At a dinner party hosted by Scott Asen, the founder of Turtle Bay Records, pianist-singer Champian Fulton and altoist/clarinetist Klas Lindquist performed a set of duets. Asen enjoyed the relaxed music so much that he knew that he wanted to record the duo. A few months later at two sessions held at the same location, he achieved his goal.
At Home is Champian Fulton’s 19th album as a leader since 2007. Readers of The Syncopated Times will be well acquainted with her musical talents. Klas Lindquist, who is from Sweden, leads a regular nonet, has worked with top Swedish players (including pianist Jan Lundgren), has been featured with the Stockholm Swing All Stars, and has worked with Champian Fulton when she tours Scandinavia. He has led five albums of his own and early on played trad jazz with the Second Line Jazzband and Kustbandet.
The team of Champian Fulton and Klas Lindquist sounds spontaneous throughout At Home, performing standards, a Blossom Dearie tune, and a blues. They make every note count during their relaxed set. The CD begins with a warm version of “The Very Thought Of You,” a medium-tempo blues (“Don’t Do That To Me”), and a joyful “You Can Depend On Me.” Fulton, who takes vocals on half of the performances, is at her best during a thoughtful and much slower-than-usual version of “Tea For Two” with both of the musicians definitely taking their time.
