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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.

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Our recent gypsy jazz recommendations

Luke De-Sciscio’s astral folk embodies a classic autumnal warmth and soul-searching intensity. Flighty, unabashedly emotional expressions, inviting and encouraging the audience to feel along. New fave FFO: John Martyn, Jeff Buckley, Van Morrison, Cat Stevens, Buffy Sainte-Marie. Luke De-Sciscio: Folk / indie folk legend +

Incandescent electronica-cumbia fusion intertwined with bolero, dembow, guaracha and bachata from the Brussels-via-Bolivia master multi-instrumentalist. Susobrino’s vibrant music is a whole cinematic, immersive cosmos to get lost in, joined by sonidero-influenced selector Ritmos Cholulteka supplying the cumbia-rooted grooves. Susobrino is a sonic explorer blending acoustic and electronic worlds, deeply immersed in the vibrant pulse of Latin America.

Mama’s Broke forge their Americana folk sound from disparate sources. Nothing is off-limits: Irish reels, intricately arranged acapellas, longform gothic death ballads, Eastern European style fiddle frenzies... it’s as if they’ve bottled the wandering spirit of every bar room, forest, and freight train they’ve passed through. Enchanting FFO: Gillian Welch, Lankum, Kaia Kater, murder ballads on the wind. Mama’s Broke is a powerful folk duo that deliver a compelling performance with heart and raw energy.

Sam Pradalie brings ghostly minimalism, Leeem fires back with wild-eyed Balkan baroque maximalism. Two distinct takes on composition performed by a chamber ensemble, followed by Fabio Ferri who crashes in with a jazz-fusion supernova, twisting the whole night inside out like only Bristol’s own Zappa can. Middle Aisle & Relativity Present: Music for extremes: Less is less vs More is more. featuring the music of Sam Pradelie, Leeem and the Fabio Ferri Quintet.

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What our editors say

“Following his youth in Wimberley, TX, playing blues, manouche jazz, and western swing in bars and dance halls across the state, Buck moved to Brooklyn and released two solo EPs, Live from a Volcano (2013), and Heart Was Beat (2015). Concurrently, he met songwriter Adrianne Lenker in 2012, and after a year of fervent collaboration, they recorded two EPs,”
From: Buck Meek

“JAMU Ft. Binbags, Dur Brain, MĀDŁY, Speaka Da Devil, Bon Suis & The Horn Dogs. JAMU samples genres from around the world, with classic hip-hop tracks, to create a cleverly constructed showcase, which includes reggae, jazz, dub, swing, trip-hop, with nods to drum and bass and other bass driven music.”
From: Where it all Begins

“Leo Nathan creates a unique musical tapestry, weaving alt-folk and indie-soul with playful nods to gypsy jazz and Latin rhythms. His music balances nostalgia with freshness, offering rich storytelling and immersive melodies that draw listeners into a vibrant, sun-soaked world. With warmth, energy, and infectious good vibes, Leo’s performances are a celebration of rhythm, melody, and heartfelt connection.”
From: Leo Nathan

“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

“This isn’t your average seasonal soirée. Think velvet brass, cheeky rhythms and a setlist that slides effortlessly from vintage swing to Latin grooves, with a generous helping of festive favourites along the way. Some tunes you’ll know and love, others might just surprise you — all delivered with the Sisters’ signature flair.”
From: Sisters of Swing - Christmas Spectacular