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 (second show added)! Gorgeous suites for flute, cello and voice from the Japanese school of celestial folk-classical. Torso meld jazz, post-rock and hushed chamber minimalism into a towering romance FFO: Arthur Russell, JOW, Penguin Cafe Orchestra, Midori Takada, Visible Cloaks unplugged. Torso at IC Visual Lab.

Sell out warning! Gorgeous suites for flute, cello and voice from the Japanese school of celestial folk-classical. Torso meld jazz, post-rock and hushed chamber minimalism into a towering romance FFO: Arthur Russell, JOW, Penguin Cafe Orchestra, Midori Takada, Visible Cloaks unplugged. Torso at IC Visual Lab.

Trans-Atlantic collab where American roots meets British folk at its finest. With every virtuoso pluck of the guitar and bow of the fiddle, Brooks Williams and Aaron Catlow (Sheelanagig) pay loving homage to the 20th century songbook of bluegrass, blues, ragtime, folk, jazz manouche and music hall. Essential FFO: Dave Swarbrick, Martin Carthy, Django Reinhardt, Stéphane Grappelli. Brooks Williams & Aaron Catlow at Bristol Folk House.

Immerse yourself in Bristol’s experimental and no-wave underbelly! Live sets from Archie TTwheam and Foot Foot’s Esther Polloc lead into a screening of In’sive: a new film capturing the scene’s major players. Stick around afterwards as the stars take the stage for an improv free-for-all. In’sive Film & improv at The Cube.

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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

“Head down to The Canteen for a raucous night of croonin’, swoonin’ and good-time grooves. Bristol’s own Swamp Puppies roll in with their swamp-soaked blend of country, blues and rock ’n’ roll, guaranteed to have the whole room stompin’ along.”
From: Swamp Puppies

“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 + The Backwood Redeemers

“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