Champian Fulton
Born in Oklahoma, Champian Fulton has established herself as a world-class jazz pianist and vocalist, earning international acclaim. Her eighth and latest album, Speechless, is a striking departure as her first all-instrumental recording, showcasing her exquisite piano artistry in a trio setting with bassist Adi Meyerson and drummer Ben Zweig. The deep musical rapport within this trio shines throughout the album, allowing them to reach new heights of creative expression with flawless cohesion.
Fulton’s musical foundation was nurtured from an early age by her parents, especially her father, jazz trumpeter and educator Stephen Fulton. The presence of his musician friends—including legends like Clark Terry and Major Holley—inspired her dedication to jazz. Remarkably, her first paid engagement came at age 10 when she performed with her own band at Clark Terry’s 75th birthday celebration. Since then, Fulton’s distinctive and sophisticated skills as both pianist and vocalist have been widely recognized by peers and critics alike.
A vibrant figure on the New York jazz scene, Fulton has shared the stage with musical royalty such as Lou Donaldson, Frank Wess, Eric Alexander, Buster Williams, and Louis Hayes. Internationally, her swinging style and charismatic performances have positioned her as a passionate guardian of jazz’s rich legacy. Her musical heroes include Bud Powell, Red Garland, Erroll Garner, Count Basie, Sarah Vaughan, and Dinah Washington.
Jazz education is a core passion for Fulton, deeply influenced by Clark Terry’s tireless advocacy for jazz perpetuation. Terry personally mentored her in rehearsal techniques, performance etiquette, private teaching, and the business of jazz. Fulton carries forward this legacy by teaching and inspiring students globally through programs such as Litchfield Jazz Camp and the Rutgers Jazz Institute, striving to sustain and grow the jazz language.
Fulton’s discography demonstrates her ambition and growth as an artist. Her debut, Champian with David Berger & the Sultans of Swing (2007, Such Sweet Thunder), followed a two-year residency at New York’s famed Birdland Jazz Club. Subsequent releases—Sometimes I’m Happy (2008, Venus) and The Breeze and I (2010, Gut String)—featured her working trio. Her acclaimed albums Champian Sings and Swings (2013, Sharp Nine) and Change Partners (2014, Cellar Live) were both named among the top 10 releases of their respective years by the New York Observer. Her 2016 release, After Dark, spotlighting Dinah Washington’s repertoire with jazz luminaries David Williams, Lewis Nash, and Stephen Fulton, further cemented her reputation.
Recognized as a Rising Jazz Star by the DownBeat Critics Poll, Fulton’s “galvanizing presence” (The New Yorker) and “alluring musical presentation” (The New York Times) have made her a charming and vital steward of the mainstream jazz tradition.
Born in Oklahoma, Champian Fulton has established herself as a world-class jazz pianist and vocalist, earning international acclaim. Her eighth and latest album, Speechless, is a striking departure as her first all-instrumental recording, showcasing her exquisite piano artistry in a trio setting with bassist Adi Meyerson and drummer Ben Zweig. The deep musical rapport within this trio shines throughout the album, allowing them to reach new heights of creative expression with flawless cohesion.
Fulton’s musical foundation was nurtured from an early age by her parents, especially her father, jazz trumpeter and educator Stephen Fulton. The presence of his musician friends—including legends like Clark Terry and Major Holley—inspired her dedication to jazz. Remarkably, her first paid engagement came at age 10 when she performed with her own band at Clark Terry’s 75th birthday celebration. Since then, Fulton’s distinctive and sophisticated skills as both pianist and vocalist have been widely recognized by peers and critics alike.
A vibrant figure on the New York jazz scene, Fulton has shared the stage with musical royalty such as Lou Donaldson, Frank Wess, Eric Alexander, Buster Williams, and Louis Hayes. Internationally, her swinging style and charismatic performances have positioned her as a passionate guardian of jazz’s rich legacy. Her musical heroes include Bud Powell, Red Garland, Erroll Garner, Count Basie, Sarah Vaughan, and Dinah Washington.
Jazz education is a core passion for Fulton, deeply influenced by Clark Terry’s tireless advocacy for jazz perpetuation. Terry personally mentored her in rehearsal techniques, performance etiquette, private teaching, and the business of jazz. Fulton carries forward this legacy by teaching and inspiring students globally through programs such as Litchfield Jazz Camp and the Rutgers Jazz Institute, striving to sustain and grow the jazz language.
Fulton’s discography demonstrates her ambition and growth as an artist. Her debut, Champian with David Berger & the Sultans of Swing (2007, Such Sweet Thunder), followed a two-year residency at New York’s famed Birdland Jazz Club. Subsequent releases—Sometimes I’m Happy (2008, Venus) and The Breeze and I (2010, Gut String)—featured her working trio. Her acclaimed albums Champian Sings and Swings (2013, Sharp Nine) and Change Partners (2014, Cellar Live) were both named among the top 10 releases of their respective years by the New York Observer. Her 2016 release, After Dark, spotlighting Dinah Washington’s repertoire with jazz luminaries David Williams, Lewis Nash, and Stephen Fulton, further cemented her reputation.
Recognized as a Rising Jazz Star by the DownBeat Critics Poll, Fulton’s “galvanizing presence” (The New Yorker) and “alluring musical presentation” (The New York Times) have made her a charming and vital steward of the mainstream jazz tradition.