Shana Tucker is a cellist, singer-songwriter, and composer whose double-decade career is defined by her genre-defying artistry and commitment to fostering connection through music. Known as the creator of "ChamberSoul," a unique blend of jazz, classical, folk, acoustic pop, and soul, Shana has captivated audiences worldwide with her heartfelt performances and storytelling.
Touted by JazzTimes as “a jazz talent...whose imprint and vitality has already been quite visible in North Carolina,” Shana has graced stages across the U.S. and internationally, including The Kennedy Center (Washington, DC), REDCAT (Los Angeles) and Wits Theatre (Johannesburg). Her debut album, SHiNE, received critical acclaim for its intimate and evocative original compositions. Her recent release, Hiding in the Light, further solidifies her reputation as an artist who masterfully blends musical genres to reimagine deeply resonant works.
An NPR interview about Shana's debut CD, SHiNE and her original ChamberSoul style prompted an invitation from the world-renowned Cirque du Soleil to join the company as cellist/vocalist for their show, KÀ in Las Vegas at the MGM Grand. Shana performed with Cirque for 5 years before resuming her full-time touring and recording schedule.
Shana's vocals and cello have been featured on several live and critically-acclaimed studio recording projects by both independent and signed artists and producers. She has performed for or recorded with internationally-acclaimed artists, including Norah Jones, Lisa Fischer, Sweet Honey in the Rock, Javon Jackson, the Blind Boys of Alabama, Bennie Maupin, Me’Shell Ndegocello, Indigo Girls, Sigur Ros Orchestra, Toshi Reagon, Tift Merritt, Rissi Palmer, Nnenna Freelon, Will Downing and more. In 2022, President Barack Obama included “Better” by The Foreign Exchange on his highly anticipated Summer Playlist; Shana’s vocals are featured alongside FE+ co-founder Phonte Coleman and NeoSoul crooner Eric Roberson.
Shana’s TV appearances include co-hosting PBS-NC’s “Block Party Live @ Home” (Rootle TV), soundtrack composition/performance credits for The Legacy of Black Wall Street, a 2-part series on OWN Network, episodes from American Masters on PBS, and Webby-nominated animated series, The History of White People in America on World Channel.
In addition to her recording and performing career, Shana is a passionate teaching artist and arts educator, with a focus on serving underserved communities and Title I schools. She has over 20 years’ experience with community engagement, workshops, lesson planning and artist residency facilitation for students of all ages and creative abilities. Shana designs and facilitates workshops for students of all ages, empowering them to discover their creativity and express themselves through music and storytelling. — shanatucker.com
