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

Sell out warning! While the new Swans are without their siren, we’ve had Blackmail on repeat waiting for her. Jarboe materialises from mists and dreams onto the stage, preluded by the acoustic drone netherworlds of Bong heroine Dawn Terry. An unparalleled gothic industrial enigma FFO: Diamanda Galás, This Mortal Coil, Keeley Forsyth, Circuit des Yeux. SHFTD & SB pres. Jarboe + Joy Von Spain, Dawn Terry, Sade Arellano at Strange Brew.

After a record-speed sell out in Jan, up-n-comers Truthpaste bring you lucky lot another minty dollop of experimental folk-pop whimsy. It wouldn’t be Cellar Door if it wasn’t overflowing, so catch ‘em waking up the sheeple alongside Hank Bee’s Hovvdy-style heartland indie, Of Lyrn’s tropicalia-edged alt-rock sweetness, and a gorgeous glut of visual artistry. Biggun FFO: Tapir, Rozi Plain, BCNR, Richard Dawson. Truthpaste + Hank Bee + Of Iyrn at Strange Brew.

Sink into soft and unhurried sounds at the Crypt of St John on the Wall. John Haycock weaves kora into delicate live tapestries with Daniel Bridgwood-Hill’s guitar and violin, while Sade Arellano performs low-lit medieval chanson and Nahda dives into a curated selection of Lebanese folk music. BYOP (Bring Your Own Pillow)! ~ and not or & resonance ~ 'what remains' by john haycock at Crypt Of St John On The Wall.

Avant-garde luminary and Xiu Xiu member Hyunhye Seo deals a disarming blow of hushed drone, spectral electro-acoustics and neo-classical unravellings. From exploring Sargassoan eel spawning to spatial dialogues, her compositions are profound experimental noise excavations, accompanied by spellbinding displays of improv piano prowess. Unmissable FFO: Annea Lockwood, Kali Malone, Thomas Köner. Hyunhye Seo, Matthew Grigg & Saltings, Prior at The Cube.

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What our editors say

“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

“DHP presents Uncle Lucius + special guests Monday 31st August 19:00 - 22:30 Uncle Lucius is an Austin, Texas-based band that delivers a soulful fusion of Americana, classic rock, blues and country. Tickets sold by Strange Brew on behalf of the promoter, DHP. All ticket revenue belongs to the promoter.”
From: Uncle Lucius

“Singer, multi-instrumentalist, composer and producer King Zepha presents an all-star band with wailing horns, thunderous double bass, global rhythms, dub delays and stunning 3-part vocal harmonies. Their original music draws influence from rhythm n blues, jazz, ska, rocksteady, reggae, dub and soul and has been described by Craig Charles (BBC 6 Music) as "breathtaking" and "my favourite album" by the legendary reggae producer Dennis Bovell (Soho Radio).”
From: King Zepha

“THE DWELLERS Hailing from Bristol, this three-piece punk rock outfit blends sharp hooks with high-energy chaos. With a sound inspired by SoCal punk and a love for loud guitars and louder crowds, they bring fast, melodic tracks and a raw live presence that hits hard and sticks with you. No frills—just riffs, rhythm, and real feeling. https://www.instagram.com/dwellersuk/ HOLLOW BOOK Hollow Book are a Bristol based female fronted trio formed in 2023. Our originals blend riffs with blues-inspired melodies and we enjoy the odd cover https://www.instagram.com/hollowbookband/ SIAN DEARNLEY”
From: THE DWELLERS FIRST SHOW + Hollow Book + Sian Dearnley

“Johnny Lizard and The Snakes is the alt-country rock ’n’ roll incarnation of the John E Vistic Rock N Roll Soundsystem. Delivering a raw blend of outlaw country, vintage rock ’n’ roll and grit-laced blues, Johnny belts it out while The Snakes drive things hard and loose, like the good old days never left. Think Johnny Cash meets Bob Dylan via The Stooges and The Cramps. Free entry - no ticket needed.”
From: Johnny Lizard And The Snakes