Anita Canada performs

VOCALIST, ANITA CANADA

Jazz mixes with groove and strut!

"An amazing vocalist with gifts and skills on so many levels.

Anita covers the spectrum with varied styles and genres. Her warm tone feeds and excites the soul!"

 "A true contralto who delivers strong vocal ranges that are jazzy, soulful and sultry --

combined with a classic diva cutting edge and a splash of neo soul."

Over the years in Metropolitan Atlanta, Georgia, Anita Canada has mesmerized audiences with a contralto range that adds jazzy urban folk, funk and swing to the most memorable standards of yesteryear and modern day classics, leaving you wanting a little extra for the road. Bottom line, Anita surrenders her soul to the words of a song, conveying its deepest depth of meaning.

A native of Seattle, Washington, Anita was introduced at an early age to four specific genres of music by her father, the late Charles Paul Canada, a U.S. Navy veteran who served in Vietnam and who played the harmonica in a band during regular performances at the former Desert Inn and Stardust hotels in Las Vegas."Dad gave me keepsake albums-- the afro beat sensations of Fela Kuti, the swinging blues of Bessie Smith, the passionate jazz of Billie Holiday, and the reggae rhythms of Bob Marley --all of which have impacted my evolving jazz versions."

Singers who have influenced Anita include Dee Dee Bridgewater, Dianne Reeves, Cassandra Wilson, and the greatness of Abbey Lincoln, Sarah Vaughn, Anita O'Day, Billie Holliday, Frank Sinatra, Peggy Lee and Nina Simone. And, she never leaves a show without her vocal finesse being compared to that of smooth jazz vocalist, Phyllis Hyman.

In addition to her allegiance to jazz, Anita served as lead vocalist for an indie rock band, Ulterior Motives; was lead vocalist for The Timothy Griffin Jazztet; provided background vocals to a gospel CD produced by renowned pianist, Dennis Nunnelley; has served as an understudy in the local stage play, Waiting for the Rainbows of Life®, where she recorded and performs one of its most highly anticipated tracks, "Do Right Man©;" has been the featured vocalist at numerous private special events and fund raisers; has performed at such venues as the 191 Club, Olde Towne Tavern and Grille, South DeKalb Mall Music Fests, Ziggy's Jazz and Blues, and more.

Anita sends a shout out to the late, Ben Wicker, a songwriter, producer, musician dear friend with whom she also shared the stage. In tribute to him, her first solo project will feature a few selections from Ben's original work, including "Private Eye©," in addition to tailored pieces from published songwriter, Lemory Britt.

Anita's vocals are rooted in the Church of Christ, where a cappella worship and praise is served on the regular, and with a joyful noise! Anita has been known to quiet the band in the middle of a set in order to incorporate a verse or two in a cappella. She has provided lead and background vocals to a worship and praise team for over 12 years.