JONATHAN KARRANT

CHRISTMAS WISH

Independent Label

Jonathan Karrant, vocals; Joe Alterman, piano; Kevin Smith, bass; Justin Chesarek, drums; Peter Sprague, guitar; Carey Frank, organ; James Whiting, vibes; Houston Person, saxophone; Kenny Rampton, trumpet; Diane Schuur, vocal duet.

The holiday season is upon us.  Jonathan Karrant has been excited about releasing his highly anticipated holiday album.  He has carefully picked a collection of familiar holiday songs for the listener’s enjoyment. Also, he adds a little spice to the musical punch with the addition of Grammy-winning jazz legend, Diane Schuur, the legendary saxophonist Houston Person, and well respected trumpeter Kenny Rampton of Jazz at Lincoln Center fame.  Also, he has once again teamed up with the incomparable Joe Alterman Trio.

Karrant begins this holiday album with the familiar Irving Berlin standard, “I’ve Got My Love to Keep Me Warm.”  He handles the tune with an energized swing arrangement. Alterman, on piano, takes an impressive solo. Next, Jonathan sings the Vince Guaraldi Christmas ballad “Christmas Time is Here,” followed by the tune Elvis made so popular, “Blue Christmas.” This arrangement is enhanced by adding “Santa Bring My Baby Back” that changes the tempo and gives Kenny Rampton an opportunity to show off his punchy talents on the trumpet.

Jonathan duets with Diane Schuur on “Grown Up Christmas List” (a David Foster/Linda Thompson tune).  This is the popular single extracted from his album, with a gospel piano played by Alterman. You will enjoy twelve holiday classics to help you enjoy the season including, “What are You Doing New Year’s Eve,” “Winter Wonderland” and “This Christmas” featuring the awesome Houston Person on tenor saxophone.

Karrant blends “I Wonder as I Wander” with “We Three Kings” in a tasty medley arrangement.  I found his delivery of the George Michael ballad, “Last Christmas” quite beautiful. Additionally, I enjoyed his rendition of “Silent Night” and “O Holy Night.”  He closes with the Mariah Carey/Walter Afanasieff pop Christmas song, “All I Want for Christmas is You.”

Reviewed by Dee Dee McNeil

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