The 34th Cork Guinness festival has expanded from its core musical base, says Kieran Bohane

THE only answer to the recessionary blues is some rhythm and blues, with a bit of jazz thrown in for good measure.

FIFTY thousand visitors and more than 1,000 musicians from 35 countries performing in 80 venues.

BLUR frontman Damon Albarn is set to open the world-famous Guinness Cork Jazz Festival this October.