
The Central Presents: An Evening With...
*** JACQUALINE TABOR ***
7pm Doors 8pm Show
$10 Adv. $20 Door
21+
Jacqueline Tabor | The Seattle Chanteuse
Jacqueline Tabor stands proudly in the realms of jazz, blues, and swing, captivating audiences with her resounding voice, elegant demeanor, and captivating stage presence. Renowned as one of the foremost vocalists in the region, she has claimed the prestigious Earshot Jazz Vocalist of the Year award on four occasions and has been honored with the Seattle-Kobe Sister City Association Award for her remarkable contributions to cultural exchange.
Also known as the "Seattle Chanteuse," Tabor's distinctive blend of bluesy allure and magnetic charisma infuses her performances with an unparalleled depth of emotion, drawing inspiration from the rhythms of everyday life to convey profound human experiences. From the hallowed influences of Billie Holiday, Nina Simone, and Sarah Vaughn to the contemporary resonance of Cecile McLorin Salvant, her repertoire resonates with a soulful authenticity that transcends time.
A sought-after collaborator, Jacqueline's artistic journey has seen her forge powerful alliances, such as her dynamic partnership with the Seattle Repertory Jazz Orchestra since 2019. Notably, her poignant tribute to Billie Holiday garnered widespread acclaim and recognition, solidifying her status as a transformative force in the jazz landscape.
“Jacqueline Tabor is a joy to work with. Her authentic and heartfelt interpretations of classic jazz pieces and new pieces alike, bring outstanding energy and depth to the stage. Every one of her outings with the Seattle Repertory Jazz Orchestra has been a musical triumph, and we look forward to sharing the stage again with her for many years to come.”- Michael Brockman Co-Director of SRJO
Amidst the challenges of the pandemic, Tabor's creative spirit flourished, leading her to explore new avenues of expression through poetry, original compositions, percussion, Blues, and swing dance. In collaboration with the acclaimed musician Marina Albero, she crafted the captivating production "Don't Explain: A Musical Conversation Between Billie Holiday and Nina Simone," a poignant reflection on resilience and triumph. It was awarded Concert of the Year in 2022 by Earshot Jazz with acclaim and respect from the Seattle community.
Beyond her musical pursuits, Jacqueline Tabor is a dedicated educator, sharing her expertise as a faculty member of the Seattle Jazz Academy and imparting invaluable lessons on performance and authenticity to aspiring vocalists.
As she assumes a role on the Board of Directors for Seattle's own KNKX radio station, Jacqueline Tabor remains steadfast in her commitment to championing equity and inclusion within the arts community, embodying the spirit of a true artist-advocate.
Jacqueline has just been awarded The Jack Straw Residency Program, which offers established and emerging artists in diverse disciplines an opportunity to explore the creative use of sound in a professional atmosphere through residencies in our recording studios and participation in our various presentation programs.
In 2024, Tabor's artistic endeavors reached new heights with successful residencies, international tours, and a landmark album release, date soon to come, under Sun Goose Records, a testament to her enduring creative vitality and the nurturing environment of the Midwest.
Jacqueline Tabor remains a beacon of empowerment, strength, and love, leaving audiences spellbound and yearning for more with each unforgettable performance. Collaborating with a roster of esteemed musicians, she continues to cultivate a community-centered experience that celebrates the rich tapestry of musical diversity.
“Tabor's surprise is her own composition, the namesake of the CD, "Lady in the Gown." Relating a jazz singer's life, this song is jammed with an upbeat spirit of confidence. Tabor lets us know with pluck and humor that she "loves her music just like her man" and that she "rocks it like a queen that's proud." Tabor's love of life and love of music sparkles and beckons through all her songs.”–Lucienne Aggarwal, Earshot Magazine
"Jacqueline Tabor’s voice seems to transcend those modest goals by the sheer perfection of the execution. I know this is a personal thing, but there's something about Tabor's voice that is so exquisitely rendering and so flawless. I don't think she sings one single note that isn't the right note, with the perfect amount of sustained vibrato. Yet there's nothing about her voice that isn't deeply human and touched by the emotions contained in the lyrics."-Marc Phillips, The Vinyl Anachronist
“The Pacific Northwest is ripe with talent from creative talents that lean towards the avant-garde, to rock-based jazz enterprises, to straight-ahead aficionados, to bluesy chanteuses. Vocalist Jacqueline D. Tabor fits squarely in the latter category."-Geannine Reid, All About Jazz
“Tabor has a grasp on multiple genres of music, from jazz, to blues, to Americana to traditional ballads. On her latest release, "The Lady in The Gown," she showcases them all with a voice that is very sweet and pervasively easy to listen to.”-Paul Wilson, Audiophile Review