Jazz and pop legend Georgie Fame is to top the bill at Coventry’s much expanded jazz festival this summer.

Fame and his band, the New Blue Flames, will star in the festival’s showpiece evening concert, at the Hotel Leofric on Sunday 29 August.

The 55 year old singer / pianist, who had three chart topping records in the mod-60s, has worked with an extraordinary gallery of great names, from Count Basie, Gene Vincent and Muddy Waters to Van Morrison and Eric Clapton.

His career spans more than 20 albums and 14 hit singles and includes work in many different musical genres – film scores and TV commercials as well as orchestral projects, big bands and rock groups. The seven-piece New Blue Flames band features his sons Tristan and James Powell on guitar and drums.

Georgie Fame’s is the first confirmed booking for the four-day festival, which runs from August 27-30, using a number of city centre venues. It’s being co-ordinated by Coventry and Warwickshire Promotions, working with local promoters, and promises to be the biggest jazz spectacular ever held in the city. More than 20 further acts are expected to be confirmed within the next week.

Roy Brunt, a member of the organising committee, said

"The last time Georgie Fame played Coventry was 30 years ago, when I booked him to play the Hotel Loefric with Eric Clapton. We’re absolutely delighted that he’s coming back this summer."