Some of the world's most-acclaimed musicians are fine-tuning their instruments as Malta prepares to host the 27th edition of the jazz festival.

Guitar legend Al Di Meola, drummer Mark Guiliana and trumpeter Nicholas Payton are among the highlights of a three-day music bonanza in Valletta, starting on Thursday.

Al Di Meola is expected to perform his version of tracks from The Beatles and Astor Piazzolla. Guiliana, most recently known for working with David Bowie on his final album, will be performing on Friday. Other performers include Golden Globe winner Antonio Sanchez, Carlo Muscat featuring Burak Bedikyan and the Joe Debono trio.

"This year’s festival is striving to make jazz as accessible as possible," artistic director Sandro Zerafa said.

"For three days, visitors will be treated to the sounds of exceptional world-renowned musicians, with free events for all in the city centre on the first day.”

The festival will strive in its mission to promote the art in all its diversity and to stimulate the local scene through various outreach initiatives – street jam sessions, collaborations with international musicians, masterclasses and free concerts.

The lineup for Thursday's free concerts, supported by Valletta 2018, consists of one of Europe's star jazz guitarists, Romain Pilon and multi-instrumentalist Munir Hossn. 

The programme:

Thursday, July 20 (free event supported by Valletta2018)

City Gate Entrance, Valletta at 8pm

Romain Pilon feat. Walter Smith III

Pjazzu Teatru Rjal, Valletta

Nadine Axisa feat. Rino Cirinnà and Stjepko Gut

In front of Law Courts, Valletta

Munir Hossn ‘Made in Nordeste’

 

Friday July 21

Ta’ Liesse, Valletta at 8pm

Joe Debono Trio

Mark Guiliana Jazz Quartet

Nicholas Payton ‘Afro Caribbean Mixtape’

Saturday July 22

Ta’ Liesse, Valletta at 8pm

Carlo Muscat feat. Burak Bedikyan

Antonio Sanchez and ‘Migration’

Al di Meola ‘World Sinfonia’ – “Music of Di Meola, Piazzolla & Lennon-McCartney"

Ticket prices

€30 for a single day ticket – seated (VIP)

€50 for a 2-day block ticket – seated (VIP)

€20 for single day ticket – standing (free seating will be available)

€35 for a 2-day block ticket – standing (free seating will be available) 

Tickets can be bought at the door or by clicking here.

Visit www.maltajazzfestival.org for more information.