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

Pinch us, we’re dreaming; two indispensable axes of New Weird Americana coming forth on the same bill! Six Organs’ pitch-black drone-folk mysticism sparring with Jackie O-Motherfucker’s fantastical improv psychedelic freak-outs!? Pure fucking magic FFO: Bardo Pond, Flying Saucer Attack, Current 93, Charalambides, Fahey, Sun City Girls. Six Organs of Admittance + Jackie O-Motherfucker at Strange Brew.

Percussive marvels from the Indian Ocean island of Réunion! Lindigo is a 10 person force of rebellious maloya music, building a rhythmical fever with conga, balafon, kayamb, djembe, katsa, synth and bouzouki electrifying their interactive call and response chants. A totally unique lighting strike from the world circuit FFO: Christine Salem, Saodaj', Guem, Fela Kuti. Lindigo at The Jam Jar.

Sumptuous chamber jazz in the 12th century heart of Bristol Cathedral! The rarely-used Chapterhouse gets filled with the sounds of Get the Blessing’s trumpeter, Pete Judge, and the delicate folk cello of James Gow. Pastoral bliss FFO: ECM, Arthur Russell, John Hassell, Arve Henriksen. JOW - Lunchtime Gig at Bristol Cathedral’s Chapterhouse at Bristol Cathedral Chapterhouse.

Art punk? Post-folk? Baroque prog? What ARE Foot Foot? And what wizard conjured them from the cosmic realms? Mull on these questions and more as they enchant the Kino basement alongside Celtic balladry and velvety Americana from Eve Appleton Band + Enabling Behaviour’s haunted primordial post-punk. Foot Foot + Enabling Behaviour + Eve Appleton Band at Cafe Kino.

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What our editors say

“Crawfish are a 5-piece blues band from Bristol, known for their authentic take on R&B from the 1940s, '50s, and '60s. Fronted by seasoned vocalist Mike Crawford and featuring some of Bristol’s finest musicians, Crawfish specialise in jump blues and early rock and roll, delivering infectious grooves and a vibrant, swinging rhythm. Their performances capture the timeless sound of classic American music while adding a fresh, modern energy that’s uniquely their own.”
From: Crawfish

“Blending the soul of traditional West African music with gritty blues riffs, psychedelic rock energy, and Latin grooves, Vieux’s live shows are a high-octane celebration — a wild, rhythmic journey that starts in Mali and moves the world.”
From: Vieux Farka Toure

“Chris Smither, truly an American original, has been honing his synthesis of folk and blues for over 50 years and is heading to Bristol Beacon to perform music from his vast musical catalogue.”
From: BettySoo

“Larkin Poe, the dynamic sister duo known for their electrifying blend of Southern rock, blues, and Americana, emerges once again onto the musical landscape with their eagerly anticipated album, Bloom.”
From: The Bloom Tour

“In support will be THE ASHEN KEYS, a multi instrumental, multi voiced celebration of heartfelt storytelling from Kent. Their sound tells of influences from folk, blues, pop, classical and even early music. Expect to be taken on a journey through dark folk tales, bittersweet love stories and reveries on nature, all with exquisite vocal harmonies and unique instrumentation.”
From: The Shackleton Trio + The Ashen Keys