Tia Fuller Takes "Decisive Steps" In Jazz

This article was originally published by the Pioneer Newspaper at California State University, East Bay on June 7, 2012

Taking giant steps on SF Jazz’s stage in 5-inch stilettos, saxophone blowing, Tia Fuller’s performance commanded a standing ovation from jazz enthusiast at the Yerba Buena Center For The Arts.

Clad in a skintight reptile print short dress with sparkling embellishment, baring bronze shapely legs, Fuller gave her audience an unforgettable show.

On stage Fuller’s horn becomes an extension of her body. Her artistic expression is strong, agile, and buoyant. Fuller’s elegant full-bodied saxophone lines effortlessly improvise many moods and grooves.

Backed by an equally yoked quartet, show-stopping Ralph Peterson heated up the drums with Orin Evans on piano and Alexander Toth on bass.

Fuller’s artistry, versatility and ingenuity in musicianship illuminated the stage.

As a composer and bandleader, Fuller’s compositions are an illustration of swinging forward into the next level of life and being consistent in the mindset of progress and greatness.

Fuller has released three albums: Decisive Steps, Pillar of Strength, and her debut album on the Mack Avenue Records label, Healing Space. Healing Space a collaboration with trumpeter Sean Jones.

Moving miles ahead, advancing the jazz continuum, while remaining open and engaged in other musical dimensions, Fuller is also known for performing center stage with superstar Beyoncé.

“After performing with Beyoncé, I saw how she communicated with her audience and brought them 
into the music,” said Fuller. 

 

The sultry saxophone player’s musical identity was formed long before she joined the all-female backup band of hit-making singer Beyoncé.

Fuller's storyline began in Aurora, Colorado, where she grew up the daughter of two musically inclined schoolteachers/administrators.

Fuller’s art and jazz filled childhood included listening to John Coltrane, Sarah Vaughn and Charlie Parker with her musician parents. 

Her father Fred plays bass, her mother Elthopia sings, and her older sister, Shamie Royston, is a talented pianist who, sometimes gigs with Fuller's band.

Sister Shamie Royston is a composer in her own right. Royston is the wife of drummer Ruddy Royston.

At age three, Fuller began playing classical piano. By the age of nine she played flute and by high school she began playing saxophone.

Continuing her musical education at Spelman College in Atlanta, GA, Fuller graduated Magna Com Laude in 1998 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Music. Fuller received a Master’s Degree in Jazz Pedagogy and Performance from the University of Colorado at Boulder.

“When I went to grad school to get my Masters, I realized that I truly enjoyed teaching. It was something that was almost genetically passed down, that I couldn't get away from even if I wanted to, said Fuller."

Even though Fuller’s current performing schedule precludes a regular teaching post, she is often a guest lecturer and teaches ensembles and master classes at universities and jazz festivals while touring.

 

The dynamic saxophonist has been featured in Jazz Improv Magazine, Down Beat magazine and many other print and online publications.

Following the footsteps of masters like Cannonball Adderley, Jackie McLean and Kenny Garrett, Fuller’s credits include a long list.

Fuller has performed with T.S. Monk, John Faddis, Jimmy Health, the Duke Ellington Big Band, Wycliffe Gordon, Nancy Wilson and many more.

While her lists of credits shine bright, Fuller has endured her share of gender issues as a female saxophone player.

A woman is first greeted with raised curiosity and skepticism when she shows up for an audition or a jam session, especially with a horn. There is a buzz throughout the entire building before she plays a note.

“There have been those who have had problems with me being a female horn player, expecting me to constantly prove myself, and wanting to tell me how to dress,” said Fuller.

Creating amazing bodies of work, Fuller leads the pack as women jazz horn players become more ubiquitous. 

At home at all points of the music-verse, her show stopping, scintillating, swinging jazz performances and recordings represent today’s modern female musician.