Andrea Canter for Jazz Police (April 2010)

This recording has swinging energy from the git-go from pianist/vocalist Champian Fulton. The Norman, OK native who currently holds a steady gig at Birdland has put together a wide-ranging collection of thirteen tunes for her third outing, from the wholly familiar “Day In, Day Out” and “Easy to Love” to less-often-heard covers from the likes of Harold Land and Ernesto Lecouna, and even an arrangement of “The Sheik of Araby.” Fulton is joined by two classy veterans, bassist Neal Miner and drummer Fukushi Tainaka, on this family-produced affair (producers are parents Stephen and Susan Fulton). As a pianist, Fulton is entirely engaging; she could readily go the straight instrumental route—just listen to her whirl around “The Sheik of Araby” with Miner and Tainaka in hot pursuit. So why aren’t more jazz musicians tackling this tune? “Easy to Love” and “My Heart Stood Still” are also easy-to-love instrumental tracks showing off Fulton’s speed, dexterity, and never-failing swing, as well as the empathetic collaboration of the trio. As a vocalist, Fulton sells her stories with a sense of time and phrasing that honors her muses, Sarah Vaughan and Dinah Washington, among others. But as charming as she is vocally, it’s her vivacious piano that really sells The Breeze and I.