INTERVIEW: Singer Jonathan Karrant has ‘Eclectic’ tastes on new album
Photo: Jonathan Karrant’s new album is called Eclectic. Photo courtesy of Yadi Sp / Provided by Fortune Creative with permission.
The new album recorded by singer Jonathan Karrant features tunes that span several decades of American music history. He includes songs from Broadway musicals, such as “Once Upon a Time,” and Hollywood movies, such as “Pure Imagination.” He even throws in Smokey Robinson, James Taylor and Macy Gray tunes for good measure. Given this diversity of sound, it should come as no surprise that Karrant’s new album is called Eclectic, and he’ll celebrate its release with a special concert Sunday, Oct. 15 at Chelsea Table + Stage in New York City.
Karrant, a self-described song stylist, is an accomplished jazz singer who has racked up several awards and accolades, including New York City Cabaret Jazz Honors, according to his biography. Last holiday season he recorded a duet with Diane Schuur called “My Grown-Up Christmas List,” and his albums have made strong appearances on the Billboard Jazz charts.
Recently Karrant exchanged emails with Hollywood Soapbox to explain the inspiration for his new album and his thoughts about launching a national tour. Questions and answers have been slightly edited for style.
When did you realize you wanted to record the album Eclectic? Was there a light-bulb moment?
I didn’t know I wanted to record it, so no light-bulb moment at all. As a performer and recording artist, I’m always thinking of songs I’d like to record and projects I’d like to put together. However, Eclectic was born in 2020 when a fan came to me with a couple song requests to record because she missed seeing me live. The project continued to grow and grow, becoming a complete album.
What went into the song selection for the album?
The album’s title says it all, Eclectic. The album is a mix of songs from different eras and genres. Two of the songs came from other projects, four of the songs were requests and the rest were some of my favorites that I had been wanting to record. Each song has a personal meaning to me. I had been wanting to collaborate with singer Jane Monheit for some time and thought our smooth tones would blend beautifully on the romantic song “Love Dance.”
Are you trying to honor the original versions or make them your own?
While I do honor the composers of all these songs, I strive to make each song my own always. Each musical arrangement is a reflection of my musical taste and how I feel the song. For example, Smokey Robinson’s “Tracks of My Tears,” I really wanted the storytelling and emotion of the song to be re-created and emphasized.
Will the New York City show feature many of these songs on the set list?
Yes, we will perform most of the songs from the album. We will also include some of my most popular recordings from some of my other albums. I have an amazing band with me: John Di Martino, Yoshi Waki and Todd Isler.
Before heading out on a national tour, are you nervous? Excited?
I always feel happy and honored to share my musical journey with audiences, so there’s been lots of excitement around the recent shows promoting the new album and more to come.
How old were you when you first started entertaining a crowd with your voice?
I started performing in theater productions and showcases of different sources when I was a child around the age of 6. I started my solo singing career at age 21, and it’s been an incredible ride.
By John Soltes / Publisher / John@HollywoodSoapbox.com
Jonathan Karrant will celebrate Eclectic Sunday, Oct. 15 at Chelsea Table + Stage in New York City. Click here for more information and tickets.
