Jazz and wine in Montalcino, Tuscany

Mike Mainieri & Steps Ahead, Enrico Rava, Roberto Gatto, Javier Girotto and many other big names combine for the Jazz selection that will kick off on July 11

CASTELLO BANFI CELEBRATES THE 10TH EDITION OF ITS FESTIVAL
“JAZZ & WINE IN MONTALCINO”
(July 11-22 2007)

With this year’s edition, “Jazz & Wine in Montalcino” celebrates its “first” 10 years of uninterupted play. An important and flattering milestone that underlines the festivals growing success, to both public and critical acclaim for a Jazz festival strongly backed by the Castello Banfi wine estate, in collaboration with the town of Montalcino and the Jazz & Image association of Rome.

To appropriately celebrate the tenth year, some of the principal artists who have played in past editions will return, while other important names, both Italian and international, will take the stage in Montalcino for the first time.

Wednesday July 11 the opening concert takes place within the evocative walls of Castello Banfi, the first notes being entrusted exactly as they were ten years ago to the trombone of Marcello Rosa and his quintet. On July 12 the Festival transfers to the magnificent 14th century fortress of Montalcino with the awaited return of the Roberto Gatto Quartet (with Flavio Boltro on the trumpet), to be followed on July 13 by Jeremy Pelt, one of the most interesting trumpet players of the recent generation and declared a rising star for the last two years in a row by the auhoritative magazine Down Beat. Saturday, July 14, the interesting Ionata/Amato Hammond Quartet takes its turn. The first week closes on July 15 with another return to Montalcino, that of the great saxophonist Maurizio Giammarco and his Megatones.

The music starts playing again on Wednesday, July 18 with the Biseo-Saint Just Quartet, back in the historical courtyard of Castello Banfi. On July 19 the festival makes its final move back to the Fortezza di Montalcino with an extraordinary concert by Mike Mainieri, the living legend of jazz and fusion, and Steps Ahead in the midst of their “30th Anniversary European Tour,” a true gem for jazz aficionados. Friday July 20 marks another great return, after a ten year absence – that of Argentine saxophonist Javier Girotto accompanied by Aires Tango. Saturday July 21 the festival has the pleasure of hosting one of its most ardent supporters and frequent performers, the great Enrico Rava with his project New Generation (featuring Mauro Negri). The festival will close on a high note, Sunday July 22, with one more great return, the extraordinary sax of Rosario Giuliani and his quartet.

Great jazz music and extraordinary wine will meet for the 10th consecutive year in the heart of Brunello country to celebrate, with growing success, the inebriating encounter between two close and intense pleasures.

For more information please contact: banfi@banfi.it
Tel: +39/0577/840111 Fax +39/0577/840471