What is becoming one of the most exclusive locations, the Valletta Waterfront, will this year host the 16th edition of the Malta Jazz Festival, NnG Promotions organiser Anton Attard said yesterday.

The festival, which is being organised by a private company for the first time, will feature a number of innovative “firsts”, NnG spokesperson Nigel Camilleri added.

The festival will be held between 21 and 23 July.

Much has been said about the music to be presented. Though there will be a broader musical palette which will involve musical styles that have a more immediate appeal, these will feature alongside the stricter jazz orthodox style that always has and always will play a prominent role in the festival.

Legendary names that will take part include Percy Jones, Bill Bruford and Tim Garland sharing the stage with local artists Kris Spiteri and his band Noir and percussionist Renzo Spiteri. The original Blues Brothers line-up will create a soulful atmosphere together with Thabani, while the Alan Parsons Live Project will close the festival with a set of rock standards.

Cisk Export is the main sponsor together with Vodafone. The press conference was also addressed by Tourism and Culture Minister Francis Zammit Dimech.

More information about the festival can be obtained from the official website www.maltajazzfestival.com.

Tickets go on sale in the coming weeks and will be available from all The Matrix and Vodafone outlets and online.

The line-up for the 16th Malta Jazz Festival is as follows:

Friday 21 July: The Original Blues Brothers featuring Eddie Floyd, Thabani, Noir

Saturday 22 July: Bill Bruford’s Earthworks featuring Tim Garland; Tunnels featuring Percy Jones, Emily Bezar

Sunday 23 July: Alan Parsons Live Project, Ian Ritchie’s Soho Project, Renzo Spiteri and special guests.