Jazz Artist Champian Fulton in Concert Oct. 11

Furman University Department of Music will host a concert featuring internationally acclaimed Jazz vocalist and pianist Champian Fulton Tuesday, Oct. 11 at 8 p.m. in Daniel Recital Hall on the Furman campus.

The concert is open to the public. Tickets are available at the door and are $5 for adults and $3 for students. Cost is free for Furman students with valid ID.

Born in Oklahoma, Champian Fulton grew up with music in the home. Fulton’s mother and father (Jazz trumpeter and educator Stephen Fulton) recognized their daughter’s fascination with music early on. At age 10, Fulton and her band performed their first paid musical engagement—the 75th birthday party for renowned Jazz trumpeter the late Clark Terry (1920-2015).

Influenced by family friends Terry and Major Holley, Fulton has become a mainstay on the New York Jazz scene. She has performed with musical icons Lou Donaldson, Frank Wess, Eric Alexander, Buster Williams, and Louis Hayes. From New York to Barcelona, Fulton’s swinging style and charismatic performances have secured her role as a guardian of the Jazz legacy. Among Fulton’s heroes are Bud Powell, Red Garland, Erroll Garner, Count Basie, Sarah Vaughan, and Dinah Washington.

Inspired by Clark Terry’s tireless advocacy for Jazz, Fulton has a passion for education. Clark coached her on rehearsal techniques, performance etiquette, private teaching, and the business of the Jazz. Fulton strives to impart this knowledge to students around the world, while being involved in educational programs such as Litchfield Jazz Camp and Rutgers Jazz Institute.

Fulton has six 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) features her working trio. Fulton’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). Her 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.

For more information, contact the Furman Music Office at 864-294-2086, or visit Fulton’s website at http://www.champian.net/.