Jazz festival kicks off

The cool jazz notes wafted through the balmy air at Ta' Liesse, Valletta yesterday evening as the Malta Jazz Festival got off to a successful start.

The 13th edition has kept with tradition of luring big names on the international jazz circuit and, as expected, the 15-piece band Cubanismo were a big hit last night, with people swinging to the tune of the Latin beat.

Dominic Galea's band Heritage opened the evening, followed by a blues rendition by Dianne Reeves, who was inspired to pursue her singing by jazz vocalist Sarah Vaughan.

For many the jazz festival, organised by the Malta Council for Culture and the Arts, is an annual appointment with music, beer and friends.

The Valletta bastions and breathtaking views of the Three Cities provided a magical atmosphere for the festival and many commented it should never be moved to another location.

Some also complained however that a Vodafone banner unfurled from the top of Barbara Bastion was too large. The main reason why the festival was held at Ta' Liesse was because of the bastions' beauty and this was now being marred by a gigantic banner - it was an eyesore, they said.

When contacted a spokesman for the Malta Environment and Planning Authority said that since the banner was not a permanent structure it was exempted by law and did not require a permit.

Patrons complained also that the bastions of the three cities across Grand Harbour remained unlit.

Tonight's programme, which starts at 8 p.m., features American Voices featuring Coco York and pianist Mike del Ferro, followed by Septeto with Roberto Juan Rodrigues and David Krakauer.

The festival draws to an end with saxophonist Wayne Shorter and his quartet, who include drummer Brian Blade, pianist Danilo Perez and John Patitucci on bass.

Tickets are available from the door.