Blues/Gospel act to close Jazz Festival

Legendary guitarist John Scofield will close this year's jazz festival with his latest project - The Piety Street Band. John Scofield is a very familiar name with Maltese jazz lovers, having participated several times in previous editions of the festival with more straight- ahead jazz groups, including a quartet with saxophonist Joe Lovano.

About his latest group John Scofield says "I've always wanted to record and tour a blues project..." His research led him to delve into "old time gospel" music - "the closest relative to and inspiration for the R&B that we all know and love" says John. "My search has led to countless songs that really move me and I realize that this great and heartfelt music remains unheard by most of the world outside of churches here and there. It's really powerful stuff."

For this project John has teamed up with John Cleary (member of Bonnie Raitt's group) on keyboards and vocals, Donald Ramsey on bass and Ricky Fataar (Beach Boys, Bonnie Raitt). John Scofield says "I am really excited to be making music with Jon, Donald and Ricky. In the footsteps of Thomas A.Dorsey, Mahalia etc, we're offered all the swing and blues needed to finally make a real jazz/funk fusion project".

Dominic Galea's trio will open the last night of the festival with his trio featuring Yoni Zelnik and Lionel Boccara. Dominic is Malta's most prominent jazz pianist and his collaboration with these Paris-based musicians fulfills one of the festival's goals - to encourage an exchange between local and international musicians. Dominic will present a new repertoire in the bebop vein.

Miguel Zenon - one of the most exciting voices on the alto saxophone in New York City is the other musician featuring in the closing night of this year's Malta Jazz Festival. His style blends folk elements from his native Puerto Rico with contemporary jazz, and his albums "Jibaro" and "Awake" have helped established this award winning artist as one of the major exponents of contemporary Latin jazz. Miguel Zenon will be accompanied by Luis Perdomo, Hans Glawischnig and Henry Cole.

The festival will be held on the 16th, 17th and 18th of July at Ta' Liesse in Valletta. The festival's website is www.maltajazzfestival.org.