New Release: Christmas Wish from Jonathan Karrant

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Christmas Wish from Jonathan Karrant
Label:  Virtuoso  Music
Release Date:  November 11, 2022
Website:  https://www.jonathankarrant.com

Sung with a traditional swinging vibe, vocalist Jonathan Karrant's holiday album Christmas Wish  reacquaints audiences to the blissful atmosphere of classic jazz embers.  His adaptations are smooth and upbeat, eliciting a spiritual revival through "Silent Night O Holy Night" recalling of Elvis Presley's caressing vocals, and turning to a classic smooth jazz climate along "Last Christmas," a fan favorite by George Michael of Wham!   Karrant's duet with vocalist Diane Schuur on "Grown Up Christmas List" is a soothing balm for the ears, as the pair emote a warm affection towards humanity, switching to a slow funky groove along "What Are You Doing New Year's Eve," a 1947 hit for Frank Loesser.  Karrant performs a mash up of "I Wander As I Wander/We Three Kings" with the first being a Christian folk hymn by John Jacob Niles and the second, a Christmas carol by John Henry Hopkins, Jr.  The ghostly gospel-textured overtones give the track a dreamy ecclesiastical vibe that bathes the listener in solace, as Kenny Rampton's murmuring trumpet paves a trail of gentle creases.   Backing up Karrant is Joe Alterman on piano, Kevin Smith on bass, Justin Chesarek on drums, Peter Sprague on guitar, Carey Frank on organ, James Whiting on vibes, and Houston Person on saxophone.  Karrant's holiday album is a welcoming addition to the spirit of the yuletide, spreading merriment and good cheer.

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