Mali Sheard

Mali Sheard is a London based saxophonist and composer highly focused on finding a sense of creativity, expression and freedom within music. Coming through Tomorrows’ Warriors with a strong sense of community and gathering wisdom from mentors including Gary Crosby OBE and Binker Golding, she continued her studies with scholarship at the prestigious Royal Academy Of Music with inspiring tutors such as Nikki Iles and Giacomo Smith. She has a wide range of influences, such as Paul Desmond, Frank Sinatra, Brian Blade and Antonio Carlos Jobim, that can be connected by their emphasis on melodicism.

This led to the development of her artistic voice, writing meaningful music personal to her experiences and performing this with her band. Having grown up surrounded by nature at home in Hertfordshire and when visiting the Yorkshire Dales, the natural world holds a huge significance in her life and music. Hayfever, her debut album, introduces her sound to the world with an eclectic and lively set of compositions. The meaning of the album title, refers to how good changes can be uncomfortable, portrayed by the unpleasant hay fever symptoms that accompany the warmer, brighter days. Tracks When The Sun and Breathe feature field recorded birdsong and rain from her local childhood forest, bringing a personal connection to the music. The music encourages listeners to reflect on life so far, allow themselves to feel and continue onwards feeling uplifted.

Line-up: Mali Sheard – Soprano and Alto saxophone · Keira Chakraborty – Flute · Kyle Osborne – Piano · George Balmont – Bass guitar · Luke McCarthy – Drum kit