A HAT trick of top names will appear at Brecon's Market Hall across this summer's Brecon Jazz Festival weekend.

As well as headline concerts featuring festival favourites Courtney Pine, opening the three day festival on Friday, August 9 and a closing gig by Jools Holland the iconic venue will host legendary US gospel and soul singer, Mavis Staples.

The 73-year-old Chicago born singer, who has worked with stars from Bob Dylan to Prince, will be the festival's main draw on Saturday, August 10.

The full programme, which features a third more gigs than 2012, and ticket information can be found http://www.breconjazz.com/&quot">http://www.breconjazz.com/" target="_blank">here

Here's our rundown to the main acts at this year's festival:

Courtney Pine

No musician more embodies the dramatic transformation in the British jazz scene over the past 20 years than Courtney Pine CBE. The ground breaking, multi- instrumentalist has led a generation of exciting and innovative players who have broadened their styles to take jazz out to a wider audience.

His new album House of Legends sees Courtney return to the instrument he is best known for - the saxophone and features his soprano sax exclusively for the first time.

Expect an exhilarating mix of Merengue, Ska, Mento and Calypso from a UK born artist with strong, proud Afro-Caribbean roots.

Mavis Staples

Mavis began her career with her family group in 1950. The Staples evolved from enormously popular gospel singers to become the most spectacular and influential spirituality-based group in America.

Inspired by band leader, and father Pops' close friendship with civil rights leader, Dr Martin Luther King Jr by the mid 1960s The Staples became the spiritual and musical voices of the movement.

Classic singles recorded for the legendary Stax label included the US number one's "I'll Take You There" and "Let's Do It Again," and a number two single "Who Took the Merry Out of Christmas?"

During the late 1980s and early 1990s Mavis, who had long since established a solo career, worked with pop superstar Prince.

In 2011, Mavis Staples won her first Grammy award in the category for Best Americana Album for You Are Not Alone. In her acceptance speech, a shocked and crying Staples said "This has been a long time coming." Her voice has been sampled by hip hop acts from Salt 'N' Pepa to Ludacris.

Jools Holland and His Rhythm & Blues Orchestra

Jools is one of the best-known faces on TV, hosting for 20 years his BBC Two music programme Later, the show some say has reawakened the innovative spirit of his early Channel 4 show, The Tube.

He formed The Jools Holland Big Band – comprising himself and Gilson Lavis, that gradually metamorphosed into the current 20-piece Rhythm & Blues Orchestra, which consists of pianist, organist, drummer, three female vocals, guitar, bass guitar, two tenor saxophones, two alto saxophones, baritone saxophone, three trumpets, and four trombones.

Acker Bilk

One of the legendary figures of the British trad jazz scene, Acker Bilk recorded Stranger on the Shore in 1961, which became the theme tune for a BBC TV series. This was the first-ever recording to be number one simultaneously in the UK and US charts. Acker holds an MBE for his services to the music industry.

The Impossible Gentlemen

With 18 Grammy's between them, the Anglo-American jazz 'supergroup', The Impossible Gentlemen feature internationally acclaimed British piano sensation Gwilym Simcock, Salford guitarist and UK treasure Mike Walker and American bass and drums superstars Steve Rodby and Mark Walker. The result is nothing less than remarkable with four unique talents, all superb players in their own right, coming together to create something new and powerful.

"World-class jazz - nothing short of sensational" The Guardian

Blue Spirits Trio

Led by guitar legend John Etheridge, the Blue Spirits Trio includes Pete Whittaker on organ, and Mark Fletcher on drums.

Drawing on a vast reservoir of musical experience spanning 43 years, Etheridge distils the bluesier side of his musical world in a repertoire that manifests intensity and emotion as its main quality.

Django Bates

A self-taught composer, pianist and keyboard player who credits the variety of musical influences in his work to his childhood. A founder member of Loose Tubes, Django was a leading light in the 1980s European Jazz renaissance. In 1997 Django was awarded the prestigious Danish Jazzpar prize, dubbed the 'Nobel Prize of Jazz'.

In 2010 Django released Belovèd Bird LM004: a celebration of his childhood hero Charlie Parker, for which he used the classic acoustic piano trio constellation, beloved of Jazz listeners and players throughout the world

The following year Django left the Rhythmic Music Conservatory in Copenhagen, Denmark in order to take up a position as Professor of Jazz at University of the Arts, Berne, Switzerland. He is also a visiting professor at London's Royal Academy of Music.

The Orient House Ensemble

Led by fiery saxophonist and award-winning composer Gilad Atzmon, The Orient House Ensemble was founded in London in 2000 and is renowned as one of the world's most brilliant and inspirational jazz groups.

Drawing on the music of Coltrane and Bird as well as the beautiful music of the Middle East to create something new and wonderful, the Ensemble has been touring constantly all over Europe and the UK and recorded six albums to date, have won many awards and received constant worldwide critical acclaim.

Gilad is described as "a local Jazz giant steadily drawing himself up to his full height..." by John Fordham of The Guardian.

Gilad Atzmon appears on alto and soprano saxophone and clarinet, and is accompanied by Frank Harrison on piano, Yaron Stavi on double bass, and Eddie Hick on drums.

Jason Rebello Group

After spending 12 years touring with Sting and Jeff Beck, Jason returns to the jazz fold. "It was time to get back to making my own music again. Touring with

these amazing musicians has taught me a lot, and it's time to use what I have learnt. It's nice to be 'home' again".

Jason's new group features Troy Miller (drums), Karl Rasheed-Abel (bass), Paul Stacey (guitar), and Joy Rose (vocals). Expect a set of Jazz, funk, Latin and a blend of songs, including new compositions and tracks from Jason's earlier albums.

Jason has been described as one of the finest jazz musician's Britain has produced.

John Surman Trio

Saxophonist John Surman, double-bassist Chris Laurence and drummer John Marshall have all played swinging Jazz, but in this set you'll hear all sorts of music. The repertoire features elegant classical lyricism; eerie bowed bass and deep saxophone or clarinet harmonies and various rumbling, tumbling rhythms and furtive, freeish melodies that give the music an adventurous feel.

Julian Siegel Quartet

The Julian Siegel Quartet's second album 'Urban Theme Park' (Basho) was awarded the London Jazz Award 2011. Their music moves freely through varied sound-worlds and colours, from undercurrents of bop into electro-acoustic trance, from an acoustic quartet playing early-electric Miles to dancing West African drum grooves, searching ballads and joyful melodies.

Laura Jurd Quartet

This group is Laura's longest running ensemble and have played numerous gigs in and around London, including the London Jazz Festival and the Jazzwise Power of 15 festival supporting saxophonist Chris Potter at Ronnie Scott's. The Laura Jurd Quartet features Elliot Galvin on piano, Conor Chaplin on bass and Corrie Dick on drums.

Drawing upon original compositions and traditional melodies as a basis for improvisation, this classic quartet line-up fuses elements of European folk, jazz and classical traditions.

Laurence Cottle Trio featuring Mornington Lockett and Ian Thomas

Laurence Cottle is a remarkable musician, who has played bass with Bill Bruford's Earthworks and in Pee Wee Ellis' Funk Assembly. He is also a part of Ronnie Scott's All Stars.

He has also recorded three albums under his own name and continues to tour with his Big Band. Laurence appears at Brecon Jazz 2013 accompanied by Mornington Lockett on saxophone and Ian Thomas on drums.

Martin Taylor and Alan Barnes

World-class guitarist Martin Taylor is known for his collaborations with Stephane Grappelli, Jamie Cullum and Bill Wyman and his highly successful solo career.

Multi-award winning reeds man Alan Barnes has worked with artists ranging from Bjork and Bryan Ferry to Clark Tracey and Charlie Watts.

The repertoire of this intimate concert will feature many tunes from their new album 'Two for the Road'.

"Martin Taylor and Alan Barnes dazzle with effortless brilliance" – The Observer

Nils Petter Morvaer Trio

Groundbreaking Norwegian trumpet player, composer and producer, Nils connects multiple music styles - jazz, ambient, house, electronic and break beats, as well as elements from hip hop, rock and pop music - and effortlessly melts them into convincing soundscapes of deep intensity.

His most prominent album Khmer was released on the ECM label to critical acclaim and sold over 250,000 copies.

Phronesis

Scandinavian/British Jazz trio Phronesis have the ability to excite, inspire and move people in a way that few bands are able to do. Led by Danish double bassist Jasper Høiby, their charismatic live performances have prompted Jon Newey, editor of Jazzwise magazine to describe them as "the most exciting and imaginative piano trio since EST".

In 2010 Phronesis captured the hearts and minds of British audiences and developed a fierce reputation as one of the most formidable trios in the UK. They were nominated for 'Best Jazz Ensemble' in the Parliamentary Jazz Awards, featured on the front cover of Jazzwise magazine and were nominated for 'Best Jazz Act' at the 2010 MOBO Awards.

Roller Trio

Described by BBC 6 Music DJ Gilles Peterson as the dark, menacing and bass heavy new sound of British Jazz, Roller Trio are James Mainwairing on tenor sax and electronics, Luke Wynter on guitar and Luke Reddin-Williams on drums.

Tim Kliphuis Trio & David Newton

Dutch fiddler Tim Kliphuis is a legend in the Gypsy Jazz world through his work with Fapy Lafertin, Angelo Debarre and many others. Tim and his Trio have invited UK piano star David Newton to join them in a joyous celebration of Stéphane Grappelli's music, performed with breathtaking mastery and French finesse.

Zoe Rahman

Winner of the 2012 MOBO award for best jazz act Zoe is known for her individual style, powerful technique and exuberant performance.

A highly sought-after musician she has worked with the likes of Courtney Pine, George Mraz, Martha Wainwright and Jerry Dammers' Spatial AKA. Her 2006 album, Melting Pot, was nominated for the Mercury Music Prize.

Zoe is accompanied at Brecon by Idris Rahman on Clarinet, Rowland Sutherland on flute, Alec Dankwork on Double Bass and Gene Calderazzo on Drums.

"Fantastic....she's such an important and unique artist, she deserves to be celebrated" Jamie Cullum Radio 2.

Quercus

Quercus brings together three of the UK's most creative and original musicians, saxophonists and Jazz composers Iain Ballamy on tenor saxophone, the innovative and eclectic Huw Warren on piano, and the voice of BBC Folk Awards 'Folk Singer of the Year' June Tabor.

Drawing on each player's repertoire of originals, timeless folk songs and reclaimed standard repertoire, the trio subtly recolour the music with their individual palettes to create exquisite acoustic chamber music.

Quercus are touring in 2013 to celebrate their first release on ECM Records.

DJ Snowboy

Resident DJ at 'The Good Foot' at the world-famous Madame Jo Jo's in Soho every Friday playing 60's and 70's funk, soul, rare groove, Latin boogaloo, mambo, ska and R&B, Snowboy is also a Latin percussionist, recording artist and band leader.

DJing since the classic jazz funk days of 1978 his knowledge of jazz, Latin, funk and soul records inspired him to take up percussion.

Since then he has since made 15 albums and 20 Latin, funk and soul singles and recorded and played with artists such as Lisa Stansfield, James Taylor Quartet, Jon Lucien, Sam Dees, Imelda May, Mick Hucknall, Mica Paris and Incognito.

Snowboy is currently the music producer and programmer for actor and Coronation Street star Craig Charles eponymous BBC 6 Music radio programme, the Craig Charles Funk & Soul Show every Saturday.

For more on Brecon Jazz 2013 see this week's Brecon & Radnor Express, on sale now