The 21st edition of the Malta Jazz Festival, which ended on Saturday, focused on the world music element.
Musicians from Brazil, Jamaica, the Middle East, the Mediterranean and Africa, performing American jazz, reggae, samba and bossa nova, were present on the Jazz Festival stage at Ta’ Liesse in Valletta.
Under the artistic direction of jazz musician Sandro Zerafa since 2009, the festival, organised by the Malta Council for Culture and the Arts, showcases the contemporary jazz scene.
The closing night of the three-day event that started on Thursday, saw sax player Seamus Blake, a laureate of the prestigious Thelonious Monk International Jazz Competition and a familiar name on the New York scene, performing.
It was closed with virtuoso bass player and vocalist Avishai Cohen, whose blend of jazz, Mediterranean and Middle-Eastern influences has made him a prominent figure in the world of jazz today.
This year’s festival also included no fewer than three Maltese acts, one on each night of the international annual event. Maltese talent was represented by vocalist Nadine Axisa, the Argotti Jazz Ensemble and the quintet of guitarist Marc Galea, which performed on the closing night.
The festival opened with guitarist Lionel Loueke, a Blue Note recording artiste and a frequent collaborator of Herbie Hancock. His particular blend of jazz and African elements was followed by Monty Alexander and the Harlem-Kingston Express.
Contemporary and cutting-edge New York jazz artist eAmbrose Akinmusire, another Blue Note recording artiste and a winner of the Thelonious Monk competition, featured in a double bill with the charismatic Brazilian legend João Bosco.