Although uncertainty still lingers, we can confidently say that there is light at the end of the tunnel. I won’t reiterate what a particularly challenging year this was. Due to ever changing health situation, we had to rethink the festival format several times. We are now literally ecstatic to present an abridged version of the Malta Jazz Festival under the name of CITY JAZZ SERIES featuring small intimate settings and showcasing mostly acoustic jazz. Whilst we regretfully had to drop some of the headliners initially planned for the 2021 line up, we are very proud to present a colourful line-up featuring some of the most exciting sounds in jazz nowadays - ECM recording artist Yonathan Avishai, Cuban jazz bassist extraordinaire Felipe Cabrera, US pianist Danny Grissett, Italian vocalist Chiara Pancaldi and New York saxophonist Dmitry Baevsky. We will also be highlighting some of the most exciting local talent - Joe Debono’s new project « Acquapazza » (featuring a collaboration with Sicilian musicians), Jes Psaila - Hinge Project and Nadine Axisa. The festival will also feature free masterclasses and a photographic exhibition by Therese Debono.
I would like to dedicate this festival to the recently demised jazz greats - Chick Corea, Milford Graves and Bobby Few. I would also like to honor the memory of Sammy Galea, an important figure in the local music scene. May they all rest in peace.