Festivals proliferate, but few can match the unique charm and quality of The Black Bottle Islay Jazz Festival. The Hebridean island hosts its ninth event from September 15-17, 2006, and once again there is an extraordinary line-up of leading Scottish and international musicians who will gather for what many regard as the jewel in the Scottish jazz calendar.

Black Bottle Blended Scotch Whisky, named “Blended Scotch Whisky of the Year” in whisky expert Jim Murray’s Whisky Bible 2006 is once again delighted to be sponsoring the annual Festival.

The Village Halls, Distilleries, Bird Centres, Manor Houses, Gaelic College, Bars and Hotels which form the unlikely venues for concerts of international quality, are just part of the attraction. The birds, the beaches, the whisky, the championship golf course, wildlife, the seafood, the hospitality the rugged beauty of the landscape are all key components.

Against this backdrop, this year's Jazz Festival will feature a spectacular array of musicians. Returning for the first time since the inaugural Festival is guitarist, Martin Taylor, playing a special concert with accordionist, Jack Emblow which repeats the success of the opening year at Bruichladdich Hall. There is a major feature concert for Colin Steele's ground-breaking celtic jazz group, Stramash, and their concert at Bunnahabhain Distillery, which also features David Milligan Trio, will be recorded by BBC Radio 3. The Festival will feature three American musicians of contrasting styles, two of whom - the renowned New York pianist and composer, David Berkman and the fiery alto saxophonist from the Mingus Big Band and Roy Haynes' Quartet, Jaleel Shaw - will travel across the Atlantic for exclusive UK appearances. The master of swinging jazz saxophonists, Scott Hamilton, will lead a Quartet as the finale to the Festival, which the BBC will also record.

Other artists booked to appear are: globetrotting saxophonist, Julian Arguelles' Trio, sultry vocalist, Gina Rae; a triumphal return of international world music superstars, Salsa Celtica; swinging saxophone quartet, Brass Jaw, Fionna Duncan, soundscaping guitarist, Haftor Medboe's Group; dynamic drummer, Tom Bancroft's Six Pack; avant-jazz trio, Trianglehead; Britain's leading jazz pianist, Brian Kellock; Brazilian bassist, Mario Caribe's Quartet; a rare outing for the funky jazz of Melting Pot; and a special concert where local vocal star, Sheena Swanson, will be joined by Fionna Duncan.

The audiences grow every year, and the programme grows with them. But the intimacy of small venues continues, and everyone enjoys a regular tipple of Islay's favourite blended whisky, Black Bottle at the concerts. Black Bottle have been sponsors of the Festival for all of its nine years, and their continued backing has enabled the Festival to develop into the success story which it is today.

Marco Di Ciacca, of Burn Stewart Distillers, owners of the Black Bottle brand said “we are delighted to be sponsoring the Islay Jazz Festival for the ninth consecutive year and it is proving to be a highlight of the year for both tourists and islanders alike. It really is a unique experience”.

The atmosphere on the island for the weekend is one of warmth, conviviality, relaxation and enjoyment. The combination of raw nature and simple presentation with international class music frequently inspires extraordinary concerts. Many people return over and over every year, deepening friendships and love of the island. For local people, its an extraordinary international cultural feast offering the best in the world of jazz right on the doorstep.

The Festival is promoted by specialist jazz promoters, Assembly Direct and The Islay Arts Association.

For more information please contact Fiona Alexander or Elaine Craig, Assembly Direct. Tel: 0131 553 4000.
Or email: info@assemblydirect.ednet.co.uk Or www.islayjazzfestival.co.uk