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

Sell out warning! Scottish ambient composer Jonny Nash plays a duo set with Japanese cellist Tomo Katsurada, creating a serene sound world using washed-out guitars, e-bow shimmer and subtle electronics that’ll have you levitating. Immersive melodic drift FFO: Jefre Cantu-Ledesma, Bing & Ruth, Mary Lattimore. Jonny Nash + Ezra Feinberg at Strange Brew.

Sell out warning! Just play the hits! Neglected self-sabotaging art-punk anti-heroes return to their ‘77 roots with an unbeatable repertoire of vitriolic Peel-approved classics. This might be your last chance to see them behave, with spirited renditions of How Much Longer?, Action Time Vision, and none of that jazz stuff! Essential historical fix FFO: Wire, X-Ray Spex, The Adverts, The Fall. Alternative TV. 1977-81 'Punk Bonanza' Set at The Croft.

Cross-continental roots revival ballads from Montreal’s masterful Kaia Kater, who weaves together the tangled lineages of Appalachia, the Caribbean and Quebec through raw jazz vocals and banjo sorcery. Bold and delicate in equal measure, she’s a modern folk powerhouse who’ll transport fans of Allison Russell, Laura Marling, Valerie June, Joni Mitchell et al. Kaia Kater at The Jam Jar.

Post-PC music absurdism meets Baudrilliardian tomfoolery: Jazz Lambaux is a shrewd jester for our doomscrolling times. Joined by a merry band of smallpipes and megaphone artistes plus screamo-punk rascal 300SkullsandCounting, Tough Sell truly tests the limits of raucous unamplified sound FFO: Callahan & Witscher, Thy Slaughter, Julek Ploski, Gentle Stranger, The Femcels. Jazz Lambaux, 300SkullsAndCounting, Riley/Radley at The Cube.

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What our editors say

“8 piece, vibrant, instantly accessible Latin dance band, to get the party started. If you like your riffs horn-heavy and your rhythms contagious, this is a band you need to see. Baila la Cumbia will turn NYE into a riotous party that you'll never forget! Expect Porro (Colombian big band cumbia) and Latin salsa tunes, with Chica vibes.”
From: Bocabar NYE Party

“Bristol’s funkiest secret is back to deliver deep, heavy grooves that’ll have you glued to the dance floor. From acid jazz and fusion to old-school JBs, these groove masters channel the true essence of instrumental funk — no gimmicks, just pure fire.”
From: NEW YEARS EVE - MR WOLFS

“Led by local trumpet legend, Jonny Bruce, come along for a FREE evening of high-energy big band music in Bristol Old Vic's beautiful Foyer space.”
From: Bristol Community Big Band Christmas Special

“Based out of Chichester (wedged somewhere in between Brighton and Portsmouth), Beatroot have been taking their special brew of dirty funk across the UK and winning over audiences with their high-energy performances, unique instrumental arrangements and surprising ability to fit onto stages that should really be much too small for them. A big band with a big sound: brass in your face; relentless rhythm section; artery popping trumpets and a baritone that hits you where it hurts.”
From: Beatroot + The Everyday Quartet

“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