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Esther Bennett’s ‘Malaga Connection’!
at Jazz Café Posk
Saturday 20th June 2026
Bar 7 pm / music 8 pm
→ Tickets £15 on the door
and Eventbrite: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/esther-bennetts-malaga-connection-tickets-1989335724704?aff=oddtdtcreator
Esther
Bennett’s Malaga Connection!
There is
a thriving and very brilliant jazz scene in and around the province of Malaga…
(not to mention a world-class jazz school at ‘Elcamm’, (El Centro de Artes y
Música Moderna de Málaga)! I have been performing at various jazz clubs and
venues in the region for over a decade, and I am delighted to be bringing to
Jazz Café POSK two of Malaga’s finest jazz musicians: Sergio Diaz Muñoz on
drums and Fernando Toyos on double bass. They will be joining myself and
Anglo-Spanish pianist John Crawford for an original project, presented at
Jazz Café POSK, and entitled ‘The Malaga Connection’!
This
concert will feature original material and standards that I have been
performing with all these musicians over various gigs and over the last few
years. The instrumental numbers will display not only their jazz expertise but
also reflect their roots in Flamenco, Tango and Latin music. Be prepared for a
wonderfully textured, well-crafted and interesting mix tonight from some
of Europe’s most experienced and world-class jazz artists!
Esther
Bennett is one of the London jazz scene’s most respected and widely loved
jazz vocalists. She juxtaposes sensitivity with a sparkly sense of humour, her
song delivery leaving audiences utterly compelled. Her debut album "Just
in Time" produced by multi award winning singer Ian Shaw was released in
2004 and since then she has carved out a career performing at leading clubs and
festivals throughout the UK and Europe including Ronnie Scott's, Pizza Express,
606 Club & The Clarence Jazz Club, Malaga. Her repertoire draws from the
albums and projects she has have written, produced, and developed over the past
several years. Deeply rooted in storytelling and musical exploration, her
work moves fluidly between original material, reimagined standards, spoken word
& poetry and new interpretations that reflect an ongoing creative journey.
“Vocalist Esther Bennett’s many virtues include an incredibly seductive
lower register and a winning sense of humour” – Jazzwise magazine
Sergio
Díaz Muñoz (Marbella) - a drummer with a deep connection to jazz and
improvisation. His creative rhythms and passion for diverse musical styles give
the group a vibrant and modern feel that demonstrates a constant evolution in
each of his works. His ongoing activity in multiple ensembles has led him to
perform in jazz clubs and at international festivals across Spain and in
several countries. Although most of his activity is focused on projects related
to jazz and improvisation, he is a versatile musician and a lover of all kinds
of music. He has played and recorded with an impressive and extensive list of
jazz artists that include Perico Sambeat, Julián Sánchez, Jorge Pardo, Paul
Stocker Joseph Carra & Enrique Oliver whilst also running several of his
own projects.
Fernando
Toyos (Argentina) - a double bassist who graduated from the jazz program
at the Manuel de Falla Municipal Conservatory in Buenos Aires. He has extensive
experience both as a professional bassist and as a musical director in musical
theatre, cruise ships, and television, performing in numerous ensembles as a
sideman, leader, arranger, and composer.
In
parallel to his performance career, he has developed a long-standing vocation
as an educator in both Argentina and Spain. His teaching experience spans from
early childhood music initiation to advanced levels, including the direction of
orchestras and student ensembles. Currently residing in Malaga, Spain, he
remains an active professional musician and dedicated educator.
John
Crawford - a pianist who blends jazz sophistication with the fire of Latin
rhythm. With English and Spanish roots, he was raised on blues and immersed in
salsa, flamenco, and Afro-Cuban traditions - a fusion that defines his sound.
He’s performed at world-renowned festivals like Montreal, North Sea, and San
Sebastián, and iconic venues including Ronnie Scott’s, the Royal Albert Hall,
and the 606 Club. An Independent Music Award nominee, John’s albums ‘Ulia
River of Time’, ‘Times and Tides’, and his latest ‘Room for
Dancing’ have earned critical praise for their vibrant energy and
heartfelt lyricism. He’s played with legends from both the Latin and jazz
worlds - from Airto Moreira to Norma Winstone, Björk to Tony Kofi - and was a
founding member of Grupo X and genre-blending project ISQ. Whether on stage or
in the studio, his music is always alive with groove, emotion, and an
infectious love of dance.
Video 1
(“I Told You So” – Esther Bennett live @ Toulouse Lautrec Jazz Venue): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E1kCenPPr6U
Video 2
(Esther Bennett with The John Crawford Trio – live 2025): https://youtube.com/watch?v=dbLOnOjZtwA&feature=shared