Happy 10 Year Anniversary to AFTER DARK
This year marks the 10th anniversary of Champian Fulton’s luminous 2016 musical love letter After Dark, a sophisticated late-night tribute to her early influence, Dinah Washington. With her signature blend of elegant piano and intimate vocals, Fulton, joined by bassist David Williams, drummer Lewis Nash, and her father Stephen Fulton on trumpet and flugelhorn, delivered a collection of standards that feel both timeless and deeply personal—from the playful swing of the opening song “Ain’t Misbehavin’” to the torchy allure of “Mad About the Boy” and the original solo piano closer “Midnight Stroll.” A decade later, After Dark remains a standout in her discography: smoky, mature, and full of the quiet magic that makes Champian one of Jazz’s most captivating voices.
“After Dark was the first album I made that wasn’t with my working band, and it was the first time to dedicate an entire album to one influence. It was a very big project for me, it felt very personal and vulnerable. I remember I was stuck in London the night before the recording session, and my father drove to pick me up at JFK and took me directly to the recording studio in New Jersey that morning. I was exhausted but happy. I remember this recording session very fondly, a memory of success and triumph over disastrous conditions, and of course with David and Lewis in the rhythm section you can’t go wrong. I still perform several of these arrangements, particularly “Mad About the Boy,” which remains a favorite of mine and my listeners.”
“After Dark introduces a more grown-up Fulton. The youthful vivacity that so strongly defined her previous releases cedes to a torchy ripeness.” - JazzTimes
“An album worth spinning anytime of the day, Champian Fulton’s After Dark is a warm and beautiful homage to Dinah Washington containing more than its share of wonderful moments.” - All About Jazz
“What’s most striking is how much care and attention Fulton gives every line, every word: she really sells the lyrics.” - NY Music Daily
“I’d be happy to hear Fulton if she were singing pages from the phone book. Swinging like crazy and burbling with creativity whether she’s singing or playing piano, Fulton, who turned 30 last year, would be a household name if the industry that propelled Norah Jones, Diana Krall and Jane Monheit to stardom could still work its magic.” - Peter Hum, the Ottawa Citizen
We did the photoshoot in the Gramercy neighborhood in New York City and I was so happy with these pictures taken by Tayla Nebesky. It was pretty chilly outside, so we used my car as a changing room and warming station in between shots. I did my own hair and makeup (I used hot rollers!).
