Music Spoken Here, Worcester - Programme for January 2027.

Music Spoken Here has revealed its initial concert schedule for January 2027, placing Worcester’s Marr’s Bar at the heart of its vibrant jazz programming. This marks a continuation of the organisation’s commitment to presenting emerging and established British jazz talent in intimate, accessible settings.

The first event, slated for January 14, 2027, will showcase saxophonist and composer Mali Sheard, who returns to Worcester following her earlier appearance with the ensemble Ankora in February 2026. Sheard’s growing reputation as a distinctive voice in British jazz is underscored by the recent release of her debut album, ‘Hayfever,’ which has attracted critical praise for its reflective and polished aesthetic. The album’s nuanced compositions have been recognized by leading jazz publications and commentators for their maturity and engaging warmth.

For this forthcoming concert, Sheard’s quintet will be augmented by guitarist Rob Luft, a notable figure who has previously earned the Parliamentary Jazz Award for Instrumentalist of the Year. Luft’s collaboration on three tracks of ‘Hayfever’ adds a significant layer of depth to the live performance. The quintet itself comprises musicians closely associated with Ankora, including flautist Keira Chakraborty, keyboardist Ky Osborne, bassist George Balmont, and drummer Luke McCarthy. This ensemble toured extensively across the UK in autumn 2026 under the auspices of Tomorrow’s Warriors, performing at venues such as London’s On The Corner and The Vortex, as well as regional locations including Luton, Bristol, Stroud, and London’s Crazy Coqs during the EFG London Jazz Festival.

The upcoming Worcester concert offers an opportunity for audiences to experience this dynamic group enhanced by Luft’s guitar artistry, promising a compelling fusion of original compositions and inventive interplay.

Later in the month, on January 28, 2027, Music Spoken Here will present Equal Measures, a jazz-fusion quartet led by bassist and composer Jules Jackson. Formed in 2019, the band draws inspiration from seminal fusion artists like Scott Henderson, Tribal Tech, and the Yellowjackets, alongside influences from 1970s Herbie Hancock and other jazz luminaries. Their sound is characterized by a blend of jazz, soul, pop, and contemporary musical elements.

Equal Measures features musicians with substantial professional and academic credentials. Jackson, a Guildhall School of Music and Drama alumnus, holds a significant role as Deputy Head of Jazz at the institution and boasts performance credits with artists including Jamie Cullum and Liane Carroll. Guitarist Tommy Emmerton and keyboardist Dougie Freeman, both affiliated with Guildhall as performers and educators, bring extensive experience spanning jazz, pop, and electronic genres. Drummer Jack Pollitt’s resume includes collaborations with high-profile figures such as Beyoncé and Ed Sheeran, as well as a decade-long tenure with UK soul band Mamas Gun.

The group’s concert at The Marr’s Bar will likely showcase their sophisticated approach to fusion, merging intricate guitar-led compositions with diverse stylistic influences.

Both events underscore Music Spoken Here’s mission to deliver high-caliber live jazz to Worcester audiences, featuring artists who are making significant contributions to the UK jazz scene. The choice of The Marr’s Bar as a venue reflects a deliberate emphasis on fostering close-knit musical experiences in a welcoming environment.

Admission for Music Spoken Here Club Members is complimentary, while non-members can attend with a modest fee payable at the door. This inclusive approach aims to encourage broader community engagement with contemporary jazz.

While further events for 2027 remain to be announced, these initial performances signal a promising start to the year, highlighting the continued vitality and innovation within British jazz circles as presented by Music Spoken Here.