by Noah Sebourn
If you haven’t witnessed the powerhouse vocals of Morgan James, Jazz Alley is giving you the chance.
Her versatility and soulful sound make her one of today’s most sought-after artists. With an impressive list of credits spanning from Broadway to a demanding touring schedule, Morgan is more than just a singer—she’s an artist who reminds us what it truly means to be a musician.
Seattle audiences will have two opportunities to see why she’s so highly praised when Dimitriou’s Jazz Alley welcomes her back for two shows: Tuesday, June 10, and Wednesday, June 11, 2025, at 7:30 p.m.—a venue that holds a special place in her heart.
“The first time I ever played Seattle, when I first started touring like 13 years ago, was at Jazz Alley,” Morgan recalls. “I think maybe 20 people came. Over the years, I built a following, and Seattle has become one of my biggest markets. It’s just been such an amazingly friendly place to tour.”
That kind of steady, grassroots growth is symbolic of who Morgan James is—an artist who has built her career brick by brick, fan by fan, always putting in the work. Whether she’s belting out soul originals, reimagining hard rock through a 1970s funk lens, or performing with symphonies, her commitment to live artistry never wavers—and it’s one of the many reasons she remains in constant demand.
Luckily, she’s not doing it alone. She’ll be joined by her incredible band of musicians: Doug Wamble (guitar), Sarah Gooch (drums), Spencer Murphy (bass), and Jon Thomas (keys). Together, they form a powerhouse ensemble that brings R&B, jazz, funk, and soul music to life.
“I perform probably at least 120 dates a year. Last year, I flew about 300,000 miles—not even counting the driving!” she laughs. “And the hard part isn’t the number of shows—it’s that they’re all different. One week I could be doing a duo show with my husband, a full band show, and three symphony concerts with totally different material.”
What to Expect from Morgan James
Morgan’s passion is not only infectious but also boundless, with an undeniable work ethic and deep commitment to her craft. This June, she brings that dynamism back to the Pacific Northwest, including a stop in Portland on June 8 before her highly anticipated Seattle shows. Fans can expect something extra special this time, as she celebrates the 10th anniversary of her debut album, Hunter.
“I’ll be singing songs I don’t always get to sing—music from Hunter and stories from my journey. You know, you sing a song for years and then put it away. Now I get to put that coat back on—it feels so good.”
Her Jazz Alley sets will feature her original soul music, fan favorites, and a few surprise covers. But don’t expect backing tracks or auto-tuned vocals—this is real music.
“In this day and age, live singing is becoming a dying art,” Morgan says. “I never sing with tracks. Everything I do comes from a tradition of live singing and storytelling. That’s what I want people to know about me.”
Morgan’s musical journey began in junior high and eventually led her to New York’s famed Juilliard School, where she studied classical voice. After years of paying her dues on Broadway, including roles in five major productions, she found her groove as a solo artist and launched a recording career that continues to evolve and surprise.
This August, Morgan will release her sixth studio album—The Soul Remains the Same—an electrifying, soul-drenched reimagining of iconic hard rock anthems from the ’80s and ’90s.
“We’re taking songs by ACDC, Metallica, Soundgarden, Pearl Jam, and putting them through the lens of James Brown, Aretha Franklin, and Funkadelic,” she says. “It’s a concept album and one of the most fun projects I’ve worked on.”
Produced with her husband, Doug, the album is a fearless blend of homage and innovation that exemplifies her bold musical spirit.
Many fans first discovered Morgan through her viral performances with Scott Bradlee’s Postmodern Jukebox. Her jaw-dropping renditions of “Take Me to Church,” “Dream On,” and “Maps” introduced her to a global audience.
“I call PMJ the gateway drug,” Morgan jokes. “It’s been 10 years since I toured with them, but those videos brought me so many loyal fans. And what’s great is—they’re seeing the real me. Those are live vocals. That’s my voice.”
And if her genre-hopping wasn’t enough, Morgan made history in 2017 by originating the role of Jesus in an all-female studio cast of Jesus Christ Superstar—a project she produced and assembled herself. The recording features a jaw-dropping lineup of talent, including Cynthia Erivo and Shoshana Bean.
“It’s probably the project I’m most proud of. It almost killed me—it was so hard to get off the ground,” Morgan reflects. “But being in the room with that many powerful women, including the all-female orchestra and creative team, was unforgettable. We bent over backward for each other. It was all love and respect.”
That recording remains one of the most innovative interpretations of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s rock opera and a testament to Morgan’s vision as a leader, creator, and artist.
She’s Doing the Work
Even with a packed tour schedule, Morgan keeps her instrument in top form. When asked how she manages such a grueling pace, she doesn’t just acknowledge it—she explains how she makes it work.
“I try to sleep, drink lots of water, and I don’t drink alcohol on the road,” she says. “But most importantly, I stay in my voice lessons. My technique has to be in tip-top shape with all these different styles I’m doing.”
She’s always growing and exploring new sounds. Still, some constants remain. Just as she inspires others, she continues to be inspired herself.
“My trinity of vocal inspiration is Aretha Franklin, Nina Simone, and Mariah Carey,” she says. “Aretha is my number one. When she covers a song, it becomes the definitive version. That’s the power of interpretation.”
What’s Next?
Could Broadway be in her future again?
“There’s a chance,” Morgan teases. “But it would have to be something really special. I love touring too much to give it up—unless the right role came along. Maybe something written for me or a fantastic revival.”
Whatever comes next, Morgan James remains a beacon of artistic integrity in a world often dominated by autotune. Her voice is pure, her stories are real, and her passion is contagious. Whether you discovered her through Postmodern Jukebox, Broadway, or her original music, there’s no better way to experience the force of nature that is Morgan James than live and in person.
Catch her at Dimitriou’s Jazz Alley on Tuesday, June 10, and Wednesday, June 11, 2025, at 7:30 p.m.
Advanced table purchases/reservations can be made on our website at jazzalley.com or by phoning Jazz Alley at 206-441-9729 and are always advised. Purchases are non-refundable. All shows are all ages. FREE PARKING is available at 2010 5th Avenue night of show. Full menu available at all shows and dining is optional.
