Music / jams
DIY time: Bristol’s vibrant jam scene and where to get involved
A thriving music industry depends on grassroots opportunities for musicians at all stages to test the waters, forge collaborations, hone their craft and have some fun.
In providing these opportunities, Bristol’s scene comes into its own. It’s not only a place to go out and see live music: it’s a place to get stuck in.
Pick a day, and musicians of every ilk can flex their creative juices at any one of a number of open sessions. The scene would not be its vibrant self without this DIY spirit.
is needed now More than ever
Here’s a selection of the jams on offer for musicians of all flavours and levels of experience to get onstage and have a go.
Beat Cleaver’s Cypher Space hip hop jams is one of a handful that run regularly at the Canteen, included jazz and funk-focused sessions – photo: The Canteen
Lost Horizon, monthly
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Hosted by Space Jams and Brakery, the session that is billed as a ‘wholesome midweek party’ combines an open jazz/hip hop jam with an all-vinyl dance. The next edition, coming up on February 20, features soulful selections from Kaya M.
The Greenbank, monthly, last Tuesday; The Crafty Egg (St George’s), first event March 15
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This night deserves a special mention purely because it is so refreshing to find a jam led by women – a distinction which is sure to diversify participation. The all-femme house band, which opens and closes the night, features notables Nuala Honan, Zahra O’Shea, Katie Moberly (Hover Fly) and Suzi MacGregor (Tryani Collective).
Uniquely, there’s an emphasis on spacious, cinematic and ambient folky-souly jams that include spoken word and storytelling; and the inclusion of an arts and craft table for inspired audience members can get creative as they are immersed in improvised sound.
“We welcome people from all walks of life to join us in an open-stage evening of fully improvised music, paying special attention to curating a nurturing, spatially aware and deeply emotive ambiance,” the Cove team say.
The Gallimaufry, Sundays
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The popular Sunday night hip hop jam that turned three this month is hosted by local favourite MC Madly with a house band featuring Alex Veitch (Yetii, Sam Lindo) on keys and Samuel Fox (mossfellow t l k, Holysseus Fly, Suntou Susso) on bass. Their February 16 session is co-hosted by GROVE.
“We appreciate all performers at & supporters of this night that we hope helps engender a positive platform for creativity to grow in a safe space,” the Galli team said.
Immigrant Jams
The Plough Inn, Thursdays, monthly
Jam hosts Immigrant Swing are known for their riotous take on gypsy-jazz – photo: The Plough
This long-running session is hosted by the effervescent Mao of Immigrant Swing and has a gypsy jazz twist but welcomes sounds and styles from far and wide. They call it an “ever evolving-sonic beauty-multilingual-interplanetary” get together and it’s known for being friendly, fun and ‘uncomplicated’.
Cock & Tail, second and fourth Thursdays
A travelling jam previously at the Olde England that is currently housed in ‘Redcliffe’s renegade cocktail bar’. With a focus on funk, reggae and soul, the session frequently features familiar figures from the UK festival circuit and goes to 1am. “The vibes are strong,” according to host MC Feline.
Mr Wolf’s, Tuesdays
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Musicians, dancers and creatives of all kinds are invited to unleash their talent at this longstanding and popular night run by Bristol University students that boasts ‘one of Bristol’s most hyped-up music crowds’. It’s a high-energy affair that’s always packed with muso’s and listeners. Instruments are provided, but horn players must bring their own. Free entry before 10pm, £3 afterwards.
Karolina’s Jazz Club
The Crafty Egg, fortnightly (alternating, St George and Fishponds venues)
Vocalist Karolina Griškute hosts the jam starting up as part of a new events programme at The Crafty Egg cafes – photo: Karolina Griškute
A new addition to the scene. Led by vocalist Karolina Griškute, this is one for established artists and emerging jazzers to share a stage, combine talents and contribute to the rich local scene.
The Canteen, first Tuesday of the month
The funky Stone Cold Hustle kids host a jam dedicated to the genre at the Canteen on Stokes Croft – photo: Stone Cold Hustle
A jam dedicated to all things funky hosted by the riotous Stone Cold Hustle boys and featuring members of The LBJBs, The Good The Bad and The Funk, Run Logan Run and Soma Soma. “Bring instruments and good vibrations,” they say. “This is a session for musicians and listeners to make music and dance together.”
Find other jams at The Canteen, including acclaimed beatbox/loop artist Beat Cleaver with Cypher Space, a hip hop-focused session (monthly, first Monday), and a ‘classic jazz with hints of Latin’ jam led by saxophonist Craig Crofton (monthly, first Wednesday).
The Door is Ajar
The Jam Jar, monthly
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An inclusive jam ‘in the round’ at Bristol’s grassroots world music venue that takes place on a monthly basis and is big on respect to “keep the vibes high.” Expect a wide range of genres, with reggae, soul, hip hop, psyche and funk all given a shout out. It’s free before 9pm or £5 afterwards, and the next edition is on February 22.
Main image: Stone Cold Hustle
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