Jonathan Karrant: A Song Stylist with a Personal Touch

Sports commentator Sage Steele opined, "You do you, and I'll do me" in a 2025 podcast hosted by Roseanne Barr. A motto that rings true for song stylist Jonathan Karrant.  Like many vocalists before him including Harry Connick, Jr., Michael Feinstein, Tony Bennett, and Michael Bublé, Jonathan Karrant sings songs from the Great American Songbook but he does not mimic his predecessors by any stretch of the imagination.  He imprints his own personal touch on the tunes, reeling in listeners and singling himself out from the wide field of song interpreters.

Born in the heart of America at the foothills of the Ozarks in the old western town of Fort Smith, Arkansas, east of the Arkansas River, Jonathan Karrant prides himself on his down-to-earth American roots while also being influenced by his artistic mother, Nancy, who danced and taught for a local ballet company.  She discovered Jonathan's talent for singing at an early age and encouraged him to pursue the discipline.

His online biography details, "As a teenager, Jonathan Karrant was active in local theatre, and studied music and theatre in middle and high schools. After graduating from high school, director/writer/actor Meir Z. Ribalow recommended him for 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 characters roles in performances."

After his stint at the Metropolitan Opera House in New York City's Lincoln Center, Karrant continued singing professionally in Las Vegas casinos and venues throughout Europe and California.  He examines what attracted him to singing a panoply of melodies from the Great American Songbook to popular songs, proclaiming, "I’m drawn to the storytelling of lyrics and the freedom to be playful while expressing my style and personality. When performing live, I love the opportunity to bring people together and take them on a musical journey. I’ve been influenced by many artists over the years, but two vocalists who have had a particularly strong impact on me are Mel Tormé and Nancy Wilson."

He touts, "I appreciate the high level of quality in jazz—the depth, sophistication, and artistry found in both the music and the lyrics. When it comes to performing jazz, I especially love the freedom it offers—the space to express yourself, improvise, and truly make the music your own."

His appreciation for jazz was demonstrated in his 2012 recording On and On, produced by Tyler Monks.  For the recording, Karrant was supported by pianist Josh Nelson, bassist Rob Thorsen, guitarist Mark Shapiro, and drummer Duncan Moore.  The endeavor earned him several accolades from such outlets as Billboard magazine, All About Jazz and Jazz Corner.

He deems, "It just felt like the right time to make a record. The songs I chose reflected what was happening in my life at the time, while also staying true to a timeless style. Some of the musicians featured on the album also influenced the direction of a few tracks."

Meeting his producer Tyler Monks was a fortuitous encounter as he recalls, "I was in a recording session doing some demo work with Tyler Monks when he took notice of my talent and work ethic in the studio. He was so impressed that he offered to produce an album for me—and got to work on it right away."

Since his 2012 solo recording, Karrant has released several singles including "Lady In Red," "I'd Rather Go Blind," "All I Want For Christmas Is You," "For What It's Worth," and "Love Dance" which features vocalist Jane Monheit and saxophonist Houston Person.  He has also recorded a handful of full-length albums including Live (2018), Christmas Wish (2022), and Shadows Fall (2023) with pianist Joshue White.

In September 2025, Karrant will be releasing the newest addition to his repertoire, a live recording with long-time friend and pianist Joe Alterman.  He recounts how he met Alterman, "Joe and I met in New York City through a mutual friend and singer, Tony Middleton. Our first collaboration was back in 2015, and we immediately connected over our shared musical tastes and deep appreciation for the jazz artists who paved the way before us. We both have a passion for bringing joy to audiences through music. Whether we’re on stage or off, Joe and I always have a great time—talking about music, swapping stories, and sharing plenty of laughs."

The live recording, he regards, "It came about pretty simply—Joe and I were hanging out after a show when he suggested we record a live album together. I immediately agreed, and soon after we started sending each other song ideas and narrowing down the set list. There were a few tunes that were absolute no-brainers—songs we both knew had to be part of the live recording."

Joining Karrant and Alterman on the live recording are Mike Gurrola on bass and Kevin Kanner on drums.  He shares, "I met Kevin in Los Angeles and have had the pleasure of working with him often. He and Joe originally connected back when they were both living in New York City. I also met Mike in L.A. and work with him regularly. Whenever Joe joins me for West Coast gigs, Mike and Kevin are always a part of the band. They’re both incredibly talented musicians and a joy to work with."

"The Great City" is the first single to be released from the live recording, a tune popularized by pianist Les McCann and vocalist Nancy Wilson.  The press release for the track states, "with its gritty ode to New York life, the melody holds a special place in their hearts. Their interpretation pays homage to that legacy while infusing the piece with playful spirit and modern jazz flair."

It is a tune that Karrant and Alterman are very familiar with, as Karrant observes, "Joe and I first performed 'The Great City' together back in 2015, and it’s been a staple in most of our shows ever since. The arrangement developed naturally over time, evolving through the energy and chemistry of performing it together so often."

Absorbed in music for a number of decades, Karrant acknowledges that he has grown as a singer and song stylist, purporting, "Since I first started, I’ve grown in so many ways—and I hope to always keep learning, evolving, and pushing myself forward."

He imparts, "Life experiences have taught me to dig deeper into lyrics, bringing more emotion and intention to the meaning behind the words. So many songs from the Great American Songbook and the jazz standard repertoire carry profound, timeless lyrics that take time—and life—to truly deliver with depth and honesty. Musically, I’ve become braver, more willing to take risks, and more playful on stage. It’s all part of the ongoing journey."

Along the journey, Karrant admits to doing more than just singing and stylizing melodies, noting, "I practice hot yoga about five times a week—it really helps me stay centered and healthy, giving me a peaceful break from the hustle of daily life to meditate and recharge. I also love spending time with close friends and keeping an active social calendar. For me, life is a party!"

Karrant is a song stylist who singles himself out from the expansive field of song interpreters.  His lengthy repertoire demonstrates his affinity for stirring melodies whether taken from the Great American Songbook or from classic pop lists.  Imprinting a personal touch on the tunes, Karrant reels in listeners, intimating a sensitivity that connects affectionately with his audience, always delivered with a jazz flare.

https://www.jonathankarrant.com/