Music / News
New compilation captures ‘truly special time’ in Bristol music
A Gloucester Road bar that has grown a solid reputation for nurturing new musical talent has combined efforts with a local label and brewery on a new compilation album.
The Gallimaufry, affectionately known as ‘the Galli’, is well known for supporting Bristol artists both emerging and established by offering gig slots, running regular open jazz, soul and hip hop jams, actively fostering collaborations and providing a platform for experimental new work.
James Koch, who has become an established champion of local grassroots music since founding the venue in 2012, has joined forces with Severn Songs, the label set up by Pete Cunningham of alt-jazz stalwarts Ishmael Ensemble.
With support from Bristol Beer Factory‘s Brewed to Give initiative, they have launched Something in the Water, a compilation that showcases the emerging talent currently coming through the Galli’s doors, described by Cunningham as “immortalising what feels like a truly special time in Bristol music.”
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The album’s title was inspired by the words of the late Mark Stewart whose band the Pop Group was instrumental in laying the foundations for what would later evolve into the Bristol Sound: “There’s something in the water down there, where the hell does all this amazing music come from?”
It largely orbits jazz, soul and hip hop sounds, and features saxophonist James Storm, rapper MĀDŁY, live jungle trio RWKUS, avant-garde vocal group the Tryani Collective, bass-playing band leader Stevie Toddler among many more.
The first single, Where the Dead Things Lay by neo-soul artist Zena, was released in October and the full record followed on November 28. It is available on vinyl and in digital format.
Rising jazz-tinged neo-soul artist Zena features on the album alongside other new and more familiar Bristol names – photo: Zena
Something in the Water was released on November 28. A series of special events at the Gallimaufry is planned for the Thursdays running up to Christmas to celebrate its release, with Glossolalia and RWKUS appearing on December 4; Mossfellow on December 11 and Dr Chonk & the Nature Injection with Stevie Toddler and t l k on December 18.
Main image: Martin Booth
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