Duo Mehliana, featuring Brad Mehldau and Mark Guiliana.Duo Mehliana, featuring Brad Mehldau and Mark Guiliana.

This year’s Malta Jazz Festival line-up will headline Mehliana, featuring Brad Mehldau and Mark Guiliana, in a performance set to mix jazz with electronica to create a trance-laden vibe.

This will not be the only instance of cross-genres; also included on this year’s programme is the French-born Laurent Coq, well-known for combining Caribbean/Creole influences with modern jazz piano in his Laurent Coq Dialogue Trio.

The rest of the programme offers a fusion of world-class acts and rising jazz stars spread over three days in the unique setting of the Grand Harbour. Names include Tom Harrell and the Brecker Brothers Band Reunion.

Other rising stars include vibraphonist Warren Wolf and Kneebody, a band which crosses genres with ease.

Local talent will be represented by the Paul Abela Quintet, featuring Gabriele Comeglio, the Joseph Camilleri Trio, Dominic Galea Trio and Francesca Galea, the winner of last year’s Jazz Contest.

The programme also includes a fringe festival – Jazz on the Fringe – featuring master classes and open-air concerts. The festival also provides opportunities for collaborations between local and international musicians.

This year will also feature the second editions of the Malta Jazz Contest and The Malta Summer Jazz Camp.

Featuring some leading musicians in the European jazz scene today, the masterclasses will include classes in piano, improvisation, harmony, arranging, guitar, drums and saxophone.

Held on the last day of the festival, the Malta Jazz Contest is open to jazz soloists of Maltese nationality up to the age of 35. Participation is free of charge. The jury will consist of the jazz musicians teaching in the master classes.

The Malta Jazz Festival takes place between July 17 and 19 at Ta’ Liesse, Valletta. It is presented by the Malta Council for Culture and the Arts. A full programme is available online.

www.maltajazzfestival.org

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