The Department of Music at the College of Charleston and the “Quentin E. Baxter Presents…” series will present the Champian Fulton Quartet on Wednesday, May 3, 2017. Jazz pianist and vocalist Champian Fulton will be joined by Stephen Fulton on trumpet, Dor Samoha on bass, and Fukushi Tainaka on drums.

A mainstay on the vibrant New York jazz scene, Fulton has performed with musical royalty such as Lou Donaldson, Frank Wess, Eric Alexander, ‪Buster Williams, and ‪Louis Hayes. From New York to Barcelona, Fulton’s swinging style and charismatic performances have made her a guardian of the legacy of jazz. Her heroes include ‪Bud Powell, Red Garland, ‪Erroll Garner, ‪Count Basie, ‪Sarah Vaughan, and ‪Dinah Washington.

When originally booked this past October (cancelled due to Hurricane Matthew), Fulton was celebrating her sixth recording as a leader – “After Dark” with jazz luminaries David Williams on bass, ‪Lewis Nash on drums, and Stephen Fulton on flugelhorn – featuring the music of ‪Dinah Washington. Now, Fulton has yet another release, “Speechless,” and the audience in Charleston will be among the first to hear it. (Listen to audio: champian.net/speechless)

Fulton muses, “Last month, I released my latest project, “Speechless” on PosiTone Records. This recording project was something entirely new for me, because it features nine original instrumental compositions (meaning: there’s no singing on this album). I viewed this project as an opportunity to focus on composing and my love of the piano unencumbered by singing, and I am so happy to say the project has been received well by not only my fans, but the Jazz community in general.”

“Speechless” is currently chart bound on JazzWeek and has received many rave reviews. It will be featured in Downbeat and Jazztimes over the summer.

The performance will take place on Wednesday, May 3, 2017 at 7:30 p.m., at the Recital Hall in the Simons Center for the Arts, 54 Saint Philip St. General admission is $20, and $10 for all college students and those 18 and under. Tickets are available at baxtermusic.org or at the door.