Bristol's Blues Events

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Bristol's Blues Scene

Is blues music under-represented in Bristol?

While other American-originated music like funk and soul enjoy a huge number of acts and dedicated venues, where is the home of blues in Bristol? With its roots in the oppression of the black peoples of America, blues was transplanted over to the UK via white rock acts like the Rolling Stones and Eric Clapton. A quick browse of blues played on the BBC recently and tyhe Guardian’s list of the best blues festivals show some support for nearby Bath, but nothing for blues in Bristol. This begs the question: who will lead the new blues revival in Bristol?

Blues gigs in Bristol are found in pretty consistent venues with places like The Prom and the Thunderbolt popular live blues spots. Generally blues-rock seems more prominent in Bristol than traditional rhythm and blues bands or delta blues singers, although there is some really interesting stuff out there. Other venues to check for blues include the Cori Tap in Clifton and the Blue Lagoon on Gloucester Rd.

It's always worth looking at what's on at the Canteen in Bristol whose listings vary in style but are usually consistently high in quality - some potential blues gems there...

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Our recent blues recommendations

Ian A. Anderson marks six decades in Bristol’s folk scene with a night of earthily paletted country blues. His hymn-like melodies ripple with twangy, good-natured campfire warmth – a living archive of timeless folk craft, performed with unassuming brilliance FFO: Nick Drake, Grateful Dead, CSNY. Ian A. Anderson & Friends at Bristol Folk House.

Elly Hopkins draws deep from the songbook of doo-wop, jazz, folk, and garage rock, crafting gritty-but-grooveable Americana ballads carried by big bluesy power vocals – keeping it fresh all the while. Think PJ Harvey and CMAT’s irresistible pop-rock side project; this’ll hit with fans of: Lady Lamb, Lissie, Aimee Mann, Juju. Animal EP release show at Elmers Arms.

A sweet double dose of Isle of Eigg cult microlabel Lost Map: the carnivalesque psych-folk of seven-member Cornish collective Blind Yeo promises to carry the Jar to new cosmic heights, bolstered by gloopy electro-indie-pop from label founder Pictish Trail. Fans of Tunng, The Beta Band, Melin Melyn, Jane Weaver et al – jump on it. Blind Yeo + Pictish Trail at The Jam Jar.

Kris Drever brings the windswept Orkney Isles to The Jam Jar, delivering trance-inducing pieces and plaintive hymn-like laments with his warm guitar and gently commanding Scottish lilt. Support from the luminous singer-songwriter Polly Paulusma adds a nimble counterpoint. FFO: King Creosote, Declan O’Rourke, Bill Ryder-Jones. Kris Drever + Polly Paulusma at The Jam Jar.

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What our editors say

“Due to popular demand, those masters of emotional electronics MESH are playing their homeland again, it’s no secret their songs pull at your very heartstrings while more often then not, have you dancing the blues away too.”
From: Mesh

“For Kenney both of these releases serve as stepping stones in his artistic disciplines, as he seeks a way to use his knowledge of traditional fiddle music in his own compositions without compromising the integrity of either. Through direct experience, Kenney allows other musical forms such as psychedelia, bluegrass, jazz and Italian tarantella to seep into his music but never so far as to allow any one influence to dominate his deep love for traditional fiddle playing. The result of crossing these stones is his forthcoming work Tiny Little Light, set to be released in September 2025.”
From: Mikey Kenney

“Blending blues, folk, soul, and Americana, Bibb delivers songs full of warmth, hope, and stories that connect past and present. His masterful acoustic guitar, rich baritone, and storytelling craft create intimate, unforgettable performances. On stage, he’s joined by Glen Scott (bass, keys, backing vocals), Robbie McIntosh (guitar), and Paul Robinson (drums), performing both new tracks and beloved classics.”
From: One Mississippi

“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

“Celebrated for their sharp songwriting, unpretentious charm and jaw-dropping musicianship, The Wave Pictures bring their timeless mix of indie rock, blues and off-beat wit to Strange Brew.”
From: The Wave Pictures