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

Haunting medieval melodies meet musique concrète: avant-garde folkists La Cozna reshape traditional French balladry with unsettling experimentalism, carried by orchestral swells and sublime chanson vocals. They’re in timeless company with a rare appearance from lauded local Mary Hampton and her oddball, old-world storytelling. LA COZNA AND MARY HAMPTON at The Cube.

The Cube exceeds its monthly quota for freewheeling fringe collabs! Zurich jazz voyager Tapiwa Svosve collides with viola experimentalist Richard Scott and Bristol’s peerless percussion tinkerer Luigi Marino in a borderless triptych of improvised noise – with added noodles from DIY instrument architect Llŷr Adeline, Liquid Library luminaries Owen Chambers & Charlie Miles + local drum juggernaut Dan Johnson. + Owen Chambers/Dan Johnson + Llŷr Adeline/Charlie Miles

Sell out warning! North Carolina old-time banjo champion Joseph Decosimo brings bewitching front-porch jams to the Kino basement, stretching Appalachian standards into a haze of cosmic Americana. A joyous backwoods hoedown FFO: Clyde Davenport, Adam Hurt, The Onlies, Gillian Welch. Appalachian folksinger and boundary-pusher Joe Decosimo, intimate + acoustic @ Cafe Kino.

Sell out warning! Reverent folk blues played on 12-string guitar with the poetic fervour of Townes Van Zandt, summoning the same ghosts of mental illness and the mundane country sprawl. Parr isn’t a revivalist – he’s one of the last of the true originals FFO: Michael Hurley, Gillian Welch, John R. Miller. Bluesman, guitarist, songwriter, and interpreter of traditional music

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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 + special guests

“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

“Dirty Weather Blues Revue is a Bristol-based electric blues outfit, offering fresh takes on blues classics from Robert Johnson and Muddy Waters to Rory Gallagher and John Mayer. Currently working on their debut original album, the band continues to perform across the UK and hosts both electric and acoustic residencies in Bristol. Join us for a high-energy Friday night of danceable blues and rock ’n’ roll!”
From: Dirty Weather Blues Revue

“The Motherz Plus support TBA 7pm doors £10 Adv The Motherz is a heavy, riff-driven London-based rock and metal trio known for their intense stage presence and sonic power. Blending elements of metal, stoner rock, and classic blues, their sound draws comparisons to artists like Wolfmother and Queens of the Stone Age. Please note the basement is not wheelchair accessible and is accessed by a narrow enclosed staircase. For more accessibility info, please email [email protected]”
From: The Motherz