This episode of Electric Violins Shop's "Rockstar Violinist" podcast features one of our own--EVS staff cellist Shana Tucker! Sadly, we don't see as much of Shana in the shop as we'd like to these days, but that's only because as an in-demand performer, recording artist and educator she is practically always booked!

Above and beyond playing the cello, Shana is also a talented singer-songwriter. With a deep respect for lyrical storytelling, she delivers a unique voice through her self-described genre of ChamberSoul™. Shana's melodies weave strong hints of jazz, classical, soulful folk, acoustic pop and a touch of R&B into a distinctive rhythmic tapestry.

An NPR interview about Shana's debut CD, "SHiNE" and her ChamberSoul style prompted an invitation from Cirque du Soleil to join the company as cellist/vocalist for their show, KÀ in Las Vegas, where she stayed and performed for five years before returning to North Carolina.Shana is currently a featured artist performing with legendary jazz saxophonist/composer Bennie Maupin; jazz drummer/composer Shirazette Tinnin and Sonic WallPaper; Grammy-nominated NuSoul collective, The Foreign Exchange. Her newest project, Women's Work, a female-led collective of jazz, soul and pop singer-songwriters and musicians representing both east and west coasts.

Having opened for internationally-acclaimed artists including Norah Jones, Lisa Fischer, Sweet Honey in the Rock, Hamiet Bluett, Javon Jackson, the Blind Boys of Alabama, and Indigo Girls, Shana's vocals and cello are featured on several studio and live recording projects by both independent and signed label artists and producers. She also devotes a considerable amount of her time to working with students in schools & universities, community centers and summer camps throughout the year as part of her mission to promote arts education programming for students of all ages.

Shana Tucker is an NS Design artist and plays a 'US5' 5-string electric cello, which is the US-made predecessor to their current CR5 model. You can learn more about her at shanatucker.com.

Music heard in this episode:

Intro Music - "The Precious Ones” from the Shine album
"No Get Back" from the Shine album
"Be Still My Beating Heart" - from YouTube
"In the Moment" - Single
"What’s Love Got To Do With It" - Single
"November" from the Shine album
"Shine" from the Shine album

Rockstar Violinist is the Electric Violin Shop podcast, hosted by Matt Bell and featuring interviews with the most creative and noteworthy electric strings performing and recording artists. Electric Violin Shop is the world leader in amplified strings. Shop at www.electricviolinshop.com or contact us at info@electricviolinshop.com for advice.