Champian Fulton

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.

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)

PREVIOUS APPEARANCES INCLUDE:

Ascona Jazz Festival (Swizterland), Rutgers University (USA), Edinburgh Jazz Festival (Scotland), Sunside Jazz Club (France), Jazz at Lincoln Center (USA), Jazz in June (USA), Bansko Jazz Festival (Bulgaria), Detroit Jazz Festival (USA), Rochester Jazz Festival (USA), Litchfield Jazz Festival (USA), Gouvy Jazz Festival (Belgium), Jamboree Jazz (Spain), TanJazz (Morocco), Birdland (Germany), Hot Jazz (Israel), Cellar Jazz (Vancouver Canada), Bemelmans Bar at the Carlyle Hotel (USA), Yardbird Suite (Alberta Canada), Northampton Jazz Festival (USA), JazzTone (Germany), Lockerbie Jazz Festival (Scotland), William Patterson Univesrity (USA), Islay Jazz Festival (Scotland), The Jazz Corner (USA), Ystaad Jazz Festival (Sweden), WDR Big Band (Germany), Lincoln Center (USA), Duc des Lombards (France), The Chicago Humanities Festival (USA), Pizza Express London (UK), Blu+ Jazz Club (USA), Jazz on the Wing (Yukon, Canada), JazzKeller (Germany)

Awards

American Music Harvest Award in 2009 for Best Jazz Vocalist and Pianist of the Year