my new song Missing is out today everywhere. really proud of this one, captured all the moods. it's got an ambient techno lofi jazz vibe. enjoy! xo Anita
LISTEN → https://linktr.ee/missingsong

When everything and everyone comes together.

To you my beautiful readers,

The journey of a musician is a bumpy path with twists and turns, and you can never quite predict where it is leading. I am grateful my path led me to this wonderful man, Patrick.

Our wedding music video to go with my new song “Family” is up now on YouTube. We got so lucky with an incredible photo/video team that absolutely captured the essence of the love and happiness we were all feeling on that fine August day.

Please enjoy, from my heart to yours, and know that this new life chapter for me and for my music is going to be fruitful and active.

NEW SPRING SHOWS ANNOUNCED!!
Friday, May 1st, 9:30pm @ Tyrant Studios
Friday, May 8th, 7:00pm @ Guilt & Co

WATCH THE VIDEO HERE!

I had two things I really needed to do in 2025. Get married to my longtime partner/fiancé Patrick, and release at least one song. The wedding, from planning stages to the big day and then recovery in the aftermath, was a massive undertaking. During this time I snuck in one immersive music production weekend in March. After the wedding I wanted to have original music to accompany the wedding video, so I got to work recording trumpet and vocals to finish an upbeat tune I’d made in that little window in March. 

It wholly encapsulates the love that I was feeling that day. Giving and receiving, it was one of the most intense and extraordinary experiences of my life. I did not anticipate how much MORE happy I would become with a beautiful ring on my finger encompassing my deep love and partnership with Patrick. The etchings of our beloved beardies Rey and Louis tying our little family into one unit. Love spills all over the song. There is a depth of warmth I’ve never quite captured before. The title “Family” came organically as I realized that in 2025 family was my theme for the year. 

So today I present to you my year end project and new favourite song. This optimistic and curious melodic refrain can set the mood for 2026, where love, hope, truth and authenticity and will carry us all forward. 

As always, thank you for listening,

Anita

P.S. the full music video is coming soon. Final edits are happening now. 💛

Song Credits:
Music production by Anita Eccleston. 
Mastered by Chris Gestrin (Public Alley 421).
Cover and promo photography by Roberto Florencio.
Cover art design by Anita Eccleston and Patrick Collins.
Ring design/creation by Alex Christian (Treedgems). 

Family is ONE STOP for any music supervisors interested in sync.

I have two lovely things to share with you today.

First – I have published the long awaited full concert video of Gala Gardens LIVE at Frankie’s After Dark on Youtube. CHECK IT OUT It’s really cool to hear the album come alive and I’m so grateful for the excellent video and sound coverage by David Spidel from Spi-Fi Mediahat beautiful night. Shout out to Infidels Jazz for having us.

Second -- BIG NEWS: I have a concert in Vancouver next week to do it again for Jazz Vespers at St Andrew’s-Wesley United Church (1022 Nelson St). Sunday June 1st, 4-5PM.

Jazz Vespers is a presentation imbued with spirituality and depth. The sextet will perform selected songs from Gala Gardens. Improvised sections flowing through refrains over hypnotic beats. It is serene music about rebirth, growth and patience.

Tickets are by donation, all are welcome. 4-5pm June 1st 2025

Anita Eccleston Sextet: 
Anita Eccleston - Trumpet, Flugelhorn, Vox Pads, Vocals 
Ashley Pearce - Electric Guitar 
Elizabeth Eccleston - Electric Ukulele, Oboe, English Horn 
Dean Thiessen - Keyboards, Piano 
Russell Sholberg - Electric Bass 
Nino DiPasquale - Drums

CDs will be available at the performance by cash or card.

Have a great week! I love you all. ♫

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.

If you haven't joined my mailing list yet scroll to the top of my homepage and get on the list. Social media is too finite and fickle.

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

It has been a strange year. 

While tracking demos for a future vocal album a war broke out in Ukraine. I wrote a song for the people of Ukraine. These are compositions I am working to release, however I got sidelined unexpectedly. 

During March I felt overwhelmed. I started learning midi because I wanted to make beats for a chill track, quick and unapologetic. A song for me without any regard for what I had ever made before. I tried to make a lo-fi track in a day. It was so fun. By April I’d created 11 songs. A mosaic of melodies, the songs are comforting and relaxing. Warm vocal harmonies paint soundscapes for intricate refrains and counterpoint. Improvised trumpet and electric ukuleles groove over laid back lo-fi hip hop beats. Being able to create it all on my own was so liberating. I was putting solid ground under my feet and taking control of my life through creation. It felt natural. 

Throughout the pandemic my garden has been a safe haven. A place where I’ve spent many hours, be it in the labour of growing the vegetables, or simply reading in the afternoon sun with my bearded dragon. When reflecting on the feelings I expressed through each song, I found aspects of wonder and a connectedness to the natural world. Where these songs came from and how they were connected to my own relationships to nature. 

I am pleased to release my new instrumental album, Gala Gardens on November 4th, 2022. I wrote, produced and mixed it myself, and brought in Chris Gestrin (Public Alley 421) to master it. I enlisted Emily Valin (EACV Designs) to create the artwork, a fantasy garden fit for a gala. The first single is “Golden Hour” for which I co-produced a super sweet music video with Patrick Collins (Alwaysfurther Films). 

So yeah, I accidentally made an instrumental lo-fi jazz album this year and it’s my new desert island disk. I have changed, grown into a different kind of creator. It is a new chapter on my musical journey and in my life. I remain plotting my next vocal release, anticipating now a shift in style and interpretation. All good things in time. 

Please sit back and enjoy Gala Gardens. It is the best music I have ever made.

Here are some things that you can do to support this work and help it reach to more ears. It all makes a huge impact and means everything to me to have your help. 

• Purchase a digital copy or CD + digital directly from my website
   
• Save it to your library or "heart" it on your streaming service of choice 
   
• Add songs from Gala Gardens to playlists 
   
• Follow me on Spotify and Subscribe on YouTube 
   
• Use these songs as your "sound" on TikTok vids or Instagram reels & stories 
   
• Mention it to friends, play it for them when they visit, share it on your socials, etc. 

Thank you so much! xo Anita

I made you a present. 

'Long Nights' is a cozy new holiday song with a laid-back jazzy vibe, brimming with nostalgia for family Christmases. 

Sometimes songs take a while and sometimes they pour out in a couple of days. I wrote this one quite rapidly last December. I missed my family, and wanted to paint a tribute in song to our memories and traditions together. 

I engineered it at home and banded together with exquisite cellist Doug Gorkoff (The Living) on the recording. Kris Ruston (Death Mountain Sound) mixed and Chris Gestrin (Public Alley 421) mastered the track. I partnered up with Patrick Collins (Alwaysfurther Films) to create a sweet and intimate music video to capture the soul of 'Long Nights.' 

Today I am so pleased to present my new single to you. A personal song from me to you, warm and full of love. Watch and share the video here.

Happy Victoria Day! All kinds of good news and goodies to share with you today. 

NEW ALBUM REVIEW:
So thrilled by this new review from Dave O Rama of More Trumpet in BC Musician Magazine. http://www.bcmusicianmag.com/anita-eccleston-more-trumpet-cd-review/

NEW CMW VIDEOS:
Here's a playlist of videos from my appearance at The Paddock in Toronto with the sensational pianist Steve Amirault, performing at Canadian Music Week 2017. Please share recklessly and muchly!

RADIO INTERVIEW:
While I was in Toronto I also had a chance to sit down with Valerie and Ashley for Mix Sessions at CIUT 89.5 FM (Radio of University of Toronto) for an interview.
You can listen to it here: http://www.ciut.fm/shows-2/the-archive/

Pictured above is the endless sunset I flew into on my way home to Vancouver after the whirlwind trip to Toronto.

Glad to be home and enjoying some time digging in the garden in today's sunshine, all ready and set to perform tonight at my my monthly installment of jazz at The Kino (3456 Cambie - 9PM) in Vancouver. xo

More Trumpet is out now and the reviews are HOT! 

You can preview the album NOW here on my website: anitaeccleston.com/music  or use this direct link to full streaming to preview: https://bandzoogle.com/albums/144554/3240957258/448621.html 

Available for download NOW on CD Baby or iTunes! for only $6.93 CAD!!! 

I am super excited for the party tonight at The Kino (3456 Cambie) in Vancouver. 8-11pm, by donation. Learn more here: FB Event

PS. I could not have made this album without the help of my players: Andrew Smith (Guitar & Vocals), Graham Clark (Bass), Doug Gorkoff (Cello), and my production team: Trevor Lorence (Engineering), David Spidel (Engineering & Mixing), Chris Gestrin (Mastering) and Natasha Tentes (Artwork). 

P.P.S. I would like to add that this album was inspired by and is dedicated to my dear friend Peter Collins, a man who had limitless talent and the voice of an angel, who believed in me when I was at my lowest, and who taught me to believe in myself. He is missed every day, and never forgotten.

Summertime... and the living is out there...

Jazz festival season is always my favorite time of the year. It comes and goes so fast and I always miss a few shows, while taking in as many as possible, some really tough choices to decide between this year! For my own performance I brought a 9-piece band to the Railspur Stage on Granville Island for Van Jazz Fest Canada Day Celebrations. I had my twin Elizabeth backing me up on Vocals (pictured right, with our mother), Heather Anderson on trumpet, Ben Henriques on tenor sax, Doug Gorkoff soaring on cello, Andrew Smith (of Sweetpea Swing Band), on guitar and uke, Graham Clark on bass, and fellow Kamloopsians Kris Ruston on keys and Richard Graham on drums. It was EPIC! What a powerhouse behind me! I feel so lucky to be able to do what I do and continually develop my craft and my material. Thank yous go to everyone who has ever encouraged me, given me an opportunity, and for all who believe in the dream I have of putting out real, world class, honest music. My goal is always to connect with you, whether it's the way I sing or play a line, to the words I write or songs I choose to play, you are always in my mind and in my heart.

With the intensity (jazz binging) of the 10 days of the TD Vancouver International Jazz Festival behind me I look upon the next 2 months with a longing to relax, hit the beach, and soak up the patio life. However so far the 10 days since the festival have proven to be packed with hilarious costumed gigs. From "Bollywood" Indian brass bands to an appearance with Las Estrellas de Vancouver (Mariachi) at the tremendous Carnival del Sol (left), coupled with sweet little jazz performances. So far July seems a like it has more surprises in store.

My plans for the summer are to finish recording my new jazz album. I hope to be able to release it in the early fall, and am gearing all my focus that direction.

If you would like to hear me perform you can catch me in Vancouver at The Kino (3456 Cambie) July 25th and August 22nd, 9pm by donation. I play there on the 4th Monday of every month.

For my hometown crowd in Kamloops: I will be appearing at Riverside Park - Music in The Park on August 13th with a large band (deets TBA). 7PM, free. It has been too long since I voyaged across the Cascades to the meeting of the Thompson rivers, and WAY TOO LONG since I got to eat yummy Senor Froggy!

Aside from recording and performing, this summer I will be writing and developing new songs for another original album, off in the future. Hopefully with my ukulele at a beach. :)  May your summer be splendid and filled with love and fun! xo Anita