Jazz Gigs in Bristol

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Bristol's Jazz Scene

There are two distinct sides to Bristol's jazz scene and in the middle a line that's rarely crossed...

Jazz in Bristol's Large Venues
On one side are the (usually larger) international jazz events, typically at venues like Colston Hall and St Georges. These are great venues to see contemporary jazz in Bristol with recent (2009 - 2010) highlights including Portico Quartet, Cinematic Orchestra and the Neil Cowley Trio. Live jazz in these Bristol venues has more of a concert feel, almost always seated and usually around the £15 mark depending on the seats. Bristol is fortunate to be a key stop over in most UK jazz tours and it is always worth keeping an eye on who's playing when and where and get jazz tickets early for decent seats.

Jazz in Bristol's Small Venues
The otherside of Bristol's live jazz scene couldn't be more different. Bristol is home to some awesome jazz musicians, many of international standard playing international gigs. What's great about Bristol is you can often catch these artists while they're at home often for free. Notable examples include Daisy Palmer (drummer - Goldfrapp), James Bateman (sax - Badbone & Co, Ronnie Scotts) and James Morton (sax - Pee Wee Ellis, The Herbaliser). Unlike the large tours at the bigger venues jazz gigs in Bristol pubs are more organic and unpredictable. With so many quality musicians playing in so many different bands or improvising with different artists, live jazz in Bristol is constantly evolving. When looking for whats on jazz in Bristol it's often more important to consider which individual musicians are playing where, rather than browsing by band or headliner. At live music events in Bristol pubs for the best views you'll need to stand but sometimes tables if you're lucky enough to get one.. ***** Where to see live jazz in Bristol
The whats on listings to the left show all upcoming jazz gigs in Bristol but it's still worth mentioning some consistent venues. Always check whats on at the Coronation Tap on Tuesdays and Sundays, (usually jazz or blues, always free). Other key jazz venues in Bristol include the Old Duke (live music every night, always free) and the Grain Barge (gigs every Friday, around £3).

We also have whats on info and listings for gypsy jazz, which we have decided to keep separate.

Is there a new generation of jazz?

Many people who lived through the golden era of jazz will tell you it's dead. But many international publications say jazz is having a new dawn in the UK and that the genre is evolving because of multiculturalism. Some of this can be seen in the Bristol jazz scene, the non-purist outlook of Worm Disco Club and Bristol Jazz and Blues Fest. With a new generation of jazz fans, comes a new outlook on jazz - Bristol has always had young and adventurous music makers from it’s local community and insurgent student population. Will Bristol be the new centre of a new kind of jazz in the UK? Only time will tell.

Buy tickets for jazz events in Bristol

Our recent jazz recommendations

Don’t miss this chance to catch a future jazz great in such an intimate setting! Ego Ella May’s ascent is already written in the stars, her soulful tenderness, lyrical prowess and honey-dipped vocal serenity have us spellbound. Hot on the heels of her timeless-classic-in-the-making new album, she’s weaving pure magic at The Jam Jar FFO: Erykah Badu, Yazmin Lacey, Ari Lennox, Solange. Ego Ella May at The Jam Jar.

Sell out warning! Gwyneth Herbert blends neo-soul and late-night jazz with cinematic precision, her vocals floating somewhere between Peggy Lee’s smoky poise and Beth Gibbons’ spectral devastation. This special BJF show sees her joined by fellow UK circuit legends Al Cherry and Sam Burgess in a magnetic-beyond-belief appearance FFO: Cécile McLorin Salvant, Billie Marten, Joan Shelley. BRISTOL JAZZ FESTIVAL presents GWYNETH HERBERT at Jazz in the Loft at The Tobacco Factory.

Faris Ishaq is the undisputed modern master of the ancient sounds of the nay reed flute. The global jazz collaborator returns to Bristol with his new solo endeavour, marrying truly dizzying breathwork with percussive frame drum pulse. An unmissable Palestinian musical expo FFO: Yusef Lateef, Paul Horn, ECM, Nai Barghouti. JASAD Faris Ishaq Palestinian Nay at St Paul's Church Clifton.

Sell out warning! Transcendent triple offering for New Musical minds. We’re downright spoiled with rapturous neo-gamelan guitar ensemble Ex-Easter Island Head, Eliana Glass’ truly masterful piano jazz heartache hauntings + AD 93 dream-classical babe Jasmine Wood deconstructed in a Pavel Milyakov style. As good as it gets FFO: Steve Reich, Rhys Chatham, Carla Bley, Karin Krog, Tim Hecker. Ex-Easter Island Head + Eliana Glass + Jasmine Wood & Pavel Milyakov at Strange Brew.

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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

“Experience a thrilling evening of swing and jazz as a full big band pays tribute to the electrifying music of Gordon Goodwin. Featuring his signature blend of bold brass, intricate rhythms and infectious grooves, this tribute show showcases his most celebrated compositions and arrangements, brought to live with energy and precision by a powerhouse ensemble. Four-time Grammy winner and leader of the Big Phat Band, Gordon Goodwin, passed away at the end of last year, leaving behind a huge legacy. In this concert we'll pay tribute to one of the greatest modern big band arrangers of our time.”
From: Tribute to Gordon Goodwin

“In the second of their spring concerts, The Adam Stokes Trio join forces with superlative saxophonist Ben Waghorn to pay tribute to legendary bebop saxophonist Dexter Gordon. Ben is one of the UK’s finest saxophonists having performed with the who’s who of UK Jazz including Keith Tippett, Andy Sheppard, Gilad Atzmon and Steve Waterman, alongside extensive session work with the likes of Portishead, Goldfrapp and Kasabian.”
From: Ben Waghorn + The AS trio

“Why You Should Attend: Curated by renowned jazz vocalist Karolina Griškutė, Karolina’s Jazz Club celebrates Bristol’s rich jazz talent while offering a platform for rising stars. Whether you're a jazz lover or exploring the genre for the first time, this is your chance to immerse yourself in the magic of live jazz and become part of Bristol's thriving music community.”
From: Robert Brian Quartet at Karolina's Jazz Club

“Join us for a special Sunday evening of live jazz at Bar 57, North Street, Bristol. Jazz Gems kicks off with a warm-up performance from Mary and her band from 7pm, before the second half opens up to guest singers and musicians, so bring your voice, bring your instrument, and come ready to play. Whether you're there to listen or to get up and join in, it's a relaxed and welcoming space to enjoy great music and good company. Sunday 12th April, 7–10pm Bar 57, North Street, Bristol BS3 1HJ Free Entry To secure your open mic slot, email [email protected]”
From: Jazz Gems