Vancouver-based bandleader Anita Eccleston’s acrobatic voice and lyrical trumpet style honour the traditions of jazz, often melding familiar and new in both her large and small ensembles. Her ongoing project showcases original songs and jazz favourites highlighted by instrumental improvisation, sweet sultry vocals, and sweeping cello counterpoint. Her growing passion for jazz ukulele has her adopting a new role as a rhythm player. Her major influences include Ella Fitzgerald, Amy Winehouse, Diana Krall, Miles Davis, Chet Baker and Jake Shimabukuro. Anita’s energetic performances incorporate many styles from jazz to soul, funk, reggae, pop, and the blues