Bristol Live Music Highlights - April 2019
Posted on: 04 Apr 2019You'd best believe that it's April already. 2019 is flying by and we've already seen some incredible live music in Bristol since the turn of the year, but there's much, much more to come. It feels like Christmas was just a couple weeks ago but today we're bringing you the fourth instalment of this year's monthly Live Music Highlights series, with hip-hop pioneer Yasiin Bey, the no-nonsense Sleaford Mods duo, the intriguing Sun Ra Arkestra and many more set to grace some of the city's favourite stages in April. Find all the details below.
Hailu Megia @ Colston Hall Foyer, Thursday 4th April
Ethiopian jazz icon Hailu Megia is set to play an intimate live show in the foyer area of Colston Hall this month, bringing the building to life with his fiercely unique improvised sound. He broke a short hiatus last year with the release of a new album, Lala Belu, via Awesome Tapes From Africa. The project was described as "a work of flawless and exquisite beauty" by All About Jazz and received widespread critical acclaim beyond that. He'll be joined on stage by Bristol outfit The Grey Area in this one.
Etuk Ubong @ The Lanes, Friday 5th April
Having recently collaborated with the likes of Seun Kuti and Dele Sosimi in London, Etuk Ubong's influence on the UK jazz scene is growing rapidly. Born in Nigeria in the early 90s, Ubong was steered towards the trumpet around age 14 and was mentored by top Nigerian artists in the early years of his musical career. Catch him this Friday at The Lanes as he brings his vibrant afro-jazz to The Lanes alongside a full live band.
Sleaford Mods @ O2 Academy Bristol, Saturday 6th April
Electronic punk duo Sleaford Mods will be stopping in Bristol this month as part of their 2019 tour in support of their latest album, Eton Alive. Made up of outspoken vocalist Jason Williamson - who has garnered some controversy in the Westcountry recently with criticism of Bristol band IDLES - and multi-instrumentalist Andrew Fearn, the pair's no-nonsense punk sound stands out in the UK's current musical landscape and is more than matched by an ambitious live show.
Benjamin Francis Leftwich @ Thekla, Sunday 7th April
Melancholic singer-songwriter Benjamin Francis Leftwich will be playing an intimate Sunday night gig on Thekla's bottom deck this month. The melancholic singer-songwriter was born in the UK but has lived around the world, drawing on his experiences of a nomadic upbringing to produce a deeply emotive and stripped-back sound. Having drawn comparisons to artists like Jose Gonzalez in the past, Leftwich originally gained widespread attention with his first single 'Pictures', released in 2010.
James Blake @ O2 Academy Bristol, Tuesday 9th April
One of the most eclectic artists in modern pop music, James Blake's hit collaborations with the likes of Beyonce, Kendrick Lamar and Jay Z among others have shot the Londoner to international stardom in the last few years. A hugely busy 2018 has been followed up by the January 2019 release of his fourth studio album, Assume Form, which features input from Andre 3000, Travis Scott and Rosalia. Catch it all live at the O2 Academy this month.
Yasiin Bey @ O2 Academy Bristol, Wednesday 17th April
Few have had a bigger influence on hip-hop or are as well respected on the scene than Yasiin Bey, better known as the all-conquering Mos Def. His best-loved solo projects - the seminal 1999 album Black On Both Sides and The Ecstatic in 2009 - are widely regarded as two of the best records from the golden era of hip-hop artists, and it's the latter that will be providing the material for his return to Bristol this month. A chance to see The Ecstatic, an album which boasts huge tracks like Auditorium and Life In Marvelous Times, live in its entirety on a Bristol stage should not be passed up.
The Sun Ra Arkestra @ Fiddlers, Tuesday 23rd April
Sun Ra's Arkestra isn't easy to describe. From their space-age stage outfits to their free-form sound, to their unique philosophy and space theory, the group really have to be seen to be believed. On the face of it, they're a group of wildly talented jazz musicians, but there's much, much more to them than just that. Five minutes of their recent Tiny Desk session for NPR in the US should make your mind up in terms of whether or not you want to see them live.
Waldo's Gift Reworks: Jon Hopkins @ The Gallimaufry, Wednesday 24th April
Made up of acclaimed Cousin Kula drummer James Vine, Route2Roots bassist Harry Stoneham and Alun Elliott-Williams on guitar, Waldo's Gift have made a name for themselves with weekly performances at The Gallimaufry on Gloucester Road. They'll be presenting their regular show on Wednesday 24th April with an intriguing twist, paying tribute to pioneering UK electronic producer Jon Hopkins by reworking his third studio album, 'Insides', in its entirety. Free-to-attend midweek jams don't get much better than this so get yourself down.
Steam Down @ Rough Trade Records, Friday 26th April
Congregating mid-weekly for a live performance where good vibes and inclusive dancing are just as important as the music itself, Steam Down's sessions have become renowned up and down the country. Having previously welcomed guest artists like Kamasi Washington and Nubya Garcia you never really know how Steam Down are likely to line up, but one thing's for sure: their live show is one of the most immersive and memorable experiences you're likely to find on stage in the UK right now.
For more information on the above shows or to book your tickets now, follow the links in the headings to the respective events. Ticketing information is correct at the time of writing but is subject to change, so act now and book tickets to avoid missing out!
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