"The Bell has always been a key part of Bath's live music scene, often giving musicians their first break and always providing music that is vibrant, diverse and free." - Peter Gabriel
The Bell has live music three times a week (Monday from 9pm, Wednesday from 8.30pm and Sunday lunchtimes from 1pm) ranging from jazz to blues to folk to roots to some things we are not sure what to call.
MAY/JUNE 2013 LISTINGS
Wednesday 8 MayPolly and The Billets-DouxDoux Doux Doux I love youx youx youx - that might be how a Billet-doux goes, I’ve never had one. Nor have I wanted to send one to Polly, tho’ i can see how one might. But with her soul/blues inflected indie country [that’s enough genres, Ed.) voice she’d just express it all so much better… [website link] |
Sunday 12 May (lunchtime)Jez Hellard & The Djukella OrchestraThrough diary confusions we haven’t heard the Jezzer with his proper band yet, but seeing as he rocked the place with a pick-up combo he should have no problem being superb in better rehearsed company. Fine folk voice, top harmonica player and great muck-it-all-in attitude. [website link] |
Monday 13 MayKevin FigesIt’s fair to say Mr Kev comes from the generation of local jazzers who writes a cool tune rather than stands on stage honking to a repetitive dance beat for 10 minutes at a time, tho’ his interest in matters latino mean he can make the horn dance too when he needs to. Usual superlative sidemen, home leg of national tour, new album, what’s not to like? [website link] |
Wednesday 15 MayKarla Milton CollectiveSoul Groove with a very sharp and directed Mod aesthetic from hardworking bunch who have tasted success with previous projects and are damn sure they’re going to get it right with this one. Stoke up your energy, practise those cool moves, this one is going to be memorable. [website link] |
Sunday 19 May (lunchtime)The Blind HeartsIt's that Americana thing again, country/blues in base but so much more the harder you look at it. Great vocals & harmonising and rockin' rhythm section. We do only offer the very best in this line, madam. [website link] |
Monday 20 MayDave Betts QuartetDave was one of the pioneers in the latin/groove/jazz style in these parts, and made it all the way to Ronnie Scotts a couple of times in the boom years. He always had the best sidemen, too, a veritable Bristol Art Blakey, then! So it will be groovy in all senses to hear where he's at now. [reverbnation link] |
Wednesday 22 MayCraig Crofton QuartetThe pioneer of Bristol live funk/breakbeat, all the top names have passed through his bands, so tonight we have the phenomenon that is Dan Moore on keys, the funktastic Guy Calhoun on guitar and the human engine room that is Matt Brown at the drums. |
Sunday 26 May (lunchtime)Billy Brandt, Sarana VerLin & BandFresh from US, Detroit is their main anchorage, but there’s a strong British connection too: combining Celtic, Country, and California Cowboy into something you won’t quite have heard before, which is quite an achievement in a crowded field. Relaxing but rewarding. [reverbnation link] |
Sunday 26 May (6pm)Ansum and the VibesAnsum and the Vibes, (AV), are the freshest new up and coming live act. Fronted by charismatic Ansum, his backing band the Vibes feature a plethora of multicultural pro musicians. Difficult to stereotype but think old school reggae mixed with soul, funky grooves and smooth beatz. Come and enjoy AV in intimate surroundings before they explode on the international music scene... [Facebook link] |
Sunday 26 May (8.30pm)Gringo Ska"Since it first came out of Jamaica in the early sixties, the sound of ska has never lost its popularity. The rhythms are just too irresistible to ignore, the tunes too sweet - it's the music of people having a great time. Gringo Ska have kept to these roots with a lively, high tuned, drum kit leap, rock-solid bass lines and the sharp, off-beat guitar chops that set the feet moving. Grooving on top are the melody lines, taken up by fruity sax and high altitude flute - a jazzy feel and plenty of improvisation - nice! [website link] |
Monday 27 May (6pm)Count Bobo and the BullionNew project from some of the boys who brought you the Mandibles, and it’s got all the fun, great musicianship and laidback vibe you’d expect, now deployed on lovely lovely Studio 1 style ska-into-reggae tuneage. Another great band is born, come celebrate! [website link] |
Monday 27 May (9pm)TalismanReggae legends Talisman are one of the UK’s top British Roots Reggae bands. And they are here. For free. [website link] |
Wednesday 29 MayThe DubsoulsErnest Ranglin style Caribbean groove from Murph [Rhythmites], Charlie Jones [Robert Plant, Goldfrapp, etc.] and friends. Quality and poise from every pore. It is possible to be stylish suave and swinging, Celia. Get the rum in! [myspace link] |
Sunday 2nd June (lunchtime)Axle of EavisThe demon plectrum guitar and off-the-wall humour of Irishman Jon Hicks is always welcome around these parts, and this little combo unites him with some of the friends he's made among Bath's folk music community. Expect lots of tunes balanced with Jon's emotive & emotional vocal.
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Monday 3rd JuneCocos LoversAcoustic world musiceers from Kent miraculously escaping the Trustafarian tweeness that their interest in North African, Eastern and other traditions might make you fear. They really are quite deep, but also quite good along with it. Yet another eclectic selection making something that you won't quite have heard before. Expect that at least some of you Bell/Fringe people will be going home with a new favourite band. [website link]
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Wednesday 5th JuneAvalon RootsDeveloping organically from years of improvised jams, long summers of all night acoustic fireside inspiration at festivals & gatherings, this music is naturally infused with a deep, elemental, tribal spirit of friendship & fun. [website link]
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Sunday 9th June (lunchtime)GlowGlobesAcoustic international hedge-gipsydom from Laura [Absolute Darlings] and her boys: lots of their own songs and a few standards, a scattering of styles, informal but communicative stagecraft, general goodtime vibe. Perfect Sunday afternoon stuff, then! [website link]
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