BRITISH FOLK singer James Blunt is the headline act for the 16th Barbados Jazz Festival which takes place from January 12-18.

Smooth jazz singer Dee Dee Bridgewater, neo-soul singer Angie Stone and jazz drummer Harvey Mason are also billed for the event.

Blunt is best known for the hit song You're Beautiful, from his 2004 album, Back to Bedlam. His latest album, All The Lost Souls, was released in 2007.

Last year, Blunt toured the United States with American rock singer Sheryl Crow and reggae legend Toots Hibbert.