Line-up for town's 25th festival

Dame Cleo Laine and Sir John Dankworth married 50 years ago

Veteran husband and wife jazz duo Cleo Laine and John Dankworth will help HSBC Brecon Jazz festival mark its 25th anniversary.

Dame Cleo and Sir John, who turned 80 last year, bring the curtain down on the weekend, which starts on 7 August with festival regular Jools Holland.

Another stalwart Courtney Pine and rock singer songwriters Cerys Matthews and Joan Armatrading also feature.

Up to 70,000 people are expected to visit the Powys town for the event.

The announcement of this summer's line-up involves 100 concerts and stroller acts over four days, among them several artists making their festival debut.

The weekend highlights include Grammy-nominated singer Mark Murphy's first ever gig in Wales. Murphy, who was first spotted by Sammy Davis Jr, has had a 40-year career.

Also making their inaugural performance will be the Neil Cowley Trio - Cowley being a former member of acid jazz band Brand New Heavies.

Different styles - Mark Murphy and Lee Konitz (top) and Cerys Matthews and Joan Armatrading

Festival director Jim Smith said: "This is a very important and exciting year for the festival and Brecon town.

"Twenty-five years is an incredible milestone and much thanks is due to the many people who have worked so hard over the years.

"I am delighted that so many people locally, across Wales and the UK, and indeed internationally, have come together to make this unique event one which we're sure will be remembered for many years hence."

Jools Holland and his Rhythm and Blues Orchestra will usher in the 2008 festival on Thursday, 7 August.

Best known

The following day Welsh songstress Cerys Matthews and singer songwriter Joan Armatrading will mark their first appearance at the festival by headlining the Watton marquee.

Jazz legend Lee Konitz and his trio will perform on the Saturday along and Courtney Pine will perform a tribute to saxophonist, clarinettist and composer Sidney Bechet.

On the final day, American funk and soul jazz saxophonist Maceo Parker, best known for his work with James Brown, will appear in Brecon for the first time since 2003.

World renowned singer Cleo Laine and her bandleader husband John Dankworth will bring the event to a close later on the Sunday.

The festival website goes live on Wednesday with full details of the headline groups and booking information.

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