While other American-originated music like funk and soul enjoy a huge number of acts and dedicated venues, where is the home of blues in Bristol? With its roots in the oppression of the black peoples of America, blues was transplanted over to the UK via white rock acts like the Rolling Stones and Eric Clapton. A quick browse of blues played on the BBC recently and tyhe Guardian’s list of the best blues festivals show some support for nearby Bath, but nothing for blues in Bristol. This begs the question: who will lead the new blues revival in Bristol?
Blues gigs in Bristol are found in pretty consistent venues with places like The Prom and the Thunderbolt popular live blues spots. Generally blues-rock seems more prominent in Bristol than traditional rhythm and blues bands or delta blues singers, although there is some really interesting stuff out there. Other venues to check for blues include the Cori Tap in Clifton and the Blue Lagoon on Gloucester Rd.
It's always worth looking at what's on at the Canteen in Bristol whose listings vary in style but are usually consistently high in quality - some potential blues gems there...
Buy tickets for blues events in Bristol
Our recent blues recommendations
Soul-stirring Americana! Bristol duo Hangover Square’s cinematic take on folk-blues is a balm for the broken hearted and a swoon-inspiring delight for the lovers.
Hangover Square at Exchange.
Sell out warning! Our hallowed Schwet has come out of early retirement to bring Shovel Dance Collective to us once again – they’re that good. Following on from their mirthful sold-out Bristol show last year, everyone’s favourite virtuosic radical folk collective return with their drone, improv and avant-garde explorations of folk by and for the people.
Schwet with Shovel Dance Collective + more at Strange Brew.
Free entry! Norwich > Nashville in the dusty world of Brown Horse; whose folkier slant on alt-country and Americana roots rock will grow an instant mullet down the necks of Felice Brothers, Jayhawks, Silver Jews, Langhorne Slim and Son Volt fans.
Brown Horse + Ead Wood + DJ at The Canteen.
Showstopping trifecta of contemporary classical meets experimental electronic. Mara Simpson weaves vocal loops and field recordings into shapeshifting ambient/avant garde/chamber folk soundscapes to lose (and find) yourself deep within. Stellar support in the glitchy jazzbient eclecticism of Bethany Ley (fka STANLÆY) and pianist Larkhall’s sublime post-classical compositions.
Mara Simpson + Bethany Ley + Larkhall at The Jam Jar.
More Photos of Bristol's Blues Events
What our editors say
“From his years in the internationally acclaimed duo Soft Cell to the successful solo career that followed, Marc Almond has sold over 30 million records worldwide with his list of hit songs including ‘Say Hello, Wave Goodbye, ‘Touch’ and, of course, ‘Tainted Love’. Audiences will also be treated to the supreme talent of blues guitar prodigy and social media sensation, Toby Lee, described by Joe Bonamassa as “a future superstar of the blues”.”
From: Jools Holland and his Rhythm and Blues Orchestra
“In 2019 Asmaa released her first album Oulad Lghaba, together with Ajabu! Records. This release focuses on the part of the Gnawa tradition about spirituality. The music is about the spirit world, about life in Africa, about how we should live in harmony with nature and also about the consequences we face if we abuse nature. This amazing group of female musicians can really deliver their contagious brand of evangelistic desert blues, sung in their native Gnawan language. They break new ground not only when it comes to music, but also with regard to how they speak up for equal rights and for the preservation of traditions and spiritual practices in modern-day Morocco and throughout the world.”
From: Asmâa Hamzaoui & Bnat Timbouktou
“Chris Jones (Orfic, Weareleif, Nurdle) is a first-call bassist who has played across the UK from Theatre Pits to Pizza Express Soho, his blending of contemporary rhythmic ideas and guttural blues draws comparisons to the likes of Larry Grenadier and Charlie Haden.”
From: Martin Kern + AS trio
“Soul stirring Americana and cinematic folk-blues. Hangover Square elegantly combine influences as varied as folk, blues, classical, world music and electronica. Expect, synths, slide guitar, layered voices, orchestral samples and electronically produced beats. In a word…folktronica.”
From: Hangover Square
“The Poor Box Brothers are Marc Clements and Ben W King. Having played with innumerable bands on the road for over 40 years (including session work with Ginger Baker, Andy Rourke of The Smiths, and Van Morrison) this year Marc decided to get back to basics with harmonica player, Ben, and play the music that inspired him as a teenager. Ben has been playing guitar for over a decade, having grown up listening to all kind of blues. He picked up the harmonica in recent years and hasn’t put it down since.”
From: The Poor Box Brothers