Jools kicks off jazz jamboree (From Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard)

Jools kicks off jazz jamboree

THE ROLLING boogie-woogie piano of Jools Holland will signal the start of this year's Cheltenham International Jazz Festival.

One of the most successful jazz musicians in the UK, Jools is also known to millions of TV viewers through his hugely successful BBC 2 show Later, which has just started a new series.

Bringing an infectious mix of ska, reggae and jazz to the festival, which runs from May 2 to 6, are the Jazz Jamaican All Stars, hailed by the Times as 'Britain's finest big band'.

Lovers of jazz-rock fusion have the chance to see two stunning guitarists who have both performed with the godfather of modern jazz, Miles Davis.

Both Mike Stern and John Scofield performed with the legendary trumpeter in the 1980s. Making his debut at Cheltenham this year is veteran South African pianist Abdullah Ibrahim.

This legendary performer has created his own absorbing blend of jazz - a gospel-inspired torrent of uplifting melodies and bluesy piano.

There's also a chance to see Grammy winning trumpeter Randy Brecker, who has worked alongside the likes of Bruce Springsteen and James Taylor.

Other highlights include legendary trumpeter and radio personality Humphrey Lyttelton, who is performing with Stacey Kent, and a live 'in the mix' night with DJs and live bands.

This year's festival is also teeming with fresh talent thanks to the Jerwood Foundation, which supports young performers.

Among the acts featured as part of the Jerwood Rising Stars Series are saxophonist Soweto Kinch, vocalist Sara Colman and dynamic pianist Robert Mitchell.

A host of performers will also be taking the sound of jazz to every corner of Cheltenham as part of the fringe festival, which runs from May 1 to 6.

For further details visit www.cheltenhamfestivals.co.uk