By j. poet | Published January 2022
When COVID lockdown went into effect, pianist and singer Champian Fulton received notice that her concert dates had been canceled.
After a period of readjustment, she regrouped and started a series of virtual Sunday evening concerts at her home, some solo and some featuring her dad, trumpeter Stephen Fulton. The series was successful, with upwards of 20,000 viewers a week.
Now that things are slowly returning to normal in New York, she’s compiled some of those performances into this album. With the exception of two original instrumental compositions — the bluesy “Midnight Stroll” and “Pass The Hat,” — the material draws on the Great American Songbook. “You’ve Changed” has Champian’s minimal piano figures, heavy on the bass notes, supporting her dad’s improvisations. Her description of an absent lover rings true, describing the attitude of anyone dealing with the pandemic.
Stephen’s muted trumpet ornaments “What Will I Tell My Heart.” Champian’s delivery, alternates between drawn out notes and quiet phrases. When she sings, “I’ll tell them you’ll soon be back, dear,” the implication is her hope for a return to normal interactions. “Blow Top Blues” shows off Champian’s keyboard chops, with clusters of shimmering notes and a resolute walking bass line. Stephen’s muted trumpet adds to the playful aura as Champian sings she’s losing her mind, something everyone can relate to in these times.
Live From Lockdown: I Hadn’t Anyone Till You; You’ve Changed; Satin Doll; Blow Top Blues; Moonglow; What Is This Thing Called Love; What Will I Tell My Heart; Look For The Silver Lining; I Had The Craziest Dream; Pass The Hat; I’m Forever Blowing Bubbles;Midnight Stroll. (63:00)
Personnel: Champian Fulton, piano, voice; Stephen Fulton, flugelhorn, trumpet.
Ordering Info: champian.net
