Edinburgh celebrates 60 years of jazz in the city with the 2010 Edinburgh Jazz and Blues Festival, which begins on Friday and runs until Sunday 8 August.

The opening day has plenty on offer, with the early evening set at The Lot comprising an international line-up – French pianist Francis Le Bras and German saxophonist Daniel Erdmann, as well as the intriguing duo of saxophonists Jorrit Dijkstra and Phil Bancroft. There is also a return to swing as Fat Sam’s Band, with a nod to Count Basie and Louis Jordan, play the Assembly@Princes Street Gardens. Also performing on the Friday are Edinburgh-based tenor saxophonist John Burgess and the Rae Brothers with their classic New Orleans sound.

Saturday 31 July sees a wide variety of jazz, with home talent given a heavy push. This ranges from the youth of the Ruaridh Pattison Quartet to the experience of Martin Kershaw, with both saxophonists playing at The Lot. The highlight for trad lovers, however, will be a rare set from the Climax Reunion Band at The Jamhouse, which is – as the name suggests – a reunion of the Climax Jazz Band. They will be supported by the Dixieland sound of the Old Baileys Jazz Advocates. The weekend closes with Todd Gordon alongside the Ryan Quigley Big Band singing Sinatra classics at Princes Street Gardens on Sunday 1 August.

Other highlights of the 10-day festival are singer Niki King, who plays The Hub on 3 August; An Evening With Peter Vetesse at Princes Street Gardens on 4 August, and a double bill of the Pete Martin All Stars and David Berkman Trio, who take to the stage at The Lot on 5 August.

– James Bourne

For the full line-up go to www.edinburghjazzfestival.com