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With “Winter Gala,” Anita Eccleston transforms cherished Christmas carols into a mesmerizing lofi jazz celebration that feels nostalgic. Known for her jazz trumpet mastery and velvet vocals, this album deconstructs familiar holiday tunes, reconstructing them with ambient beats, ethereal vocal layers, and warm brass tones.
The album opens with “Good King,” a track that invites listeners into a cozy winter wonderland. Sleigh bells twinkle against mellow piano chords, while Eccleston’s trumpet exudes a welcoming warmth. The journey continues with “Ding Dong,” where a ukulele’s gentle twang meets rhythmic brass, evoking the glow of a crackling fireplace. The standout single, “Magi,” draws inspiration from We Three Kings, delivering a dynamic blend of driving percussive beats and hopeful trumpet improvisations.
Eccleston doesn’t stop at reimagining classics; she breathes new life into them with unique arrangements. “Shchedryk,” a nod to the Ukrainian Carol of the Bells, dazzles with hip-hop-inspired beats and muted trumpet hooks, weaving an unexpected noir-like energy. Meanwhile, “Jingle” captures the essence of a snowy night, its bassline meandering like footsteps through fresh snow.
Eccleston’s approach feels deeply personal, as if she’s handpicked each element to honor tradition while embracing innovation. The interplay of lofi textures with her expressive trumpet creates a sense of intimacy. The brief track lengths, often under two minutes, give the album a cinematic quality, as though each piece is a vignette in a larger story.
Winter Gala is a masterful reinvention of holiday music, combining technical skill with creative vision. Eccleston’s ability to reimagine these carols into a cohesive and engaging album is nothing short of impressive. Whether it’s the twinkling charm of “Noel” or the rhythmic drive of “Magi,” this album strikes a balance between comfort and surprise.
