Brecon Jazz - back on the streets

Saxophonist Joe Lovano headlines this year's Brecon Jazz Festival from August 9-12 as the first ever Artist in Residence in the event's 24 year history.

Organisers also promise the return of jazz on the streets following audience comments about a lack of atmosphere at last year's festival.

Lovano will perform with the BBC Big Band and in a specially commissioned quartet featuring pianist Gareth Williams. He'll also lead a special masterclass featuring some of Wales's finest young jazz musicians.

Other highlights include Jools Holland, Curtis Stigers, Chris Barber, Humphrey Lyttelton, Mulgrew Miller, Martin Taylor, Mose Allison, Jazz Jamaica, Ray Gelato, Tony Coe, Andy Sheppard and Scott Hamilton.

Women in Jazz is a theme for this year's event, with artists ranging from pianists Jessica Williams, Hiromi and Zoe Rahman to vocalists Tina May and Mica Paris. Welsh harpist Catrin Finch will also be showing her jazz chops in the Thursday eve-of-festival curtain-raiser concert.

Once again, there's a packed Stroller programme featuring the best of UK and local Welsh talent, along with music on the streets.

Writing on the Brecon Jazz website, festival director Jim Smith says: "We know that some of you missed the street music at Brecon last year.

"Much effort has gone into bringing this back with the co-operation of the local authorities and the police service to ensure that the special atmosphere is back in Brecon for the festival weekend.

"We look forward to sharing this great festival of music with you once again."

The box office opens on May 15 - for full programme and booking details, see the website at www.breconjazz.co.uk or phone 01874 611622.