Champian Fulton Trio - Sometimes I'm Happy (2015) [Hi-Res]

"While Fulton's voice is youthful, her vocals often incorporate the touches of a veteran, including a defiant interpretation of 'When Your Lover Has Gone' that has a sassiness reminiscent of Carmen McRae along with her superb vocal inflections and bebop chops in her driving setting of 'September in the Rain.' Fulton also masters slow ballads, such as Duke Ellington's powerful 'All Too Soon,' in which she communicates the sorrow of lost love desiring a reunion as if she has lived the lyrics. The one piece that is not as well known is 'Whistling Away the Dark' (a superb ballad by Henry Mancini and Johnny Mercer, performed in waltz time), which Fulton skillfully interprets as if it has been a part of her repertoire since she began singing. The closing track features Fulton singing 'Tea For Two' over Miner's walking bass, before she and Tainaka join him for a swinging instrumental break. Fulton is a gifted musician who is deserving of wider recognition." - Ken Dryden, All About Jazz