Jazz festival kicks off tonight offering wider choice of music

The Malta Jazz Festival kicks off this evening in party mode as The Blues Brothers headline an unconventional musical extravaganza.

The 16th edition of the jazz festival has broadened its musical horizons with jazz to soul to funk to classic rock and folk on the menu.

The organisers' decision to go mainstream has however clearly upset some jazz purists who cannot see the connection of artistes like Alan Parsons with jazz.

For the first time, the venue of the festival has also been shifted - from Ta' Liesse, in Valletta, to the Valletta Waterfront but organiser Nigel Camilleri insists the magical backdrop has only been further enhanced.

The legendary Blues Brothers are expected to add soul, blues and the odd moment of madness as they play this evening. The other bands playing tonight are local band Noir and Thabani, often lauded as one of the finest soul bands in the UK.

Tomorrow's line-up will run on a jazzier vein with Bill Bruford's Earthworks featuring Tim Garland, Tunnels featuring Percy Jones, and Emily Bazar.

The last night of the festival is expected to be the most popular. The set of Renzo Spiteri plus guests' will be followed by Ian Ritchie's Soho Project, and will sign off on a commercial note with progressive master Alan Parsons Project.

During a news conference yesterday, Philip Fenech, president of the GRTU's hospitality and leisure division, described the jazz festival as the climax of a quality summer of music.

The promoters, NnG, were responsible for also organising the recent concerts by Sting and Roger Waters.

Tickets will be on sale at the door. The first act takes to the stage at 8.30 p.m.