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

Incandescent electronica-cumbia fusion intertwined with bolero, dembow, guaracha and bachata from the Brussels-via-Bolivia master multi-instrumentalist. Susobrino’s vibrant music is a whole cinematic, immersive cosmos to get lost in, joined by sonidero-influenced selector Ritmos Cholulteka supplying the cumbia-rooted grooves. ¡Cumbia, Mi Amor w/ Susobrino + Ritmos Cholulteka at The Jam Jar.

Pinch us, we’re dreaming; two indispensable axes of New Weird Americana coming forth on the same bill! Six Organs’ pitch-black drone-folk mysticism sparring with Jackie O-Motherfucker’s fantastical improv psychedelic freak-outs!? Pure fucking magic FFO: Bardo Pond, Flying Saucer Attack, Current 93, Charalambides, Fahey, Sun City Girls. Six Organs of Admittance + Jackie-O Motherfucker + Riley/Radley at Strange Brew.

Pedal steel punk from Blackbird Raum alumnus Cas P. Ian, trading in anarcho-folk for an unruly new breed of country garage. Twisted Teens are wailing, fuzzy, languid and snotty all at once, like a fried Sheer Mag/White Wires crossover. Get in early for DIY newbies The Jeff Sessions and rock’n’roll wunderkind outfit Bruno & the Outrageous Methods of Presentation. Rock and roll/punk rock in the basement

Mainstream recognition always eluded Man, but the cult Welsh psych-proggers’ 57 year marathon of frazzled pub-rock jams have made them an unparalleled cosmic Celtic institution. The most significant thing to come out of Merthyr since the Industrial Revolution? Essential history FFO: Quicksilver Messenger Service, Groundhogs, Hawkwind, Wishbone Ash, Nektar. MAN - WELSH ROCK LEGENDS + CULT OF THE VELVET RATLLESNAKE

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What our editors say

“Bringing a new splash of spirit to old time genres, four-piece band Moonshine Malarkey raise the roof with raucous drinking songs and tell lyrical tales of monkeys, mermaids and moonshine. Expect a signature blend of footstompin’ country, swing, folk, calypso and boozy blues, with fiery violin solos, high energy drums and smooth lead vocals joined by soulful harmonies.”
From: Moonshine Malarkey

“In the late 1960s he was a regular performer at the legendary Bristol Troubadour and founder of the Folk Blues Bristol & West club. He was heavily influenced by old country blues players before taking a left-swerve in the early ’70s with a trio of songwriter/ guitarist albums for the pioneering and now highly collectable Clifton-based independent label Village Thing.”
From: Ian A. Anderson & Friends

“Banty Rooster are a blues/rock band based in Somerset, passionate in delivering high-energy renditions of some great hits that get the crowd moving. Fusing a blend of blues, rock, and timeless classics, from iconic rock anthems to soulful ballads. Banty Rooster's performances are known for their infectious energy and crowd interaction, creating an electric atmosphere that leaves audiences craving more.”
From: Banty Rooster

“Albino Tarantino is the brain-child of singer songwriter Aron Attwood. After releasing his self-penned debut album, Magic 8 Ball in 2017, Aron looked for a way to bring his music to a live audience. Gathering the cream of local musicians, Aron re-conceived a selection of his solo tunes and has given them a distinctive Latin tang. This mix of blues and latin references draws on influences from both genres in a melting pot of new flavours.”
From: Albino Tarantino

“They conjure sky-shaking and boundary-bursting rock ‘n’ roll by invoking spirits of Ancient myth, traditional folklore, and Delta-born blues in one concentrated musical incantation. In the band, 21st century guitar hero, innovator, songwriter, and GRAMMY® Award-winning Greta Van Fleet co-founder Jake Kiszka not only shares vocal and guitar duties with critically acclaimed co-vocalist and guitarist Chris Turpin of Ida Mae, but he also shines as a producer and songwriter, stepping out on his own. Working and song writing in tandem with Jake and curating this vision side-by-side, Chris has emerged as a perfect creative partner, adding yet another dimension to MIRADOR.”
From: Mirador