The Malta Jazz Festival, a staple in Malta’s cultural calendar, is offering a musical experience that features an eclectic mix of renowned international artists and local talent at unique venues around capital city Valletta, with the Grand Harbour as its backdrop.

The festival, which has for decades brought jazz performers from near and far to stunning locations in Malta and Valletta, is being held from July 8-13.

The Malta Jazz Festival is one of the oldest running music events in Malta, created in 1991 by Charles Gatt.

Over the years, it has hosted some of the most important exponents of jazz music, some of whom have now passed into the annals of jazz history, including Joe Henderson, Michael Brecker, Charlie Haden, Betty Carter, Elvin Jones, Lee Konitz, Brad Mehldau, Wayne Shorter, Roy Haynes, Paul Bley, to name but a few.

This year’s edition of Malta Jazz Festival is being headlined by five-time Grammy Award Nominated American Trumpeter Chief Adjuah; Walter Smith III Quartet whose frontman collaborated with Brazilian musical icons such as Chico Buarque, Guinga, Paulo César Pinheiro and Dori Caymmi; Something Else! and TRIO Grande.

The festival also organised concerts at The City Theatre featuring leading Brazilian vocalist Mônica Salmaso, guitarist and band Tom Ollendorff Trio, and pianist with accompaniment Philippe Soirat Quartet.

The midday concerts returned once again, with performances by local musicians, taking place in the historic space of MUZA, the National Museum of Art.

Also, this year, the festival featured a concert for younger audiences by Julie Erikssen, providing a fun and interactive introduction to the world of jazz at Spazju Kreattiv, Studio B (Music Room). – TradeArabia News Service