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

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! Canadian-American experimentalist claire rousay shapes extended soundscapes from field recordings, found sounds, and ethereal autotuned vocals, mining deep emotion from minimal materials. With stunning support from Lucy Railton’s unsettling electronic-flecked cello carvings, this is sonic cartography FFO: Laurel Halo, Kali Malone, KMRU, Tim Hecker. claire rousay + Lucy Railton + Harry Górski-Brown & Wojciech Rusin at St George's Bristol.

Borderless sonic brilliance from Levantine psych-funk fusioneers Tashkezar, packing out an unsuspecting Mr Wolf’s with a searing live set of bouzouki shredding, synth squiggles and Mariam Ali’s hypnotising vocal presence. A dizzying highlight from Erratic Batting’s big January birthday celebrations; fans of BaBa ZuLa and Altın Gün shouldn’t be anywhere else! Tashkezar + Dharma Burns at Mr Wolfs.

Sell out warning! The Orcutt Shelley Miller trio tear through an avant-rock outer world, as Bill Orcutt’s iconoclastic outlaw shred interlaces with Steve Shelley’s mad percussion and Ethan Miller’s writhing bass. On support: electroacoustic composer Cole Pulice untethers sax and synth into boundless, dreamlike arcs. A fugitive voyage in sound FFO: Jim O’Rourke, Sonic Youth, Nala Sinephro, Pharoah Sanders. Orcutt Shelley Miller + Cole Pulice at Strange Brew.

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What our editors say

“One of blues rock’s most exciting breakout bands of recent years, Hutchinson’s power trio have been praised for ‘turning a club show into a primal scream’. Packed with hard hitting riffs and gritty guitar solos, his songs bring audiences together with choruses that soar.”
From: Jack J Hutchinson

“DHP presents Uncle Lucius + special guests Monday 31st August 19:00 - 22:30 Uncle Lucius is an Austin, Texas-based band that delivers a soulful fusion of Americana, classic rock, blues and country. Tickets sold by Strange Brew on behalf of the promoter, DHP. All ticket revenue belongs to the promoter.”
From: Uncle Lucius

“Singer, multi-instrumentalist, composer and producer King Zepha presents an all-star band with wailing horns, thunderous double bass, global rhythms, dub delays and stunning 3-part vocal harmonies. Their original music draws influence from rhythm n blues, jazz, ska, rocksteady, reggae, dub and soul and has been described by Craig Charles (BBC 6 Music) as "breathtaking" and "my favourite album" by the legendary reggae producer Dennis Bovell (Soho Radio).”
From: King Zepha

“THE DWELLERS Hailing from Bristol, this three-piece punk rock outfit blends sharp hooks with high-energy chaos. With a sound inspired by SoCal punk and a love for loud guitars and louder crowds, they bring fast, melodic tracks and a raw live presence that hits hard and sticks with you. No frills—just riffs, rhythm, and real feeling. https://www.instagram.com/dwellersuk/ HOLLOW BOOK Hollow Book are a Bristol based female fronted trio formed in 2023. Our originals blend riffs with blues-inspired melodies and we enjoy the odd cover https://www.instagram.com/hollowbookband/ SIAN DEARNLEY”
From: THE DWELLERS FIRST SHOW + Hollow Book + Sian Dearnley

“Johnny Lizard and The Snakes is the alt-country rock ’n’ roll incarnation of the John E Vistic Rock N Roll Soundsystem. Delivering a raw blend of outlaw country, vintage rock ’n’ roll and grit-laced blues, Johnny belts it out while The Snakes drive things hard and loose, like the good old days never left. Think Johnny Cash meets Bob Dylan via The Stooges and The Cramps. Free entry - no ticket needed.”
From: Johnny Lizard And The Snakes