Jonathan Karrant: Eclectic

Born and raised at the foothills of the Ozarks in the old western town of Fort Smith, Arkansas east of the Arkansas River, Jonathan Karrant fell under the influence of his artistic mother. As a child, it is said he sang for hours every day, making his public debut at the age of seven at his local church. That summer, being a precocious child, he walked into a nightclub and asked the band to accompany him while he sang "Stormy Monday." The band agreed, and he was a big hit with the audience, as well as with the band.

After High School, Karrant began an intensive course of study at the William Esper Acting Studio in New York City. During this time he auditioned and was hired by the Metropolitan Opera House to play character roles in performances, one of them being the opera "Aida" starring Luciano Pavarotti. After years of listening to and singing all styles of music, he returned to his love of popular and jazz music to make his mark. He paid his dues in Las Vegas for three years, hooking up with Vincent Falcone, noted music director and pianist, before moving to San Diego. Soon he was touring across the US and Europe developing a loyal fan base.

Karrant grew up listening to Frank Sinatra and Tony Bennett, before getting into such diverse singers as Jimmy Scott, Johnny Hartman, and Nancy Wilson. He's absorbed all those influences and more in developing his own sound. His vocal timbre and quality is somewhat a cross between Kenny Rankin and mid-period Mark Murphy. Like Rankin, he's got a very rich, clear sound while his phrasing is closer to Murphy's with traces of Mel Torme.

Eclectic is Karrant's fifth album. It shows a growing, maturing artist with great vocal skills. The majority of tunes are done with a piano trio. The accompaniment is always supportive and on-point, leaving plenty of space for Karrant to navigate. The album opens with a few discordant notes before he soars into the intro of "Pure Imagination." Right away one is struck by the clean and strong tone of his voice. The trio then enters on this lovely and whimsical tune. "First Time" is a nostalgic ballad about falling in "true love." Karrant's expressive voice allows us to understand his amazement at the emotions he's discovered.

Several tracks add another instrument to the mix. Trumpet player Kenny Rampton appears on "Once Upon A Time" and "Mr. Bojangles." On the former, the additional texture added by his sound changes the dynamic. The arrangement accents the vocals in a way that the trio doesn't. On the latter, the story of tap dancer Bill Robinson is sung in a heartfelt, joyous manner, augmented by Rampton's continuous obbligato. Karrant once was asked to describe himself in one word. His answer was a "Storyteller." "Mr. Bojangles" is a perfect vehicle to show the reason behind that answer.

James Whiting adds his vibes on two tracks. "The Song Is You" is an up-tempo, free-wheeling romp. Karrant shows off his scat-singing here, while the vibes and piano provide the energy. "Secret O'Life" is the album closer. Whiting's playing puts an ethereal spin underneath this lovely, philosophic song, while Karrant gets to explore its meaning.

The centerpiece and the first single of the album is the duet "Love Dance." Jane Monheit brings her Barbara Streisand-type range and clarity to this ballad of two people transitioning from friends to lovers. The vocal interplay between the two captures just the right atmosphere. Houston Person also guests and lays down some sultry tenor sax interludes.

Perhaps the most soulful vocal is on Smokey Robinson's "The Tracks of My Tears" (see YouTube video below). It is taken in a slow, bluesy, introspective manner, building to a powerful crescendo by the song's end. Karrant sings this in a manner closer to the song's lyrics as opposed to the classic original fast-paced Motown version.

Guest pianists (with their trios) play on two tracks as well. Josh Nelson brings almost a gospel, country-western feel to the ballad "I Imagine" and Joe Alterman gets to rock out to Buffalo Springfield's '60s youth anthem "For What It's Worth." Played as a funky, bluesy jam, this two-chord vamp of a song is a pleasant change of pace.

Eclectic is aptly titled. Strong and varied compositions combined with vocals of deep conviction and talent, make this record a joy to listen to. Repeated listening offers an increasing appreciation of the depth and versatility Karrant brings to his music and showcases an artist just hitting his prime.

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