop as Harry Connick, Jr. or outside the box like Kurt Elling. “You don’t need a music degree to enjoy my style. I believe there is something for everyone in my concerts. While I love playing with melody and time in a vocal jazz style, my main focus is on the lyrics and the storytelling. Hopefully, I can take you with me on a journey.”

Asked about his favorite kind of music, Jonathan answered, “While I love all the music from the Great American Songbook, I also love creating new standards. Taking pop, rock, folk, or R&B songs not usually found in the jazz genre and creating new arrangements for them. Taking the song out of the era it was born in and making it timeless with a sophisticated, hip, contemporary twist. I try to work the arrangement to where it will draw the listener in more while still having fun and playful moments, depending on the song.”

Jonathan Karrant

Jonathan Karrant

Christmas is always special because people will go out of their way to show good tidings and joy to others in many different settings. Most memorable is the season’s music that brings a softness to the toughness of living … a reminder of all the good things in life. Jonathan Karrant’s new album, CHRISTMAS MUSIC, is sure to do just that.

Want to hear Jonathan’s soft, caressing musical voice in person? You won’t be disappointed. Grab your loved ones and get your tickets to listen to the magical CHRISTMAS MUSIC on December 9 at Myron’s at the Smith Center at 7 p.m.

Go to his website to order them now:  www.jonathankarrant.com

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Photographs courtesy of Michelle Majors, Ed Foster, and Yadmir Santiesteban