Following the first announcement of heavyweight artists such as the multi-Grammy Award winners Snarky Puppy (at the 2,200 capacity Big Top on the Sunday night), legendary Brit saxophonist Courtney Pine and revered US jazz singer Dee Dee Bridgewater, also added to the bill is revered US pianist Brad Mehldau with his Trio, who will headline the Town Hall on the Saturday night. Vocal star Gregory Porter also returns for two special performances that include a collaboration with American vocal legend Bettye Lavette and the Ronnie Scott’s Big Band.

Other top UK and US names appearing include vocalist Zara McFarlane who performs her tribute to Sarah Vaughan, hot American jazz acts – nu-jazz-groove inspired trumpeter/vocalist Theo Croker and high-octane alto saxophonist Lakecia Benjamin – debut at Cheltenham this year, while award-winning Scottish band corto.alto, who are fronted by trombonist Liam Shortall, will perform songs from their acclaimed recent album, Bad With Names, at the Jazz Arena on the Bank Holiday Monday. There’s also a special collaboration between rising nu-jazz ensemble Nubiyan Twist, who line-up with West African dance legends Orchestra Baobab.

The Parabola Arts Centre’s (PAC) programme includes a rarefied duo between ECM-signed pianist Kit Downes and revered Brit jazz vocalist Norma Winstone MBE, which is sure to be among the highlights, while another eye-catching collaboration sees esteemed Brit saxophonist Trish Clowes lining up with artful US trumpeter Dave Douglas, to whose Greenleaf Music label Clowes is now signed. Also appearing are leading free improv trumpeter Charlotte Keefe’s Right Here, Right Now project; exciting pianist Sultan Stevenson and his trio, plus Birmingham-based drummer David Ola's Lucumi Project that features three steel pan drummers, horns, bass and percussion in a vibrant take on jazz-fusion. There’s also a concert featuring the prodigious talents of the National Youth Jazz Orchestra with guest piano virtuoso Nikki Yeoh.

The festival’s commitment to addressing gender equality as a member of Keychange programme (that aims for an equal gender balance across the breadth of its line-up) sees further female artists added to the bill with Malian singer and guitarist Fatoumata Diawara, Newcastle-born singer songwriter Nadine Shah, singer and actress Elaine Delmar, jazz-soul star Cherise, multi-award winning singer/pianist Liane Carroll, and rising jazz-funk singer Allysha Joy all set to appear.

Commenting on her upcoming Cheltenham appearance vocalist Dee Dee Bridgewater said: “I cannot wait to come back to Cheltenham – it’s been six long years! I’m coming with a new, young and amazing musicians and some great music to soothe your souls – see you there!”

The festival’s line-up beyond jazz into rock, soul, funk and pop now includes The Who’s Roger Daltry, Brit-funk mainstays the Brand New Heavies plus Orchestra, reggae pop veterans UB40, chart-topping singer-songwriter Jack Savoretti, and electro-soul pioneers Morcheeba. Jazzwise is festival media partner.

For the full programme and tickets visit www.cheltenhamfestivals.com/jazz

from www.jazzwise.com