“A bright new light on the British Jazz scene” – Nikki Yeoh, Jazz FM

Following her Worcester debut with Ankora in February 2026, saxophonist and composer Mali Sheard returns to the Marr’s Bar with her own quintet, along with special guest, Parliamentary Jazz Award winning instrumentalist of the year Rob Luft.

The Royal Academy of Music graduate and Tomorrow’s Warriors alumna released her debut album ‘Hayfever’ in September, described by Jazzwise Magazine as “refined and pensive. A shimmering glimpse into the potential of an excellent up-and-coming musician.” Angus Batey (UK Jazz News) found it “a warm, enveloping and involving listen: like being invited to sit down and join in a series of eclectic conversations among a group of long-term friends” and our own resident journalist Ian Mann (The Jazz Mann) declared it “An exceptionally mature debut, and with the prospect of more top-quality music to come.”

Her quintet, featuring fellow Ankoran Keira Chakraborty (flute), Ky Osborne (keys), George Balmont (bass) and Luke McCarthy (drums) toured the UK supported by Tomorrow’s Warriors in Autumn 2026, playing On The Corner (London), The Bear Club (Luton), The Vortex (London), St Georges (Bristol), The Goods Shed (Stroud) and finishing off at Crazy Coqs on the EFG London Jazz Festival programme for the second year.

This performance in Worcester will be extra special as Mali’s regular quintet will be joined by special guest guitarist Rob Luft, who appeared on three of the album tracks. This will be Rob’s third appearance on our programme.