Four concerts at Jazz Cafe Posk in the 2026 EFG London Jazz Festival

The 2026 EFG London Jazz Festival will once again include a curated series of concerts at Jazz Cafe Posk, a venue renowned for its warm atmosphere and eclectic jazz programming. Situated near Hammersmith, the venue is set to host performances on two consecutive weekends in November, specifically on the evenings of Friday 13th, Saturday 14th, Friday 20th, and Saturday 21st.

Under the direction of Tomasz Furmanek, a programmer with deep ties to Polish jazz and a commitment to bringing international talent to London audiences, the lineup reflects a blend of pioneering and emerging artists. Furmanek’s connection to the venue and festival dates back to memorable events such as those at POSK in 2014, anchoring his programming choices in both heritage and innovation.

A highlight of the festival at Jazz Cafe Posk will be the November 14th tribute to Michał Urbaniak, a seminal figure in jazz fusion and a Polish-born musician who made significant waves after relocating to New York in the early 1970s. The concert will feature members of Urbaniak’s celebrated Urbanator Band, a collective known for blending jazz with diverse stylistic elements. This event is notable not only for celebrating Urbaniak’s legacy but also for featuring Dorota Urbaniak, his longtime manager and spouse, who remains closely involved in presenting his work.

The ensemble performing Urbaniak’s compositions includes notable musicians such as keyboardist and vocalist Xantoné Blacq, bassist Otto Williams, drummer Troy Miller, guitarist and vocalist Femi Temowo, alongside violinist Casey Whyte, a rising talent in the jazz scene. Their collaboration promises an authentic yet fresh interpretation of Urbaniak’s influential sound.

Earlier in the festival, the program opens with a concert showcasing original work by Paweł Ignatowicz, whose modern jazz compositions integrate electric and acoustic textures. His music draws inspiration from a wide palette that spans fusion, drum and bass, Latin, Indian, minimal, and world music, creating a rhythmically compelling and melodically rich experience. Accompanying Ignatowicz is Adam Glasser, recognized as one of Europe’s premier jazz harmonica players, adding a distinctive voice to the performance.

Another significant performance will be the “Soul Exchange” session, which unites vocalist and pianist Natalie Duncan with saxophonist Brandon Allen. Supported by Mirko Scarcia on bass and Jamie Murray on drums, this quartet merges soul, funk, and classic jazz elements. The group is noted for its dynamic interplay and contemporary energy, bridging traditional roots with modern jazz improvisation.

Closing the Jazz Cafe Posk series during the festival, guitarist Rob Luft will headline a concert backed by Joe Wright on saxophone, Tom McCredie on bass, and Corrie Dick on drums. Luft, recognized as the 2025 Parliamentary Jazz Awards’ Instrumentalist of the Year and featured in Downbeat Magazine’s 2026 Rising Stars list, represents one of the most exciting guitar voices in European jazz today. His style, often compared to guitar legends such as Bill Frisell and Pat Metheny, promises an innovative take on electric jazz guitar.

Each concert at Jazz Cafe Posk during the festival is scheduled to begin at 8 p.m., with the venue’s bar opening an hour earlier. Tickets are available on the night or through designated links. This series not only underscores Jazz Cafe Posk’s ongoing role as a hub for jazz in London but also highlights the festival’s commitment to showcasing a blend of established icons and rising stars within the genre.

Overall, the 2026 EFG London Jazz Festival’s Jazz Cafe Posk program reflects a carefully balanced agenda that honors jazz’s rich traditions while pushing its boundaries. Through diverse lineups and thoughtfully curated performances, the venue continues to provide both local and international jazz audiences with memorable musical experiences.