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Gypsy Jazz & Balkan Music in Bristol

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Bristol's Gypsy Jazz Scene

Who put the gypsy in gypsy jazz?

Gypsy jazz or gypsy swing originated in the Romani cultures of France (according to Wikipedia) and has huge popularity in Bristol. But while many fans in Bristol might partake in alternative living’ via vans, canal boats or semi-legitimate housing, are they uprooting gysy jazz from its roots? Romani is a culture and an ethnicity, not just a way of life - Bristol council reports that 95% of the traveller community actually live in permanent housing now. So it seems the nomadic, traveller, roots of this music that now enjoys huge popularity in Bristol, might be eroded from the inside too.

The gypsy jazz thing has really kicked off in Bristol. From live bands to Bristol DJs, people seem to be into it. For big multi-band gigs it's worth looking at whats on at the Lost Horizon and the Attic. Occasional gypsy and klezmer nights also happen at The Croft so it's also worth considering the gig listings for the Croft.

There's a quality core of gypsy influenced bands in Bristol including the chaotic Fromage En Feu, Fuzia and festival-folk favourites Sheelanegig. Balkan beats nights in Bristol are typically found in the second or third rooms of some of Bristols bigger clubnights.

Buy tickets for gypsy jazz events in Bristol

Our recent gypsy jazz recommendations

Klezmer-inflected chamber folk majesty for cello and nyckelharpa (Swedish keyed harp). Benjin combines 800 year old British folksongs with Bach, dense jazz improvisations and sound collages; evoking the poignant melancholy of Renaissance sitting rooms in 21st century Bedminster. Music for cello, nyckelharpa, trumpet & violin

What our editors say

“Her new second album “Out of the Ashes” (out on 5th April 2024) sees Julie branch off from the safe nest of arranging traditional songs to create a new, bolder, original sound reflecting the rich variety of her influences. Recorded in spring 2022 with James Grunwell (from the band “Me And My Friends”) as producer and guitarist, Ubuntu label-signee Sam Quintana on double bass, swing ambassador Ewan Bleach on reeds, and Shakespeare’s Globe player Paul Johnson on percussion and bamboo flute, “Out of the Ashes” is a collection of 12 original compositions oozing with the earthy, warm and deeply moving melodies that characterise her exciting sound.”
From: Julie Abbé & Megs Emrys

“Dirty Cash are a multi-genre cocktail 6 piece band from Bristol with elements of swing, hip hop & electro to get you moving! After a sell out Summer Bash last June at Louisiana they're back for more with tonnes of new tunes and some great support acts. Check them out: https://linktr.ee/dirtycashbriz”
From: Dirty Cash + Dub Catalyst + CJ Sparse

“Bristol based Mista Trick began to mix live elements into his remixes, introducing musicians, rappers, and vintage swing vocalists Elle & The Pocket Belles. This soon developed into Mista Trick Collective, the on-stage performance of this renowned Swing & Bass DJ's finest tracks, with a full live band. This musical fusion is in a league of its own, taking Swing & Bass to the next level. Mixing vintage, vaudeville vibes with distinctly down and dirty Drum & Bass, the resulting sound is like the lovechild of a wartime knees-up in an underground rave!”
From: Mista Trick Collective & Social Ignition & Mr Fitz

“Saxophonist Dan Newberry is currently studying for a Masters at the Royal Welsh College and is one of the brightest rising stars of the scene. He studied with sax great Iain Ballamy from an early age, and has acquired an appreciation of all styles of jazz sax, able to switch from 30s swing to the most contemporary sounds in an instant.”
From: Andy Hague/Dan Newberry Organ Quartet

“The Relay Rips- Hyperactive live show with big guitars and powerful brass section performing original upbeat material,perfect for the drinking dancefloor. New-wave, folk rock, punk-swing & brass fuelled Rock n' roll.”
From: The Relay Rips, Boat trip to