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

What happens when nine free-jazzheads get their hands on an ensemble's worth of gamelan goodies? Nist-Nah erupts in dizzying, metallic swarms of controlled chaos conducted by master polymath percussionist Will Guthrie, elevating you to a sonic nirvana only achieved by fearless adepts of Steve Reich, The Art Ensemble of Chicago, La Monte Young and The Necks. Will Guthrie & Ensemble Nist-Nah , Laura Phillips at Strange Brew.

Americana-electronica duo Hangover Square seduce with stately charisma and otherworldly arrangements that shimmer with operatic tenderness and digital flourishes... come join their haunting tour of gauzy transcendence through nightmarish worlds. Ethereal shadow play FFO: This Mortal Coil, Marissa Nadler, Kate Bush. Hangover Square at The Croft.

Two absolute wonders of improvised performance in one evening! UK free jazz GOAT Evan Parker spins hypnotic patterns with circular breathing and overtone manipulation, while Trance Map+ blend acoustic instruments with live electronic processing to create shape-shifting soundscapes in real time. Evan Parker and Trance Map+ at Arnolfini.

Another year, another audiovisual Halloween spectacular from Cellar Door, with twisted rockabilly punks Honk helming the hoedown – a prime slab of swampy, country-fried Mancunian garage FFO: The Gun Club, Country Teasers, early Jay Reatard etc. Loaded with support from new synth-addled psych oddities Ya Hablo, Brighton glam punks Austen Showers and moody indie folkers Dogsbody. HAUNTED HONKY TONK

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What our editors say

“For Kenney both of these releases serve as stepping stones in his artistic disciplines, as he seeks a way to use his knowledge of traditional fiddle music in his own compositions without compromising the integrity of either. Through direct experience, Kenney allows other musical forms such as psychedelia, bluegrass, jazz and Italian tarantella to seep into his music but never so far as to allow any one influence to dominate his deep love for traditional fiddle playing. The result of crossing these stones is his forthcoming work Tiny Little Light, set to be released in September 2025.”
From: Mikey Kenney

“Blending blues, folk, soul, and Americana, Bibb delivers songs full of warmth, hope, and stories that connect past and present. His masterful acoustic guitar, rich baritone, and storytelling craft create intimate, unforgettable performances. On stage, he’s joined by Glen Scott (bass, keys, backing vocals), Robbie McIntosh (guitar), and Paul Robinson (drums), performing both new tracks and beloved classics.”
From: One Mississippi

“Following his youth in Wimberley, TX, playing blues, manouche jazz, and western swing in bars and dance halls across the state, Buck moved to Brooklyn and released two solo EPs, Live from a Volcano (2013), and Heart Was Beat (2015). Concurrently, he met songwriter Adrianne Lenker in 2012, and after a year of fervent collaboration, they recorded two EPs,”
From: Buck Meek

“Celebrated for their sharp songwriting, unpretentious charm and jaw-dropping musicianship, The Wave Pictures bring their timeless mix of indie rock, blues and off-beat wit to Strange Brew.”
From: The Wave Pictures

“The Often Herd transcend the traditional boundaries of bluegrass music. Although they might resemble an American string band, complete with driving energy, tight vocal harmonies and dazzling instrumental interplay, their vibrant, transatlantic sound is deeply coloured by their surroundings; the striking natural and industrial landscapes of Northern England. This unique approach won them the title of “Best European Bluegrass Band 2018” at the prestigious La Roche Bluegrass Festival in France.”
From: The Often Herd + Green Tree