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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

British folk iconoclast Chris Wood graces the candlelit hush of John Wesley’s New Room. His everyday epics sketch sharp-edged portraits of England’s many overlooked lives, from empty nests to minor league football teams to tragedies of industrial decay. Acute compassion ballads FFO: Martin Carthy, Karine Polwart, Billy Bragg, Richard Dawson. Chris Wood at John Wesley’s New Room.

Sell out warning! Granny’s Attic craft a mischievous folk playground, weaving original tunes into centuries-old reels and laments with effortless virtuosity. Crisp melodies, playful textures, and infectious energy celebrate the living, breathing pulse of the folk tradition. Joyous foot-stomping magic FFO: Jack Rutter, Eliza Carthy, Salt House. Granny's Attic - Greenbank Folk Club at St Anne's Church, Eastville.

Sell out warning! Kiss Facility unites Sega Bodega’s prodigious production alchemy with Mayah Alkhateri’s gossamer Arabic vocals, all refracted through a prism of shoegaze longing and soaring avant-pop emotivity. Prepare to be utterly transfixed by the ultimate creative power couple in an absolute no-brainer FFO: Erika de Casier, Eartheater, Nadah El Shazly Kiss Facility at Strange Brew.

Marauding Norsemen Agabas charge into town wielding their self-coined ‘deathjazz’: a pummeling uptempo rawk engine with a thrash gallop, horn blasts strafing through the noise, and shredding throat growls atop a storm of riffs and rhythms. A cataclysmic ruin ritual FFO: Kvelertak, Imperial Triumphant, Slipknot, Converge. AGABAS at Exchange.

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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

“Triple Scoop: a Jazz, Funk & Soul 12-Piece Big Band return to do a double set in the Hen & Chicken Studio in Bedminster, Bristol! With potentially some festive twists! 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

“Playing a wide range of Jazz classics, including 30’s and 40’s swing tunes, 1920's standards, ballads, Latin bossas and blues, Ruby Jazz make every party swing. If it's lively dancing you're after, they are famous for their energetic renditions of a vast array of vibrant swing and Latin tunes. Website: https://rubyjazz.weebly.com/”
From: Ruby Jazz

“The University Of Bristol Big Band Society's auditioned group, the Bristol Hornstars, perform swing, funk, Latin and pop numbers at regular gigs all over Bristol and beyond... Mixing Jazz, Funk, Latin and modern classics, and boasting 20 members, they always bring that party atmosphere to local venues, festivals, formals, balls, weddings, and private parties. Be sure to come and witness some of the best jazz the city has to offer! Instagram: @bigbandsoc Website: https://bigbandsoc.co.uk/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HornstarsandBUJO”
From: The Hornstars

“Mad Dog Mcrea blend a unique mixture of folk rock, pop, gypsy jazz, bluegrass and ‘shake your ass’ music. From self-penned songs of adventure, drinking, love and life, to traditional songs of gypsies, fairies, legless pirates and black flies – Mad Dog never fail to capture their audience with their infectious songs. In constant demand and having played just about every festival and two-bit, jibe-arsed dive in Christendom, Mad Dog Mcrea are, in every sense of the word, a live, band.Matched with the unshakable dedication of their massive and “loyal-to-the-hilt”, fan base.”
From: Mad Dog Mcrea