Bristol's Blues Events

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Bristol's Blues Scene

Is blues music under-represented in Bristol?

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...

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Our recent blues recommendations

British folk iconoclast Chris Wood graces the candlelit hush of John Wesley’s New Room. His everyday epics sketch sharp-edged portraits of England’s many overlooked lives, from empty nests to minor league football teams to tragedies of industrial decay. Acute compassion ballads FFO: Martin Carthy, Karine Polwart, Billy Bragg, Richard Dawson. Chris Wood at John Wesley’s New Room.

Sell out warning! Granny’s Attic craft a mischievous folk playground, weaving original tunes into centuries-old reels and laments with effortless virtuosity. Crisp melodies, playful textures, and infectious energy celebrate the living, breathing pulse of the folk tradition. Joyous foot-stomping magic FFO: Jack Rutter, Eliza Carthy, Salt House. Granny's Attic - Greenbank Folk Club at St Anne's Church, Eastville.

Sell out warning! Kiss Facility unites Sega Bodega’s prodigious production alchemy with Mayah Alkhateri’s gossamer Arabic vocals, all refracted through a prism of shoegaze longing and soaring avant-pop emotivity. Prepare to be utterly transfixed by the ultimate creative power couple in an absolute no-brainer FFO: Erika de Casier, Eartheater, Nadah El Shazly Kiss Facility at Strange Brew.

Marauding Norsemen Agabas charge into town wielding their self-coined ‘deathjazz’: a pummeling uptempo rawk engine with a thrash gallop, horn blasts strafing through the noise, and shredding throat growls atop a storm of riffs and rhythms. A cataclysmic ruin ritual FFO: Kvelertak, Imperial Triumphant, Slipknot, Converge. AGABAS at Exchange.

More Photos of Bristol's Blues Events

What our editors say

“9:30pm / free entry ~~~ The Slimline Shufflers are a dynamic New Orleans-style rhythm’n‘blues band hailing from Bristol, UK, with virtuosic piano playing, searing harmonica, and inspiration drawn from iconic Crescent City musicians such as Professor Longhair, James Booker, Allen Toussaint and Dr. John. Comprised of Henry Slim on harmonica & vocals, Eric Arthur on piano, Adam Newton on upright bass, and Max Harrison on drums & vocals, the band have honed their unique style over the past 10 years, captivating audiences across the UK.”
From: The Slimline Shufflers monthly residency

“> > Total Clusterfunk are a Bristol Soul funk 8 piece who’s shows are getting a great rep . Comprising members of Roni Size and Reprazent, The Federation and Massive, this crew give the audience a rollercoaster of a ride.Brass funk classics with some supreme soul gems flavoured in the bands own style, make for a great gig. Steve Henwood of Glastonbury festivals and the Bell inn, Bath recently said of us"blast your blues away with one of the best brass sections you'll hear all year..don’t be daft, be here! “ > > Instagram: @totalclusterfunk”
From: Total Clusterfunk - Bristol Soul funk

“DHP presents The Commoners Plus supports Spencer Mackenzie 7pm doors £23 Adv The Commoners are a Canadian roots-rock band from Toronto, Ontario, blending classic 70s Southern rock with modern soul and blues. Known for soaring vocals, heavy guitar riffs, and high-energy stage presence, the group has become a celebrated fixture in both the North American and UK/EU live music scenes. Exchange has a small ramp entrance from the street. Our bar and main event space are on the ground floor with level access throughout and we have an accessible toilet. If you need any other info on accessibility, please contact [email protected]”
From: The Commoners

“One of blues rock’s most exciting breakout bands of recent years, Hutchinson’s power trio have been praised for ‘turning a club show into a primal scream’. Packed with hard hitting riffs and gritty guitar solos, his songs bring audiences together with choruses that soar.”
From: Jack J Hutchinson

“Steve teamed up with Paul Hobday, a Westcountry “gun for hire” guitar player to form a powerful duo who have toured extensively in Europe and Ontario, Canada.After recording a new studio album, “Raise A Glass” Payne and Hobday are returning to tour the US, as SP3, with Yardbirds and Nine Below Zero harpman Billy Boy Miskimmin.Look forward to world class roots, blues and boogie from three of the UK’s finest exponents….”
From: Steve Payne Trio