Festival attracts top acts (From Stroud News and Journal)

Festival attracts top acts

THE biggest and best jazz festival in the country returns to Cheltenham next week with a line-up that would make New Orleans vaguely envious.

The 8th Cheltenham International Jazz Festival takes place between Wednesday, April 30 and Monday, May 5 in various venues in and around Cheltenham.

Since its inception in 1996, the Festival has brought some of the biggest names in jazz to Cheltenham, as well as providing a platform for some of the best new talent. The Festival now ranks among the top British festivals of its kind, with a reputation for innovation and creativity.

According to the press, "there are almost as many thoroughbreds at the Cheltenham Jazz Festival this weekend as during race week's annual Irish invasion."

Bill Wyman & The Rhythm Kings open the Festival on Wednesday 30 April and are followed by a stream of stars, including Michael Brecker playing a solo saxophone set, the Jazz Jamaica All Stars returning to the Festival for the second year running, Uri Caine as the Festival's first ever 'Artist-In-Residence', performing four of his major projects, including his adaptations of well-known classical music.

For the dance and fusion-jazz inclined, The James Taylor Quartet will be playing a late night set on the Saturday and Acid Jazz guru Giles Peterson brings his diverse electronic style to the festival.

The Festival will also be presenting a jazz club night in Boom night-club and three late-night festival club jam sessions in the Everyman Theatre's County Bar.

Tickets are still available from Cheltenham Town Hall box office and details of the Festival events are available from www.cheltenhamfestivals.co.uk