| Performer / Band Name |
S.J. Tucker
Acoustic Guitar, Bass Guitar, Percussion, Vocals |
| Music Style / Genre |
Singer-Songwriter, Modern Folk |
| Original / Cover Material |
100% Original Material |
| Musical Influences |
Tori Amos, Stravinsky, Jeff Buckley |
| History of Performer / Band |
S. J. TUCKER is an independent singer-songwriter, a fresh, unique talent whose strong guitar work and enormous voice belie her small stature. Listeners and reviewers describe her as a “gifted newcomer” (Memphis’ Commercial Appeal), call her sound “Celtic Blues”, and call her debut album, Haphazard “an exciting piece of work from an exciting singer.” (Green Man Review) S. J. is based in Memphis, TN, and is now touring the USA, both solo and as leader of the band, Skinny White Chick, in support of said debut album, Haphazard, on which she composed all the material and played all but one of the instruments. S. J.’s most recent bit of press comes from Phil Brucato who says, in newWitch magazine’s issue eight, “yes, it’s guitar folk in the troubadour tradition, but gods, it’s staggering what this woman can do.”
More than a Renaissance woman, Tucker has spent her entire life evolving as a storyteller, composer, performer, and technician. Even before she chose music as her top priority, it was apparent that her destiny was to become a modern-day “Queen of the Bards,” a nickname granted by past Lyle Lovett and Reba McEntire producer Willie Pevear. Today, S. J. works to live up to this sobriquet and wastes no time in causing a stir with her natural musical abilities, inherent professionalism, universal appeal, and ever-present ability to stop traffic the moment she begins to sing and play.
At age twenty-four, this singer, songwriter, guitarist, bassist, percussionist, and poet labors at everything from self-releasing and promoting her original music to booking a calendar’s worth of shows, and learning, without shame, about the music business as she steamrolls along. When you encounter this troubadour, don’t be surprised to find that she does things a little differently. Lauded a joy to work with by Pagan, Christian, and GLBT communities as well as the usual wash of industry contacts and performance venues, Tucker is neither wildly outspoken about her beliefs, nor about her sexual and political orientations. She is simply committed to going where her audience is; providing joy, music, and, when needed, the occasional wakeup call. She supports universal causes in the vein of education, human evolution, and balance, performing at coffee shops, spiritual gatherings, women’s retreats, full-blown rock shows, fantasy conventions, anywhere her presence and voice are requested. S. J. summons the magic in her listeners by feeding the flame and bidding it rise.
With musical subject matter ranging from truth to legend and back, and recordings celebrating airplay on Public Broadcasting and Internet stations from New Orleans to Saskatchewan, Tucker’s vocal prowess, writing style, and piano-like guitar work garner frequent comparisons to Joni Mitchell, Tori Amos, and Jeff Buckley. Humble yet commanding, articulate and warm, S. J.’s presence and her skill bring a conscious tone and forthright, original style to any scene. Her dedication to her music and her reputation for giving everything she’s got in her live shows attract a loyal following which grows each day, even though Tucker’s brand of bombast comes in a very small and subtle package. Critics praise her "surprisingly energetic set" (Playback St. Louis) and the fact that "unlike most bluesy singers, Tucker enunciates!" (Green Man Review) Expect hardy musical cuisine, primal energy, and melodies that weave into the mind and heart like knot work: Tucker will make you think, laugh, dance, and be still by giving you songs to sink your teeth into. Through tales of legendary characters come to life, as well as unrelenting pieces about love, loss, and daily survival, her particular brand of mind-bending acoustic reality will haunt you sweetly through your day and enrich your life experience. S. J. Tucker, “the maddest hatter on the bardic path,” (St. Louis Social Circle) will stay in your memory in her guise as Skinny White Chick, for what you see on stage is what you get--and what you hear is undeniably powerful. |
| Press Reviews / Credits |
"With such a huge, soulful voice, one would be surprised to see that Skinny White Chick is in fact a skinny white chick...I can't say enough good things about the little woman with the big voice. Her lyrics are powerful and her music, ethereal."
-Memphis Records
"Yes, it's guitar folk in the troubadour tradition, but gods, it's staggering what this woman can do!"
-Phil Brucato, newWitch Magazine
"Tucker has a voice in a million -- powerful, hypnotic, untamed and yet utterly controlled. She sings from the gut, but hers is a trained instrument."
-Maria Nutick, Green Man Review
"First off, can actually sing like Joni Mitchell--no lie."
-Bill Ellis, Commercial Appeal
"a strong voice and engaging presence"
-Chris Herrington, Memphis Flyer
"courageous and talented"
-Kelly Bass, Arkansas Times |
| Albums / Where Available |
Tangles, 2005
Tales of I-10 - Volume I, 2004
Haphazard, 2004
Tangles and Haphazard available at CDBaby.com
All albums available direct from artist. |
= Music samples available for download