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Champian Fulton
"...joyfully anchored in a style that’s pure, unmannered swing; She is a superb steward of America’s own music at its best, and that’s a very welcome proposition." CABARET SCENES
About Me
Born in Oklahoma, Champian Fulton has become a world class Jazz pianist and
vocalist with international acclaim. She grew up with music in the home; her
mother and father (Jazz trumpeter and educator Stephen Fulton) recognized her
fascination with music at an early age. The presence of her father’s musician
friends, including Clark Terry and Major Holley, inspired her focus on Jazz. Her
first paid musical engagement was with her own band at Clark Terry’s 75th
Birthday Party; she was 10 years old. Since then, her piano and voice skills have
been recognized by peers and critics as distinctive and sophisticated. This young
woman from Oklahoma captivates audiences in New York’s finest Jazz rooms and
in concert halls around the world.
A mainstay on the vibrant New York Jazz scene, she has performed with musical
royalty such as Lou Donaldson, Frank Wess, Eric Alexander, Buster Williams, and
Louis Hayes. From New York to Barcelona, Champian’s swinging style and
charismatic performances have made her a guardian of the legacy of Jazz.
Champian’s heroes include Bud Powell, Red Garland, Erroll Garner, Count Basie,
Sarah Vaughan, and Dinah Washington.
Jazz education is a concern near and dear to Champian’s heart, having been
inspired by Clark Terry’s tireless advocacy for the perpetuation of the craft. Clark
coached her on rehearsal techniques, performance etiquette, private teaching,
and the business of the Jazz. Champian strives to impart this unique knowledge
to students around the world, while being involved in educational programs such
as Litchfield Jazz Camp and Rutgers Jazz Institute. Her skills as an educator in
Jazz come from the highest authorities as she works to perpetuate the Jazz
language.
Champian is ambitious about recording her music. As a leader she has seven
recordings to her credit while still in her twenties. Her debut album, Champian
with David Berger & the Sultans of Swing (2007 Such Sweet Thunder Records)
was recorded following a two-year residency at the famed New York Jazz Club
Birdland. Her releases Sometimes I’m Happy (2008 Venus Records) and the
breeze and I (2010 Gut String Records) featured her working trio. Champian’s
following two releases, Champian Sings and Swings (2013 Sharp Nine) and
Change Partners (2014 Cellar Live) were both recognized as being “in the top 10
releases of the year” for their respective years (NY Observer). Champian’s new
album, “After Dark” with Jazz luminaries David Williams on bass, Lewis Nash on
drums, and Stephen Fulton on flugelhorn, features the music of Dinah Washington
(Released February 9, 2016).
Recognized as a Rising Jazz Star by the Downbeat Magazine Critic’s Poll,
Champian’s “galvanizing presence” (the New Yorker) and her alluring musical
presentation have made her “a charming young steward of the mainstream Jazz
tradition.” (The New York Times)