"Brecon Jazz is special ! On the second weekend in August every year the beautiful Welsh market town nestling beneath the majestic Brecon Beacons comes alive to the rhythm of some of the world's finest jazz music.

For the many thousands of people who have flocked to the Welsh hills over the years, and for the people of Wales who get to enjoy unrivalled musicianship on their doorstep, the festival retains a special place in the heart. Mixing wonderful music with a stunning location, Brecon Jazz creates a unique magic for both its audience and the galaxy of international artists who have performed there.

Brecon Jazz 2007 features an Artist-in-Residence for the first time, giving the privilege to saxophonist and composer Joe Lovano who performs on both Friday, when he teams up with the BBC Big Band for a UK exclusive, and Sunday night when he leads an exciting line-up of pianist Gareth Williams and great rhythm section of Steve Watts and Martin France - and Joe also finds time to give a masterclass for students of the sax.

The concert programme starts on Thursday with a jazz set by the 'Queen of Harps' herself, Catrin Finch, and also features award-winning altoist Alan Barnes; bluesman Mose Allison; Jools Holland and Lulu; the Mulgrew Miller Trio; Mica Paris soaring through her soul set; and June Tabor, better recognised as a folk singer, in a cross-genre collaboration with saxophonist Iain Ballamy and BBC Jazz Award winner Huw Warren; plus the multi-talented Curtis Stigers bringing Sunday night to a close in the Watton Marquee with his first Brecon date.

They are joined by John Law, one of Europe's most adventurous pianists; Mercury Prize nominee Zoe Rahman; emerging vocalist Imelda May; the power and groove of Tim Richards; Denys Baptiste, Gary Crosby et al line up for Jazz Jamaica's return to their Jamaican roots; young Italian pianist Rossano Sportiello plays the traditional Brecon Cathedral spot; and there are world music essences from Eduardo Niebla Experience, and Roberto Pla's Latin Jazz Orchestra.

And in the run-up to next year's silver anniversary there is a special concert at the Market Hall on Saturday with a gig by the Mingus Dynasty Band dedicated to the memory of the late Jed Williams who was Artistic Director of Brecon Jazz from 1984 to 2003.

HSBC returns in 2007 as title sponsor, with S4C as Broadcast Partner for an international landmark cultural event that now boasts Welsh Assembly Government Major Event status - First Minister and Jazz fan Rhodri Morgan hasn't missed an event in 24 years.