Entertainment

The Marlborough International Jazz Festival celebrates its 20th anniversary this year, and 2009's event looks set to be one of the best yet. It is to be held in numerous venues in and around the historic market town over the weekend of 10th-12th July.

In the words of the Sunday Telegraph, "each year the exquisite market town of Marlborough becomes a mini New Orleans".

Marlborough International Jazz was founded in 1986 and it features on Tower Records' list of the top events of its kind in the British Isles.

As well as individual concerts, a major unique selling point is the 'Stroller'. These are tickets that enable the holder to see a large number of bands in over 20 of the venue locations from Friday evening until after midnight on Saturday.

Organiser Nick Fogg said: "The fact that the Brecon Jazz Festival is no more, at least for now, means that the Marlborough International Jazz Festival is probably the biggest of its kind in the British Isles

"‘This puts a great responsibility on us, but we are ready to take up the baton and run. This year is better than ever."

Darius Brubeck

A galaxy of international jazz talent is set to appear, and newcomers this year include the legendary American pianist, Darius Brubeck; star South African singer, Esther Miller and The Perceptions - a new band formed by former members of the James Taylor Quartet. It features the UK’s finest funk artists, led by the stunning Latin percussionist, Snowboy. Courtney Pine guitarist, Cameron Pierre from Dominica is a huge find, as is top American vocalist Earl Thomas. 

Also on the bill is pianist Amina Figarova (who won a MOBO award for the UK's leading black artist), saxophonist YolanDa Brown and the up-and-coming pianist Dave Stapleton.

Guitar virtuoso Deidre Cartwright will be joined by the former Ivy Benson trombonist, Annie Whitehead.

To enhance the customary African input, the young 10-piece a cappella song and dance sensation, Umdome Wesizwe from Zimbabwe will be performing.

And continuing the international feel of the festival, the Trio de Pasada who consists of singers and instrumentalists from the Rio Carnival's fabled Monobloco street band are on thier way to the festival this year too.

Other highlights  include top US vocalist, Toscha Comeaux, Red Stripe, Jive Aces, Big Man Clayton, Pete Allen, Chris Jagger, and The Dutch Swing College Band.

Acker Bilk drummer Richie Bryant (winner of the 'Best Band' trophy in the 2008 Festival) is bringing his usual All Star Band, including Julian Marc Stringle, who won ‘Best Clarinettist’ in the 2006 British Jazz Awards.

The great flamenco jazz guitarist, Eduardo Niebla will be supported by Carl Herring, who won the prestigious Julian Bream Award at the Royal Academy of Music in 2003.

For further information on the festival and how to obtain tickets, visit the official festival website by clicking the link below.