The Malta Jazz Festival will present world class jazz musicians between 16 and 18 July in the magnificent setting of Ta’ Liesse, Malta’s Grand Harbour, Valletta. All performances start at 8pm. Experience a magical night with the Brad Mehldau Trio and Maraca on 16 July. The Oliver Degabriele Trio, the Kurt Rosenwinkel Band and Eliane Elias will delight us with their performance on the 17 July. The Dominic Galea Trio, the John Scofield Piety Street Band and Miguel Zenon Quartet will entertain audiences on the 18 July.

The jazz festival will expose the audience to the big names in contemporary jazz whilst presenting an eclectic programme to suit all tastes. From danceable salsa to the lulling sway of bossa nova, from the introspective dialogues of the piano trio to the infectious grooves of gospel, blues and r&b. All the artists featuring in this year’s festival have one thing in common – a strong jazz element.

Lovers of latin music will certainly appreciate Cuban artist Orlando “Maraca” Valle – a huge name in the world of salsa and latin jazz. Eliane Elias is a Brazilian pianist and singer whose album Dreamer has reached #1 on the Jazz Charts USA and France, #3 on the Pop Charts in France and #4 on the Billboard charts in the USA. For her performance at the Malta Jazz Festival she will be accompanied by the legendary bass-player Marc Johnson, Rafael Barrata and Rubens de la Corte. Brad Mehldau, a performer who has redefined the sound of the piano trio, will be one of the highlights of the festival and will certainly return Malta to its prestigious position on the European Jazz festival circuit. John Scofield’s performance promises to be very unique, through his blues/gospel/r&b music which has a New Orleans flavour. Professional bass player Oliver Degabriele will be joined on stage by vocalist Alison Galea, whilst Dominic Galea will be presenting a set of new compositions in the be-bop vein. Kurt Rosenwinkel accompanied by Eric Revis and Rodney Green will mesmerise the audience through his Jazz guitar renditions. Award winning alto saxophonist Miguel Zenon, one of the leading voices in the New York Jazz scene will close the festival on Saturday 18 July.

Tickets are available at www.maltaticket.com and from any of the following outlets in Malta and Gozo: Exotique, Agenda, Vodafone, Bookends and Newskiosk. Gold numbered seats tickets are e20 per night. Silver one day tickets are e15, two and three day silver tickets are e30. Concession tickets for students and the elderly only for the silver area, are e10 for a one day ticket and e20 for two and three day tickets. For more information visit www.maltajazzfestival.org