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

Outsider ‘space jazz’ pop oddities from a true underground hero, at 83 years old Ronald Langestraat is finally having his time round the sun. Latin jazz inflections meet stuttering computer rhythms and Ronald’s mournful voice in a hotel lobby on the ISS; guaranteed gigantic discovery for fans of Chick Corea, Jimi Tenor, Surprise Chef, Tara Clerkin, Mauskovic Dance Band. Ronald Langestraat + Martha Rose + Spooky J at Strange Brew.

Jason Dungan’s Blue Lake quartet creates gorgeous pastoral minimalism with zither drones, woodwind sketches and sun-bleached rhythms drifting in quietly ecstatic loops. On support: cerebral one-man chamber jazz ensemble Memotone and Eva May’s choir-haunted lullabies. Soft-focus spiritualism FFO: William Tyler, Astrid Sonne, Laraaji. Blue Lake , Memotone + Eva May at Strange Brew.

Sell out warning! Brazil-born, LA-based guitar master Fabiano do Nascimento builds whole worlds armed with just a 7-string and a loop pedal. His unique Rio groove is alive with the spirit of traditional Afro-samba, choro and folk – one of the most transportive live jazz experiences you’ll find this side of the Atlantic. Fabiano do Nascimento at The Jam Jar.

Calling all fans of AD93-esque smudged minimalism! A triple bill of breathtaking avant-garde world-builders beckons, melding Feeo’s sculptural drone-ambient arabesques, Ugnė Uma’s abstract-pop romanticism and swirling, meditative poetics from Radio Hito. Feeo + Ugnė Uma + Radio Hito 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

“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

“Alex is one of the most in-demand and versatile saxophonists on the British jazz scene, praised for her intelligent ear for harmony and a deep knowledge of repertoire, Alex's sound is steeped in the tradition of bebop. Her total respect for the heritage of the music can be heard in a fiery, melodic approach inspired by the likes of Phil Woods, Cannonball Adderley and Vincent Herring. Alex was winner of the Rising Star category of the 2019 British Jazz Awards, was finalist in the BBC Young Jazz Musician of the year 2020 and nominated for the 2021 and 2022 Parliamentary Jazz Awards.”
From: Alex Clarke Organ trio

“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: Jake McMurchie and James Chadwick duo at Karolina's Jazz Club

“What is a better way to start your Val, Gal or Pal -entines then stepping into the Vittoria February 14th and experience the stirring sounds of live jazz at sunset presented by our resident saxophonist Dan Newberry. He'll be bringing along a talented band of masterful players to fill the intimate venue with rhythm, melody and soul for the long awaited return of the Mockingbird Sessions!”
From: VALENTINES JAZZ @ SUNSET