Music / bristol international jazz and blues festival
Bristol’s Jazz month – August 21
Well so far, so good … Bristol’s live music world is certainly catching fire again and the jazz scene is particularly ebullient after so long an absence. We can only keep those fingers crossed and buy now (while stocks last?). Here’s a quick run through of what’s happening for hepcats in August.
Denny Ilett
Even in such a strong field there’s no doubt that Gig of the Month will be at St George’s on August 29: Paul Jones’ Big Band Bash brings the great rhythm and blues vocalist and harmonica player together with yet another powerhouse big band lined up by Bristol Jazz & Blues Festival’s Artistic Director Denny Ilett. It’s a Festival promotion in the run up to their main event in September, as is the gig by Sefrial at Lakota (15) (and saxophonist Sophie Stockham’s quintet of ultra-modernists is reported to be on fine form post-lockdown). There’s a more mysterious Festival promotion at Strange Brew under the name HYBRD FZN with new ‘live music meets DJ’ outfit Hotel Rosso.
Greg Cordez
Another jazz highlight at St George’s features Sefrial bass player and noted composer Greg Cordez (6) with a top-notch quintet including keyboard player Rebecca Nash and no doubt featuring the music from his recently released third CD Magnolia.
is needed now More than ever
JIm Blomfield
While there’s sadly no sign as yet of the Bebop Club resuming regular sessions the Worm Disco Club’s Thursday nights at Breaking Bread can be relied on for a weekly fix of the best in local jazz talent. August’s offerings include bass man Sol Ahmed’s grooving trio (5), superhot Latin-funk quartet Starlings (12) and fearless psychedelic jazzers Prudent Primate (26). The session’s especially tasty highlight could well be the fine Latin-jazz pairing of pianist Jim Blomfield and trumpeter Michel Padron (19) in a quintet with members of the Bristol Salsa Orchestra.
Waldo’s Gift
It’s great to see another long-missed name from the listings return, albeit at Breaking Bread, when the Gallimaufry present their old friends Snazzback there (11) and, a week later, other Galli regulars Waldo’s Gift visit the same venue (18) and revisit Massive Attack’s Mezzanine. And the small (but perfectly formed) venue El Rincon continues to provide intimate performances, with this month featuring the Celtic-jazz of Carmina (5,6) with the core duo of Pippa Marland and Rob King joined by Three Cane Whale’s Paul Bradley, intriguing new duo JOW pairing cellist James Gow with trumpeter Pete Judge (8), vocalist Victoria Klewin with guitarist Denny Ilett (13) and the impressive folk-inspired soundscapes of twin-guitar duo Rookeries (19).
Guy Shotton
Fans of the freer end of things might want to check out the Deep Listening event at Strange Brew (9) when noted improvisers Dan Johnson and Tina Hitchens intend to ‘push the boundaries of their instruments and audiences’. Tina also performs at the Cardboard Club at Strange Brew (18) along with Molloy and Dan Johnson drumming with RRS aka Robert Ridley Shackleton, who also has his own gig at The Exchange (8). Ambient sonic violinist Agathe Max appears at The Exchange later in the month (28). And another welcome return happens next door to the Exchange as the Stag & Hounds resumes their Sunday jam sessions, each led off by a featured soloist. This month it’s organist Guy Shotton (8) celebrating the Hammond organ’s 60s heyday.
Hopkins Hammond Trio
And, finally, another much-loved pillar of the Bath music scene has returned to live gigs. The Bell has always kept a place on its stage for a discriminating selection of local and national jazz talent and this month sees the eminently grooving Hopkins Hammond Trio joined by trumpeter Gary Alesbrook (16) and Guy Calhoun’s Ernest Ranglin-inspired Jazz Reggae Sessions (25).
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