Bristol’s month in World Music – September 2024

Folk futurism – is that a thing now? Apparently Iranian trio HUUUM’s combination of traditionalism with electronic avant-garde technology means they embody it. They are supporting dub-techno producer Moritz von Oswald (Strange Brew, Tue 24) for an Accidental Meeting gig. Indeed. The label might also be applied to folk experimentalist duo Nils Økland and Sigbjorn Apeland (St George’s, Fri 27) who combine Norwegian traditional music with improvisation. Or, for that matter, the neo-classical quintet Hedera’s deconstructed acoustic folk which will be framed by the gentle seclusion of Bridge Farm’s event space (Thur 19).

The Jam Jar continues with it’s Ghana Special theme, this month featuring the remarkable Alostmen (Fri 13). The Frafra quartet somehow blend the elements of acoustic instruments like the two-stringed kolongo and talking drums with a knowing afro-funk insight to make grooving trance music. They appear a week after Paris-based Somalian singer Sahra Halgan (Jam Jar, Fri 6) brings her individual mix of Somali singing style, Tuareg guitar and an electro-poppy band. In fact it’s a bit of an African month at the venue as they also host a couple of Afrobeat nights with Donc and Friends (Sun 8) and United Freedom Collective supported by Soma Soma (Thur 19).

It’s a good month for fans of the West African kora starting on Friday 13th when Gambian player Suntou Susso (pictured at top) and his band appear at the Old Market Assembly, swiftly followed by Senegal’s Amadou Diagne at Canteen (Sat 14). Both men are master musicians from traditional Griot families who have evolved their own blend of music through European collaborations while still firmly holding on to their cultural roots . Amadou, with his group Yakar, goes on to appear at The Bell (Wed 11) and then brings the acoustic trio Touki to the Folk House (Fri 20).

Trinity features Flamenco Express’ raw combination of guitars, handclaps, impassioned singing and powerful dancing from (Fri 13). Feet will be stamped, for sure, whereas La Gringa Negra will bring a more toe-tapping exploration of ‘Spanish and Latin American heritage music’ to El Rincon (Thur 12). Alvorado (Canteen, Wed 25) have a similarly respectful approach to acoustic tradition, in their case the upbeat rhythms of Brazilian choro. There’s a popular return to The Bell (Mon 2) when the Tango Jazz Quartet make their annual visit for a typically high energy session, and the following week The Bell hosts trumpeter Andy Hague’s all-star Latin-jazz Sexteto Gringo (Mon 9). Dynamic and versatile Spanish vocalist Marta Zubieta’s project Zubieta & The Suaves (Tobacco Factory, Sun 15) merge Latin-jazz and Bossa nova.

Sitar player and composer Jasdeep Singh Degun is best known for ambitious cross-cultural collaborations with classical ensembles and opera companies. For his performance at St George’s (Thur 19), however, he will return to his roots in a duo with tabla player Gurdain Rayatt. It promises to be a spellbinding and thoughtful evening of Indian classical tradition whereas Bhangra masters RSVP will be offering their raucous high-energy slice of contemporary South Asian dance music at The Bell (Sat 28). There’s a similarly entertaining update of traditional themes coming from Cyprus to the Jam Jar in the shape of Buzz Ayaz (Thur 26) who take a psychedelic approach to Greek and Anatolian themes, to great effect.

Two acts that have long been woking to blend musical cultures on the Bristol scene make welcome appearances this month. The duo of Pippa Marland and Rob Knight have seen their band Carmina through many line-up changes while holding on to their well-crafted blend of Irish tradition and a jazz approach. In Carmina 3 they are joined by Paul Bradley’s voice and guitar and, for their gig at The Bell (Sun 15), they welcome Irish pipe and whistle virtuoso Diarmaid Moynihan. Violinist, singer and songwriter Azhaar Saffar first emerged through the successful Latin outfit Sirius B before going on to explore wider musical influences. She also comes to The Bell (Wed 18) with her jazz-fusion band Global Wave and then appears at the Cotham Club (Fri 27) with the Azhar Saffar Ensemble, likely a combination of her players and the Club house regulars.

And, finally – something entirely unclassifiable and unique coming to the Crypt of St John in the Wall: The Gathering of Jaguars and Dragons (Sun 15) brings together sonic ritual artists from cultures including Mexico, China and India to construct a collective spiritual ritual that the audience is invited to participate in. But don’t worry: they also say “If you don’t feel like using your voice, you are also welcomed to bathe in the collective oneness of the sonic frequencies.”