I want to start out by thanking all of my mailing list subscribers. I go for long stretches sometimes between writing these newsletters so when I do have news I am so glad to be able to reach you to share it. This conduit, via email, is actually the most precious and direct way for me to communicate with you. So THANK YOU for hanging around and for supporting my music by listening and caring. I promise to keep making music that is true to me as an artist and offering it to you with my heart open. My hope is that it resonates.
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So, here is what happened…
Ever since finishing my last album, Gala Gardens, I’ve had this idea of doing a completely unconventional Christmas Album. Jazz singers are supposed to do all those classic jazzy tunes right? I certainly play those gigs, they are a joy and maybe one day I will make that record. But today is about a different kind of Christmas album. I wanted to make an album like Gala Gardens, an instrumental lofi dream jazz album, with loads of trumpet, rich vocal pads, bopping bass lines and hip hop influenced beats. I also wanted it to be drawing from the ancient repertoire, old melodies and songs I’d heard as a child and sung in choirs and while caroling for my neighbours. I wanted to take them apart like jigsaws and remake them into something completely new, purposely leaving out some of the pieces and using distinctive fragments.
So last January I set out to finally make this idea into a reality. And oh boy did I dive in. In my spare time this year I was practically obsessed with the work. I love the creation part of the album cycle and it took a few weeks to flesh out and track the 19 songs. Bless my roommates for letting me keep the decorations up until early February (I needed the atmosphere for inspiration, I swear). After several more weeks of touch ups and mixing I sent it to my close cohort for their thoughts. The main piece of criticism was that they were too subtle, the album wasn’t Christmas-y enough.
In early July I added the BELLS. The finishing touches, like tinsel on the tree making every song sparkle in its own way. In July it’s a funny thing to be in the basement with the strings of lights on in the dark studio, sun blazing through my little window begging me to come outside and play. I knew I needed to take that time though to finish so it would all be ready in time for Christmas.
The day after Halloween (MY BIRTHDAY) seemed like the right day to unleash this beauty. I walked into Canadian Tire a couple of years ago on October 31st to see all of the Christmas decor up for sale already. So basically Halloween is Christmas now. Last year my Halloween costume was as the Ghost of Christmas Present, so a spooky ghost but also Christmas. I was wrapped in string lights and a garland boa and crown. The lights got pretty warm when I was plugged in!
So today it’s out! Winter Gala is a total vibe. I made it to be the soundtrack to your holiday season. Give it a spin, a heart or add on your preferred streaming platform. Request it on your local radio stations. And for those of us who love a physical copy I also pressed CDs! Available now for order (+ download) on my website HERE
I personally love having a CD on in the car — the sound quality is unmatched!
I also have TWO live shows in Vancouver in December to support the album with an amazing live band! Details here:
Winter Gala CD Release Party!
Sun. Dec 1 @ 2:00PM - 4:00PM Hero's Welcome, 3917 Main St., Vancouver, BC Presented by the Infidels Jazz - Minors allowed with parent or guardian. $10 Cover
Unwrapping her new instrumental album Winter Gala, Anita Eccleston Quintet brings a cozy afternoon of instrumental lofi dream jazz. Chill vibes, hip hop beats, improv, all splashed with a touch of that holiday magic. Anita Eccleston - Trumpet/Vox/Piano/Glock/Bells, Ashley Pearce - Electric Guitar, Dean Thiessen - Keyboard/Organ, Russell Sholberg - Electric/Upright Bass, Jamison Ko - Drums with Special Guests Liz Eccleston & Doug Gorkoff. CD's will be on sale for $20 (cash or card). Reservations can be made by calling 1-604-879-1020 or online here: https://heros-welcome.com/reservations/
My first ever Guilt and Co show!
Thurs. Dec 12 @ 7:00PM - 9:00PM Guilt & Company, 1 Alexander Street, Underground, Vancouver, BC Same band in a cellar at night. 19+ only - $6/set
Be sure to follow me on Instagram and YouTube to see the latest news about the album and the really special videos I have been working on. Check out the latest video for “Jingle” HERE
I love you all and wish you a happy Halloween, Diwali, All Saints Day, and Día de los Muertos.
Thank you for listening!
xo - Anita
