THE Cheltenham International Jazz Festival has become one of the UK's showcases for the best music around.
The event runs from April 30 to May 5 and gigs range from the R&B of Bill Wyman and the Rhythm Kings to the Romanian gypsy folk/jazz of Taraf de Haidouks.
The modern trad sound of the New Orleans Nightcrawlers, the funky acid jazz of the James Taylor Quartet and the 50s rat-pack cool swing of the Ray Gelato Giants are also represented.
One of the most widely admired jazz musicians featured is Denys Baptiste, who will be performing the world premiere of his new work Let Freedom Ring, based on Martin Luther King's "I have a dream" speech.
Denys is also a member of the Jazz Jamaica All Stars, who are returning after last year's festival sell-out.
Artist-in-residence Uri Caine will be appearing three times, with his piano trio Bedrock, and with his interpretations of Bach's Goldberg Variations and the music of Mahler.
Other top names include Michael Brecker and Chris Barber and the Mike Gibbs Big Band.
For more details, call the box office on 01242 227979 or visit the website www.cheltenhamfes tivals.co.uk.
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