Christopher Loudon for JAZZTIMES August 2010

On Champian Fulton's 2007 debut, the simply titled "Champian", recorded with David Berger's 15-member Sultans of Swing, the young singer-pianist seemed to embody a cross-section of big-band era vocalists, echoing the verge of Ella Mae Morse and Betty Hutton on the upbeat numbers while replicating the sweetness of the formative Doris Day on the ballads. Solid as that album was, this decidedly more intimate follow-up provides a far better showcase, particularly for Fulton's considerable piano skills. Alongside drummer Fukushi Tainaka and bassist Neal Miner, Fulton settles into an easy, assured groove reminiscent of Carmen McRae's best live recordings.

Vocally she is, like McRae, a knot of compelling contradictions, at once tart and sweet, soft and firm, forceful and coy. Again her focus is on Tin Pan Alley material that was antique before she was born, navigating such chestnuts as "Say It Isn't So," "I'm Confessin," "If I Had You," and "The One I Love Belongs to Somebody Else" with polished maturity. Five of the 13 tracks are instrumentals, including a vivacious "Sheik of Araby," a delightfully furtive "Land's End" and an Oscar Peterson-worthy ramble through the title tune. All number among the album's best, and suggest that Fulton's career prospects would be just as promising if she never sang another note.