Bristol’s month in jazz: July 2021

Yes, whatever the shilly-shallying going on at Westminster there’s no doubt that the Bristol music scene is very much getting its act together again. And, naturally, the city’s previously thriving jazz world is very much playing its part with regular sessions happening, albeit with socially distanced numbers for the time being. Who knows, by the end of July those lively jazz-fuelled mosh pits may be back on the agenda …

The Soothsayers are coming to Breaking Bread

Given current restrictions, however, the trick is to be quick off the mark when gigs are announced and the best strategy is to get on the mailing lists or Facebook groups of likely venues or promoters. These include the indefatigable Worm Disco Club who have somehow contrived to keep a string of top quality sell-out gigs running whenever there’s been a chink in the locking-down. Keep an eye on their gigs at Breaking Bread which include bass man Adam Newton’s new supergroup The Neutron Stars (8), the powerfully unpredictable double drum improv treat Big Top (15), mysterious new cool-school collective Contrafactory (22) and Afro-soul diva NGAIO (29). Biggest feather in the Breaking Bread cap for July though must go to Soothsayers (24), the powerful Afro-reggae world-jazz ensemble that includes saxophonist Idris Rahman and the wonderful vocals of Julia Biel. Promoters MADLY are also putting on highly groovy Bristol faves Snazzback at Breaking Bread (7).

Snazzback: Image by Heather Langton.

Another venue hosting hip and happening jazz is Strange Brew the excellent new cafe-style venue down in Bridewell. This month sees Neo-soul outfit Heyouki (14) and free-thinking acoustic art-jazzers Viridian Ensemble (15) while Worm Disc Records have a gig there launching Snazzback’s album In The Place (21).

Andy Hague blowing his own trumpet

You know Bristol’s jazz world is truly alive and kicking when the Bebop Club announces gigs and happily that’s happening this month, albeit at the more socially-distanceable Hen and Chicken venue. The club’s tireless mainman Andy Hague kicks things off with a hard-driving Blue Note style quintet featuring saxophonist Martin Kern (8), then the hard-grooving organ driven Hopkins-Hammond Trio are joined by the versatile trumpet of Gary Alesbrook (15). Bristol Jazz and Blues Festival artistic director Denny Ilett brings his straight ahead swinging jazz guitar to a Quartet gig (22) and the Dave Jones Quartet (29) brings the pianist and composer together with the mighty Ben Waghorn’s sax.

Tezeta getting groovy, Ethiostyle

Keep an eye on the Festival website, too. They have been running gigs in the Lakota gardens and this month sees mighty Ethio-funksters Tezeta play there (18).  The Festival is also showcasing multi-instrumental singer-songwriter Leonie Evans (22) at the Bristol Beacon as part of their Tonic Sessions. Most excitingly they have announced a mini festival series of gigs for early September (2-5) that will include Get the Blessing, Dennis Rollins, Lianne Carroll and a collaboration between Pee Wee Ellis and vocalist Ian Shaw among many others.

Eyebrow raising once again

You would think that social distancing rules would have ruled out the bijou premises of El Rincon but they have amazingly continued to run intimate events. This month sees the duo of Sophie Stockham’s sax and Ruth Hammond’s keyboards (2 & 3), ambient drum and trumpet masters Eyebrow (9 & 10) and a tasty new duo collaboration between Greg Cordez’ bass and Jim Blomfield on keyboards (16 & 17). They’re rounding the month off with the exquisitely original post-folk duo of Harriet Riley’s vibraphone and fiddle prodigy Alex Garden (30 & 31).

The great Keith Tippett – tributes in prospect

It’s good to see The Jam Jar shaping up as an atmospheric new venue, courtesy of great decoration and a lively programme of music. Jazz fans will be intrigued by Sunda Arc (22), an electronic duo offshoot featuring the Smart brothers from the very popular Mammal Hands. The Bristol Beacon may still be embroiled in big building work but they are running gigs in their Foyer. This month’s highlight is Electric Jalaba, a fusion project rooted in the hypnotic grooves of Moroccan Gnawa music. Looking farther ahead, though, on October 1st as a celebration of the late Keith Tippett they will be recreating his Rare Music Club, a memorable cross-genre project that appeared at various venues in Bristol during the 90s. This will be one of many tributes to the inspirational improviser, composer and teacher who sadly passed away a year ago.

Agathe Max

And finally – The Exchange , as always, has managed to put together a relentless programme that this month includes the inventive violin and electronics composer Agathe Max (29).