Where

Liesse, Valletta, Malta View map

Considered by the international jazz community as a ‘true’ jazz festival and a beacon of artistic integrity, the Malta Jazz Festival is organised in mid-July by Festivals Malta and presents a panorama of jazz music in all its facets.

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Description

14/07/23 

PAUL GIORDIMAINA TRIO,  SFERA
 - 8.00PM

A captivating musical tribute to the late percussionist and jazz festival founder Charles Gatt with the esteemed pianist and composer Paul Giordimaina's Trio, SFERA. This remarkable event pays homage to Gatt's invaluable contribution to the jazz community and celebrates the legacy of one of Malta's most influential figures. The highly anticipated debut of jazz trio SFERA will showcase tunes from their forthcoming album, featuring renowned saxophonist Carlo Muscat and jazz vocalist Nadine Axisa as special guests.

Paul Giordmaina; piano
Oliver Degabriele; bass
Joseph Camilleri; drums

IMMANUEL WILKINS QUARTET - 9.00PM

The music of saxophonist and composer Immanuel Wilkins is filled with empathy and conviction, bonding arcs of melody and lamentation to pluming gestures of space and breath. Listeners were introduced to this riveting sound with his acclaimed debut album Omega, which was named the #1 Jazz Album of 2020 by The New York Times. The album also introduced his remarkable quartet with Micah Thomas on piano, Daryl Johns on bass, and Kweku Sumbry on drums, a tight-knit unit that Wilkins features once again on his stunning sophomore album The 7th Hand.

SAMARA JOY - 10.30PM

23-year-old Samara Joy's velvety voice has earned her comparisons to jazz legends Sarah, Ella, and Billie. Her album, Linger Awhile, won two GRAMMYs in 2023, for Best Jazz Vocal Album and Best New Artist. She has performed on popular shows such as TODAY, The Tonight Show, and The Late Show and gained millions of likes on TikTok. Praised by The New York Times for her youthful take on jazz and hailed by NPR as a classic singer from a new generation.

15/07/23

CARLO MUSCAT KYIV QUARTET - 8.00PM


Carlo, a Maltese musician, started his musical journey at eight, later discovering his love for jazz through saxophone. He's recognized for his fresh take on the genre and his unabashed use of improvisation. He performed locally before collaborating with renowned musicians, moving to Paris in 2013 to further his studies. Carlo's Parisian experience culminated in his first album, 'The Sound Catalogues,' and since then, he's continued recording new compositions and collaborating. Carlo has performed in cities like London, Milan, and Berlin, releasing five albums as a leader and appearing on five more as a sideman.


KURT ROSENWINKEL QUARTET - 9.00PM

Kurt Rosenwinkel has been a distinct and prominent creative voice at the forefront of modern music for more than three decades. The American multi-instrumentalist, composer, and producer has gained international recognition for his deft artistry and unabated individualism since he first appeared on the New York music scene in 1991. His legacy as the preeminent jazz guitar voice of his generation is plainly evident on his fifteen albums as a leader, each one the inspiration for legions of musicians young and old across the globe.

SUPERBLUE: KURT ELLING FEATURING CHARLIE HUNTER - 10.30PM

Kurt Elling, the protean vocalist who won his second GRAMMY Award in March 2021, surprises fans with SuperBlue, an album filled with roisterous funk, indelible beats, and all-too-current lyrics. Produced by Charlie Hunter, the album features the talents of drummer Corey Fonville and bassist-keyboardist DJ Harrison, both from the band Butcher Brown. Elling, a master of grooves, ranging from bebop to neo-soul, expands his storytelling talents in this project. The Malta Jazz Festival welcomes Elling and Hunter, who are familiar with Maltese audiences, to showcase their funky sounds and vibrant mix.


*Persons with disability can send an email to christian.debono.2@festivals.mt for a complimentary companion ticket (on presentation of a valid disability card).*