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! Sonic ritualism and spiritual liberation through psych funk, hip-hop and Afro-punk legends-in-the-making BCUC. The Soweto seven-piece returns triumphantly to Bristol at the feverish demands of you, the people, after many many sell-out shows at their Jam Jar home. Do not miss this! BCUC at The Jam Jar.

Incomparable alien balladry taking the fragile beauty of Arthur Russell, Nick Drake or Chet Baker and pairing it with singular guitar gurgles and synth wheezes. Eric Chenaux’s an unmissable astral treasure. Eric Chenaux & RÓIS at The Cube.

Brace yourselves for DSM IV’s gut-punching neo-goth-pop, ft Guy McKnight of noughties psychobilly faves The Eighties Matchbox B-Line Disaster. Heavy-hitting alt-anthems channelling Sisters of Mercy meets Sleaford Mods in pure darkwave abandon. The DSM IV + Black Bordello + Seizure Salad at The Louisiana.

Purgatorial drone folk meets Lynchian doom jazz in the pagan artistry of Sealionwoman, casting an unsettling spell on your evening with Bryn Wyrd’s free electronics and double bass + industrial pain-jazz gremlin Monika Badly. Unmissable FFO: Keeley Forsyth, Scott Walker, Lankum, Bohren & der Club of Gore, Painkiller. Sealionwoman / Bryn Wyrd / Monika Badly at Moor Beer Co.

What our editors say

“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 seasoned 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: James Chadwick Trio at Karolina's Jazz Club

“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 + Funky Ducks

“In 2014, Max returned to Ghana with a 12-piece big band to form a supergroup with several prominent Frafra artists, including Guy One, Alogte Oho, Lizzy Amaliyenga (of the Sounds of Joy), Bola, and Florence Adooni. They toured the country for a month, bringing their own PA system and setting up wherever they found an opportunity to play.”
From: Florence Adooni

“"A robust and heavy hitting performer who has gone on to concentrate largely on free improvisation without sacrificing a rigorous melodic logic, a sparing lyricism and the technique to drop in on bebop occasionally." - John Fordham, The Guardian”
From: PAUL DUNMALL QUARTET

“BENZO QUEEN fuse manic carnival energy with raw punk aggression, crafting a sound that's equal parts circus riot and basement show mayhem. This Bristol collective attacks stages like a deranged big band, wielding instruments as weapons of mass disruption.”
From: POHL + Dearthworms + BENZO QUEEN