Gospel-infused jazz singer-songwriter Michele Thomas’ music is a coalescence of contemporary and straight-ahead jazz stitched with threads of soul – and she brings with that her original compositions along with captivating new jazz arrangements centered around a concept: “What is trust?”.
“Her gospel-Esque chanteuse vocals allow her vibrant and pure-hearted energy to radiate…” ~ Amelia Vandergast, A&R Factory
“Chicago-based singer compels attention through her edgy and intense delivery of standards, lesser-known songs and originals” ~ Bruce Crowther, Jazz Journal
1 review
Cassy A.
April 19, 2016This bands energy and synergies will fill you up. I had the honor of experiencing them at the Uncommon Ground in Chicago last year. Definitely recommend seeing them.
Hired as: Jazz Band, Soul Singer
Michele Thomas Music
Cassy thank you so, so much! :) So happy to hear this and we absolutely loved playing that venue! Hope to be doing it again really soon!
Price range: $600 - $8000
Languages: English
Gig length: 60 - 180 minutes
Insurance: $2,000,000 - COMMERCIAL GENERAL LIABILITY COVERAGE
The daughter of a preacher, Chicago singer Michele Thomas brings an irresistible gospel-soul warmth to jazz.
Michele’s performances, like her music itself, are deep and emotional - blending genres of jazz and soul together with elements of folk and using her voice and songwriting to stir something deeper within people. These performances hearken back to the sensibility of Sarah Vaughan, the atmospheric arrangements of Cassandra Wilson and fervent lyricism of Bill Withers.
Jazz singer-songwriter, entrepreneur, and educator Michele Thomas is a suave innovator. With silken grace she eases in her formative background in gospel, and her love of R&B, soul, and neo-soul, into a musical language that shows a dedication and a passion for jazz, spanning all of its defining eras. Michele’s restless creativity reflects jazz’s improvisatory spirit—for jazz, like life, is a journey and not a destination.
Michele has garnered favorable comparisons to powerful African-American singers such as Ella Fitzgerald, Dianne Reeves, Cassandra Wilson, and Anita Baker, but she also draws inspiration from composer-artists like Kurt Elling, Jon Hendricks, James Taylor, and Sting. She has earned the praise of Warner Bros. recording artist Kevin Mahogany, and Grammy Award-winning jazz artist Yusef Lateef who commented, “(She) has her own vocal sound, which is beautiful by the Grace of God.”
Since her ascent on the Midwest scene, Michele has been profiled in Chicago Jazz Magazine, and interviewed as part of an upcoming documentary called From West to East: The Return of An Interconnected Planet from director Luca Mercuri, who has worked in various contexts on movies such as Mad Max: Fury Road, Fast Five, The Mechanic, and Faster, among others. In May 2021, she was sought out to be on a panel with alongside other noted jazz musicians and educators for Chicago Symphony Orchestra’s series: “Soundpost: Beyond The Page.”
Thomas rounded up an A-list cast of Chicago musicians for her much-anticipated third album The Assumption (released in March of 2022), which casts a light on topics of race, sexism and authority yet, ultimately, celebrates the beauty of life.
Not only does it showcase Michele’s fine songcraft, it also full embraces who she is and where she comes from. It’s a bold synthesis of styles incorporating her gospel roots, her love of folk and neo-soul, and even a passion for rock. Though it siphons from a broad array of stylistic sources, it just feels like the spirit of jazz—an improvisatory music always shapeshifting; never stagnant.
“Thomas is clearly a storied musician, imbibing a host of influences that are resplendently displayed…” ~ Kartik Sundar, Find No Enemy
“Chicago-based singer compels attention through her edgy and intense delivery of standards, lesser-known songs and originals” ~ Bruce Crowther, Jazz Journal
Stage plot and tech rider provided upon request.
Saturday
Michele Thomas Quartet at Pete Miller's Evanston
8:00pm - 11:55pm
Friday
Michele Thomas Quartet at Pete Miller's Evanston
8:00pm - 11:55pm
Saturday
Michele Thomas Quartet at Pete Miller's Naperville
6:00pm - 10:00pm
Friday
Michele Thomas Quartet at Pete Miller's Naperville
6:00pm - 10:00pm
Saturday
Michele Thomas Quartet at Pete Miller's Evanston
7:00pm - 11:00pm
Friday
Michele Thomas Quartet at Pete Miller's Evanston
7:00pm - 11:00pm
Friday
Michele Thomas Quartet at performing at The Chicago Firehouse Restaurant
7:00pm - 10:00pm
Wednesday
Michele Thomas at Speakeasy Wednesdays at Bordel
9:30pm - 11:30pm
Saturday
Michele Thomas Quartet at performing at The Chicago Firehouse Restaurant
7:00pm - 10:00pm
Friday
Michele Thomas Quartet at performing at The Chicago Firehouse Restaurant
7:00pm - 10:00pm
Saturday
Michele Thomas and SoulMeme Performing at Pete Miller's Evanston
7:00pm - 11:00pm
Friday
Michele Thomas and SoulMeme Performing at Pete Miller's Evanston
7:00pm - 11:00pm
Tuesday
Michele Thomas performing at Parker's Restaurant & Bar
6:00pm - 9:00pm
Saturday
Michele Thomas and SoulMeme Performing at Pete Miller's Naperville
6:00pm - 10:00pm
Friday
Michele Thomas and SoulMeme Performing at Pete Miller's Naperville
6:00pm - 10:00pm
Monday
Michele Thomas at Prohibition Repeal Celebration at Bordel
10:30pm - 12:00am (Tue)
Saturday
Michele Thomas Quartet at The Chicago Firehouse Restaurant
7:00pm - 10:00pm
Saturday
Michele Thomas and SoulMeme Performing at Pete Miller's Evanston
7:00pm - 11:00pm
Friday
Michele Thomas and SoulMeme Performing at Pete Miller's Evanston
7:00pm - 11:00pm
Wednesday
Winter's Jazz Club One Year Anniversary
7:30pm - 11:00pm
Saturday
Michele Thomas and SoulMeme Performing at Pete Miller's Naperville
7:00pm - 11:00pm
Friday
Michele Thomas and SoulMeme Performing at Pete Miller's Naperville
7:00pm - 11:00pm
Saturday
Pete Miller's Evanston
7:00pm - 11:00pm
Friday
Pete Miller's Evanston
7:00pm - 11:00pm
Wednesday
Speakeasy at Bordel Chicago
9:30pm - 11:30pm
Friday
Michele Thomas Quartet at Winter's Jazz Club
7:30pm - 11:00pm
Wednesday
Jeff Hedberg & C11 with guest Michele Thomas
8:00pm - 11:55pm
Saturday
Park Forest Art Fair
2:00pm - 3:00pm
Sunday
39th Annual Chicago Jazz Festival
12:30pm - 1:30pm
Wednesday
Michele Thomas at Speakeasy Wednesday at Bordel
9:30pm - 11:30pm
Saturday
Andy's Jazz Club
9:30pm - 12:00am (Sun)
Saturday
Pete Miller's Evanston
7:00pm - 11:00pm
Friday
Pete Miller's Evanston
7:00pm - 11:00pm
Wednesday
Concerts in the Park - Edgerton, WI
7:00pm - 8:30pm
Saturday
Winter's Jazz Club
7:00pm - 11:00pm
Saturday
Pete Miller's- Evanston
7:00pm - 11:00pm
Friday
Pete Miller's- Evanston
7:00pm - 11:00pm
Saturday
Artists of the Wall Festival
4:15pm - 5:30pm
Sunday
Miller Lite Beer Garden at Navy Pier
5:30pm - 8:00pm
Saturday
Pete Miller's - Evanston
7:00pm - 11:00pm
Friday
Pete Miller's - Evanston
7:00pm - 11:00pm
Wednesday
Speakeasy Wednesdays @ Bordel
9:30pm - 11:30pm
Saturday
Pete Miller's - Evanston
7:00pm - 11:00pm
Friday
Pete Miller's - Evanston
7:00pm - 11:00pm
Monday
City Winery - Chicago, IL
7:30pm - 9:30pm
Saturday
Pete Miller's - Evanston, IL
7:00pm - 11:00pm
Friday
Pete Miller's - Evanston, IL
7:00pm - 11:00pm
Wednesday
Bordel - Chicago, IL
10:00pm - 11:00pm
Saturday
Pete Miller's - Evanston, IL
7:00pm - 11:00pm
Friday
Pete Miller's - Evanston, IL
7:00pm - 11:00pm
Friday
Morton Arboretum - Lisle, IL (Private Event)
7:00pm - 11:00pm
Wednesday
Hyatt Regency - Chicago, IL (Private Event)
3:00pm - 6:00pm
Saturday
deca RESTAURANT + BAR | Ritz-Carlton
8:00pm - 11:55pm
Saturday
PJ's Courthouse Tavern & Grille - Sycamore, IL
7:00pm - 8:00pm
Saturday
Adler Planetarium | Café Galileo - Chicago, IL
7:00pm - 8:00pm
Friday
Columbia College - Chicago, IL
7:00pm - 8:00pm
Friday
Mid-America Club - Chicago, IL
7:00pm - 8:00pm
Sunday
Union Church Of Hinsdale - Hinsdale, IL
7:00pm - 8:00pm
Wednesday
Hyatt Regency Chicago - Chicago, IL
7:00pm - 8:00pm
Tuesday
Mid America Club - Chicago, IL
7:00pm - 8:00pm
Friday
JW Marriott Chicago - Chicago, IL
7:00pm - 8:00pm
Saturday
Adler Planetarium | Café Galileo - Chicago, IL
7:00pm - 8:00pm
Friday
Athletic Club at the Hilton Hotel - Chicago, IL
7:00pm - 8:00pm
Saturday
Museum of Contemporary Art - Chicago, IL
7:00pm - 8:00pm
Wednesday
Saint Mary's Episcopal Church - Park Ridge, IL
7:00pm - 8:00pm
Friday
Pier 290 - Lake Geneva, WI
7:00pm - 8:00pm
Saturday
Chicago Hilton - Chicago,IL
7:00pm - 8:00pm
Sample Set List:
(A full song list can be provided to the client)
Set #1
- Pick It Up, Lay It In The Cut (Sharon Jones & The Dap Kings)
- Angel (Anita Baker)
- Dock Of The Bay (Otis Redding)
- Open Your Eyes, You Can Fly (Lizz Wright/Chick Corea)
- My Cherie Amour (Stevie Wonder)
- I Can't Help It (Michael Jackson/Stevie Wonder)
- Love Never Felt So Good (Michael Jackson)
- Come Rain Or Come Shine (Ray Charles)
Set #2
- This Masquerade (George Benson)
- Gee Baby Ain't I Good To You? (Nat King Cole)
- Bye Bye Blackbird (Various artists)
- Baby I Love You (Aretha Franklin)
- Don't You Worry 'Bout A Thing (Stevie Wonder)
- Come Away With Me (Norah Jones)
- Hallelujah I Love Him So (Ray Charles)
- Golden Lady (Stevie Wonder)
- That's It, I Quit, I'm Moving On (Sam Cooke/Adele)
Set #3
- What's Going On (Marvin Gaye/Donny Hathaway)
- Overjoyed (Stevie Wonder)
- Let's Stay Together (Al Green)
- Sunshine (Raul Midon)
- The Bed I Made (Bonnie Raitt)
- Higher Ground (Stevie Wonder)
- Superstition (Stevie Wonder)
- I Can't Make You Love Me (Bonnie Raitt)
Set #4
- Sir Duke (Stevie Wonder)
- Georgia On My Mind (Ray Charles)
- What You Won't Do For Love (Bobby Caldwell)
- Creepin' (Stevie Wonder)
- Like A Star (Corrine Rae Bailey)
- People Make The World Go 'Round (The Stylistics)
- Crazy Love (Van Morrison/Brian McKnight)
Stevie Wonder, Ella Fitzgerald, Cassandra Willson, Sarah Vaughan, Anita Baker, Ray Charles, Dianne Reeves, Kurt Elling, James Taylor, Donny Hathaway, Norah Jones, Diana Krall, Carmen McRae, Sting, Al Green, and much, much more...
“The Michele Thomas quartet was fantastic!! She was very much accommodating to ALL of my song requests, and her performance was amazing, she and her musicians added such a touch to my special evening. Several guests has donned my wedding reception as the 'reception of the century!' Great things are in store for this exceptional musician and when she receives her first Grammy I will be very proud to say. "Hey, she performed at my wedding reception! I want to thank the Michele Thomas quartet for making my wedding reception a most memorable one.” 7/29/2006
– Valerie S.
“Michele is a great talent. Everyone at the event raved about her performance and the variety of music she offered. Working with Michele was great! She was very professional and responsive to our needs. I will definitely be using Michele again for future events.” 2/6/2007
– Marcus T.
“The Michele Thomas Jazz Quartet is amazing. They performed for a fundraiser, and they were awesome! I look forward to working with them again in the future.” 5/5/2007
– Summer P.
John and I were thrilled with Michele from the start! She took care everything and made our wedding celebration simply wonderful. She is a fantastic talent, and excellent to work with! She assembled an amazing set list and went above and beyond by coordinating the entire day & staying flexible to the feel of the reception--we even settled on our first song at the last minute! We had so many complements from our guests, and we loved her music so much, we definitely made the right choice. I was especially pleased when just a week before the wedding Michele was able to make CDs of one of her recordings for us to give to our guests to remember the day. Thanks Michele! 8/2/2008
– Catherine Reinke
Michele and the band were the icing on our wedding cake! Our reception would not have been the same without them. They were fantastic!! Not only are they are brilliant musicians but they were so accommodating and flexible. They made the planning easy and the ambiance magical. I would highly recommend them to perform for any event that requires a distinctive and elegant touch. 3/21/2009
– Courtney Mollan
Jazz Singer
