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.
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Our recent gypsy jazz recommendations
Sell out warning! Thee mightiest Holy Tongue incarnation cometh! Adding Bristol raw improv icon Dali de Saint Paul to an already-flawless unit hellbent on historical On U Sound punk-funk destruction - all leylines lead to Brew for this sacral homecoming of mystical post-punk heritage, from Pop Group to Skull Disco to EP/64 to bold and future lands...
Schwet with Holy Tongue and Ladr Ache at Strange Brew.
Sell out warning! Seize your chance to see Falmouth’s finest Lost Map-approved carnivalesque psych-folk collective. Blind Yeo are gonna carry the Jam Jar to new cosmic heights with wonky, motorik-tinged pastoralism (and a goblin outfit or three) – this one’s set to ignite fans of: Tunng, The Beta Band, Melin Melyn, Gong.
Blind Yeo + Baby Deltic at The Jam Jar.
Globally adored for dialling up the kosmische with 21st century fusion GOATs The Comet Is Coming, Danalogue steps out to the fore in this dazzling analogue synth journey through all known galaxies. Timelessly distilling everything from 60s Moog stargazing to 80s acid house to 00s chillwave, this is the birth of a brave new world FFO: Wally Badarou, Lone, Legowelt, Space Dimension Controller.
Danalogue AV Show at The Jam Jar.
Sell out warning! "I AM THE BLACK JAMES DEAN!!!!" Falle Nioke shouts over Peter Hook-style post-punk bounce, in a truly insane cocktail of driving 80s motorik and warped afro-futurist disco vision. Pigeon are seriously hot, Soundway says so, and this is one outernational space station your ass really needs to dock at. The crest of a big big wave FFO: William Onyeabor, Talking Heads, Joshua Idehen, ESG.
PIGEON at Strange Brew.
More Photos of Gypsy Jazz & Balkan Music in Bristol
What our editors say
“Join us every Thursday evening for an unforgettable musical experience featuring the finest jazz and swing tunes, curated by the acclaimed Barrel House Vipers. Immerse yourself in the relaxed and cozy atmosphere of Café Grounded Fishponds, where top-tier musicians, changing every week, will bring you the finest jazz and swing music. Expect The Barrel House Vipers trio or a host of excellent musicians, curated by them.”
From: Jazz Trio
“Mario Bakuna is a Brazilian composer, arranger, vocalist, and guitarist, bringing over 25 years of musical artistry to audiences worldwide, currently based in London, UK. Well known for his deep exploration of traditional Brazilian rhythms, samba, jazz, and bossa nova, Mario captures the spirit of Brazilian swing, blending it with refined jazz colours in both his original compositions and fresh arrangements of works by iconic artists such as Tom Jobim, Dorival Caymmi, Paulo Moura, and João Donato.”
From: Mario Bakuna Band perform Getz / Gilberto
“Now featuring a whole buncha jump and jive as well as the swing they were previously know for bringing to the party, so don your best boot suit, splash on your best cologne and head on out for for a great night at The Canteen!”
From: Eliza & the Pinstripes
“THE HUCKLEBUCK The Hucklebuck are a seven piece swinging blues/jump blues band. Playing their own originals and interpretations of classic electric standards, with an emphasis on authenticity and swing.”
From: The Hucklebuck
“We've got saxes, trumpets, trombones, guitar, bass, keys, drums - everything you could want from a jazz band! Triple Scoop's fun and jazzy vibe covers a large selection of music, from traditional swing to funk, meaningful melodies to jazzed-up versions of children's TV themes and 80s crowd pleasers. There's something for everyone to enjoy at our shows. We have a big sound where the crowd can move and dance, finding positivity and connection in our modern take on a classic sound that's filled with history.”
From: Triple Scoop Big Band at The Hen & Chicken Studio