Summer Queen 2016, SJ Tucker

Any self-respecting lover of fairy tale, myth, and folklore winds up listening to music that can’t be found on the Top Forty charts (except, perhaps, the unofficial ones at science fiction conventions). There are, perennially, an astonishing number of efforts to merge music and myth that, while sincere, dedicated, and hopeful, are … well … less than stellar.

Never mind those well-intentioned folks. They’re having fun. Nothing wrong with that.

But once in a while, a voice soars out above the rest, braiding raw talent, dedicated practice, and boundless passion into a remarkable blend. S.J. Tucker is such a voice. Her music is an instant addiction; her voice is described by one of our reviewers as “powerful, hypnotic, untamed and yet utterly controlled.” Her musical compositions are original, often witty; layered with meaning, and  always dynamic.

(Can you tell we’re happy that she’s our Summer Queen this year? Yeah, well, you should hear the ravens. We can barely hear ourselves think some days, when they fall to speculative gossip about what she’ll say in her speech and interview.)

To whet your appetite for those formal meetings, we’ve gathered together a collection of our S.J. Tucker-related reviews. First up is the aforementioned review praising our Summer Queen as “powerful, hypnotic”, etc etc; that one deals with a live concert at the Red and Black Café. Next we offer a look at For the Girl in the Garden and Solace and Sorrow, two collaborative projects involving Cathrynne Valente’s Orphan’s Tales duology. “Tucker’s voice practically sizzles”, says the reviewer. Step right this way to read more about that!

Then there’s Haphazard, an album described, in part, as “bluesy, whiskey music….there isn’t a weak track here.” If that captured your attention, click here to read more about this album.

We’ll close this post with a look at a book, Ravens in the Library, a magical creation in and of itself; a spontaneous expression of love by S.J. Tucker’s fans during a time of dire need. Read more about how this book helped her over thisaway.

Those reviews don’t cover all of Tucker’s catalog, not by a long shot; she has several more albums already released and more in the works; but it’s enough to give you a good notion of just why she’s impressed us all do deeply. For the full list of Tucker’s musical history, and a chance to listen to her music for free, please visit her Web site.

And do keep an eye on this space, as High Summer approaches….the time when our Summer Queen takes her throne at last!