Singer sees his star rise

ERNEST A. JASMIN; The News Tribune
Published: April 6th, 2007 01:00 AM

Spanaway-based country singer Jonathan Harris is making a name for himself beyond the great Northwest. Fans of Spanaway country singer Jonathan Harris will hear tunes from his new album, “Where Concrete Don’t Grow,” during an unplugged show set for 5 p.m. Saturday at JD’s Wild West Saloon.

Harris, a popular fixture of the Puget Sound country scene, recorded his first album for Nashville-based R1R records last fall. “They’re all original, all brand-new songs,” he said.

Harris wrote three of the album’s 11 tracks. Others were obtained from publishing company Warner Chapel or pitched by up-and-coming Nashville songwriters, he said.

Harris mentioned the title track, “She Was” and “Little Cabin” as songs that have won a good response from audiences.

As the album’s title suggests, many of the lyrics are inspired by Harris’ love of the outdoors, especially time spent at a cabin at Mount Baring in the Cascades.

“I’m tired of city lights / turnin’ night to day,” he sings on “Where Concrete Don’t Grow.” “Don’t wanna sit on the back porch / around a campfire in a cage / too many cars / too many planes flyin’ over my head / I’m ready to go.”

Harris plans to launch a radio tour soon. “We’re down to a couple of songs to push for the single out of the gate,” he said. “The next big thing is getting the radio airplay, which is going to come from getting out and visiting the stations.” Chuckling, he added, “And handing out Cadillacs if I have to, I guess.”

Harris will also perform a benefit show on April 21 at the Tacoma Sportsmen’s Club for his brother-in-law, Clinton Boylan.

“He’s got a rare cancer that’s covering 70 percent of his liver,” Harris said. “He’s 22 years old. He’s never drank a drop in his life, never smoked anything, (but) he’s in bad shape. So we’re running around town, everywhere we can, trying to get donations for the auction.”

Ernest Jasmin: 253-274-7389

ernest.jasmin@thenewstribune.com

What: Jonathan Harris unplugged CD release party

When: 5 p.m. Saturday

Where: JD’s Wild West Saloon, 8402 S. Hosmer St. , Tacoma

Admission: Free

Information: 253-535-0088

online: http://www.jonathanharris.net