JAZZ lovers are in for a treat next week when Galway’s fifth Jazz Festival takes place from November 19-22. Although the event is still small, it has more than doubled in size since last year, with a line up that includes artists from Norway, the US, Germany, the UK, Italy and Ireland.

The festival opens with a gala concert in St Nicholas’ Church next Thursday, November 19 when saxophonist Trygve Seim leads a band that reads like a who’s who of Norway’s jazz scene. Trumpeter Arve Henriksen and accordionist Frode Haltli are among the ten piece orchestra that utilise rare instruments like the bass saxophone.

Rebecca Martin is an understated singer who occupies a space somewhere between Joni Mitchell and Norah Jones. An adopted New Yorker she works with the cream of that city’s musicians, who are drawn to the soulful sensibility in her songwriting. In Galway she performs at Druid Theatre with the peerless bassist Larry Grenadier, on a break from touring with piano great Brad Mehldau. Their show is at 7pm on November 20.

The Irish quintet Metier, led by bassist Ronan Guilfoyle, will play the Crane, also on Friday, November 20. Metier are just back from London, where they played in the prestigious Queen Elizabeth Hall.

From London comes drummer Seb Rochford and Polar Bear, named for an animal that can appear cuddly, but is capable of violent flare ups. It’s an apt metaphor for the ethos of this Mercury nominated quintet. They are at the Crane on November 21.

A brace of European pianists are taking part in this year’s jazz festival. Turin born Francesco Turrisi was formerly harpsichordist with acclaimed Baroque ensemble l’Arpeggiata, an experience he has put to productive use in his trio, which draws inspiration from early music and Italian folk melodies. They are at Druid Theatre on November 21.

Bonn pianist Julia Hulsmann has been a stellar figure of the German jazz scene for well over a decade, making music that is poetic and approachable. Her recent release, End of Summer has received much critical acclaim. Hulsman’s trio are at Druid Theatre on November 22.

Dubliner Hugh Buckley is also back at the festival, with some impressive friends, in a show that will explore the guitar from both jazz and classical perspectives. The jazz element comes from John Stowell, the American guitarist whose career spans three decades; the classical aspect is from Ballinasloe born John Feeley, Ireland's premier classical guitarist. They are at the Crane on November 22.

Rounding off proceedings nightly at the festival club in the Crane Bar is Headford saxophonist Matt Berrill. He is taking time out from studies in The Hague to lead a specially convened festival group that features the best of emerging Galway voices like guitarist Aengus Hackett and trumpeter Conor Cantrell.

All concerts are individually priced or there is a special all-in ticket costing €80 for all concerts. Book online at tht.ie or phone 091-569777.