For the 33rd time, Malta and the Ministry of National Heritage, Arts and Local Government present the Malta Jazz Festival.
The Jazz Festival is a national and international highlight of Malta's festivals. The festival is known for creating a synergy between both emerging and established musicians.
The festival kicks off on July 10 with an opening concert by Daniel Sant, William Smith and Dean Montanaro at the Embassy Hotel. The festival week then continues with evening concerts at the Valletta City Theatre with The New York Blue Quintet, known as one of the most important representatives of the hard bop tradition, featuring New York's finest Joe Magnarelli and Jeb Patton.
“The festival is unique in Europe and has built a solid reputation as one of the rarest cultural events that combines artistic excellence and popularity. In an era where jazz festivals are being watered down and de-jazzed, the Malta Jazz Festival has maintained unwavering artistic integrity while attracting new audiences,” says Artistic Director Sandro Zerafa.
On stage
One of the featured artists this year is 23-year-old Grammy winner Samara Joy, who has won awards for both Best New Artist and Best Jazz Vocal Album. Samara is a rising star and her vocal performance is highly anticipated. Samara will perform at Ta' Liesse on July 14. New voice, saxophonist and Blue Note artist Immanuel Wilkins is also expected to perform that evening.
The Malta Jazz Festival will also host Raynald Colom, considered one of the most respected trumpeters in the world, as well as the Kurt Rosenwinkel Quartet featuring Greg Hutchinson, Doug Weiss and Nicola Andrio. Laurent Coq Trio and leading male jazz vocalist Kurt Elling are also expected to return to the festival. Elling and guitarist Charlie Hunter and his band will present their funk and soul project SUPERBLUE. Local jazz veteran Paul Giordimaina and his trio will pay tribute to the late Charles ”City” Gatt while Maltese saxophonist Carlo Muscat and his quartet will perform music from Charles’ album Wool.
The inviting jazz community
The jam sessions have become an annual tradition held at the local jazz bar Offbeat, these free jam sessions help foster an inviting jazz community. The festival gives jazz enthusiasts and aspiring musicians the opportunity to attend free master classes with professional jazz musicians who offer important insights into jazz styles and techniques. This year, the festival will offer master classes by Immanuel Wilkins, Laurent Coq, Francesco Ciniglio, Jep Patton & John Magnarelli (Blue Note Collective) among others.
The Malta Jazz Festival is held in Valletta, Malta, between July 10 and 15.
According to the press release.
