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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

Sell out warning! Tireless bard Andy Irvine returns to Bristol wielding mandolas, bouzoukis, and stories of workers struggles from bygone days. He threads personal tales with historical reckonings, quietly affirming his status as an Irish legend whose prophecies reverberate through modern folk. Andy Irvine is one of the great Irish singers, his voice one of a handful of truly great ones that gets to the very soul of Ireland. He has been hailed as "a tradition in himself."

Western Gothic / fringe roots supergroup of the macabre, LA’s Heathen Apostles effortlessly alchemize the honky tonk, bluegrass and dark folk chops of their Cramps, Kings of Nuthin + Legendary Shack Shakers pedigree. Haunting, hard-edged outlaw country that’ll ride you past the sunset into the underworld FFO: 16 Horsepower, Graveyard Train, Those Poor Bastards. With Halloween drawing near what better band to see than Heathen Apostles? A band that have created a style of music that at once conjurs both angels and demons, and will enlighten a darkened soul. Enter the back room of The Bristol Fringe and be entertained like you've never been before!

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. Hailing from Tokyo’s underground DIY scene, Torso are a music duo composed of Kenji (flute, sax) and Orie (cello, voice). Join us for a rare UK performance, live 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. Hailing from Tokyo’s underground DIY scene, Torso are a music duo composed of Kenji (flute, sax) and Orie (cello, voice). Join us for a rare UK performance, live at IC Visual Lab.

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What our editors say

“Described as “a breath of fresh air on the swing scene” (Twinwood Festival) Down for the Count’s 10-piece mini big band is regularly found in jazz clubs across the UK and abroad (Ronnie Scott’s London, Le Caveau de la Huchette Paris), at festivals including London Jazz Festival, and on BBC Radio. Now they are bringing the sounds and feels of the best jazz clubs to theatres around the country – with an electrifying show full of incredible energy, musicianship, and their own signature wry wit and humour.”
From: Swing That Music with the Down for the Count All-Stars

“We’re a newly formed high-energy gypsy swing band rooted in the Django Reinhardt tradition, blending virtuosic musicianship with infectious rhythm and effortless charm. Our sound is fast, fiery, and joyful—classic swing with modern swagger. From elegant listening rooms to packed dance floors, we deliver tight arrangements, blazing solos, and a timeless sound that feels both nostalgic and electric.”
From: Sephora Swing

“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: Brazilian Landscapes

“Rob Heron & The Tea Pad Orchestra have been gleefully trampling over genre boundaries for over a decade now, chucking rockabilly, blues, country, swing, soul and more into their musical gumbo, but always sounding mostly just like themselves.”
From: Rob Heron & The Tea Pad Orchestra + The Swamp Puppies

“An exciting new trio playing contemporary jazz, exploring the unique and exciting possibilities of the guitar trio format. Featuring Joe Herbert, Toby Yapp (a Bristolian!) on bass and Josh Walker-Martin on drums. Joe's original tunes take influence from Thelonious Monk, Wayne Shorter, Cedar Walton. A band that takes the audience along with them as they swing from high-energy and fiery to melodic and emotional.”
From: Joe Herbert Trio