High and low notes of the jazz festival

The 15th Malta Jazz Festival signs off this evening at the end of a three-day musical extravaganza that thrilled many, but disappointed some.

South American music, jazz improvisations, tango and bossa nova are among the items on the menu at this year's festival.

The typical crowd of mixed ages applauded some of the jazz giants and sipped beer by the sea at Ta' Liesse in Valletta. But in comparison to recent years, there was certainly a drop in attendance on Friday, as the first night clocked off at the unusually early hour of 11.30 p.m.

Richard Galliano lived up to his name as the direct heir to the legendary Astor Piazzolla, blending swing, tango and improvisations to a tee.

John Zorn's Acoustic Masada provided some completely unconventional music to the festival, as he crouched over his saxophone producing the most unimaginable sounds.

However the crowds' chant for an encore fell on deaf ears, as Zorn and his band walked off the stage without communicating once with the audience.

Last night the crowds were treated to Cama de Gato, Brazil's best-known instrumental outfit, a band which has been on the circuit for 20 years.

Saxo Four, featuring Maria Joao, and Brian Blade's Fellowship Sextet, also lent some remarkable musical notes to the event.

The last night of the festival kicks off today at 8 p.m. with the Greg Osby Group. Osby has sketched numerous musical essays set to a contemporary score using the improvisational nature of jazz.

Tango fans should watch out for Dino Saluzzi, a veteran in the music scene who has always maintained that his folk roots are the most crucial element of his music. Known for collaborating with some of the jazz legends, including Al Di Meola, Saluzzi's music is warm and outgoing.

Bossa nova queen Rosa Passos, known by many as the female equivalent of Joao Gilberto, will bring the festival to an end.

The organisers have urged patrons to avoid driving through Msida once again tonight because of the feast of St Joseph being held there.