"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 free live music three to four times a week (Monday, every other Tuesday and Wednesday from 9pm and Sunday lunchtimes from 1pm) ranging from jazz to blues to folk to roots to some things we are not sure what to call.
Live at The Bell Inn
Sun 2nd Feb
Gina Griffin & Friends (Chai For All - Cancelled)
Unfortunately Chai For All have had to cancel todays' gig due to a family emergency.
Fortunately we've got a replacement gig from Gina Griffin & Friends. Gina's very kindly coming over from wild South Wales to cover it, so do remember that when it comes to collection time. I asked her because her fiddle playing will make it up a little for lovers of Klezmer & Balkan/Gipsy melodies, and we'll have Chai For All back when we can squeeze them into the programme.
Mon 3rd Feb
Scott Lavene
Witty Essex wideboy straight out of an Ian Dury song, with the gift of the gab and a storytelling virus, Scott's songs tell it like it is, at least if you're as screwed as the people in them.
Wed 5th Feb
Helele
Alphonse and friends do their own idiosyncratic Afro-Fusion thing which they have worked up over a long collaboration, and it shows. Don't worry about what to call it, just let your body move.
Sun 9th Feb
Eddie Martin [solo]
The guvnor of grassroots down home blues in these parts demonstrating that he needs neither electric guitar nor band to deliver.
Mon 10th Feb
Jim Blomfield Latin Jazz Ensemble
It's a fact, any band with Jim in is going to be a treat, and as all the best musicians in the area know this too, we can expect a suitable contingent on stage with him tonight. Further comment unnecessary.
Tue 11th Feb
Pete Morton
Major national-level quality songwriter [and Trad interpreter] on a Tuesday night, we really do spoil you. Real life in song.
Wed 12th Feb
Bigfoot Brass Band
Classic N'Awlins brass sound with the sense of fun that went missing at the end of the last revival, but is back bigtime in the current generation both here and in NOLa.
Sun 16th Feb
The Great Malarkey
A step onto the wild side for a Sunday lunchtime, but a very welcome return for this travelling ragamuffin circus, a veritable Poguol Bordello - underclass folk with melodies as well as attitude.
Mon 17th Feb
Escher Steps
Mr Eddie Parker, survivor of many's the revered combo, plus heavy friends like guitar wiz Andy Christie, on Prog-inspired rush through keys and time signatures we don't have the notation for.
Wed 19th Feb
The Gin Bowlers
Prohibition Era good time music with the added advantage, as far as the good time bit goes: No Prohibition! There are many bands doing glitzy swing nowadays, but these are the actual fun package.
Sun 23rd Feb
New Valley String Band
American Old-Time crossed with Swedish [it's where the guys are from] folk. And it works! As the Swedes say: Nice!
Mon 24th Feb
Mickelson
Scott will be an alternative to the scary stupid stuff we're hearing so much of from over he Atlantic recently. He's sharp, his voice and words go deep enough to tell the deeper story.
Tue 25th Feb
Sam Thomas
Sam's first gig with us last year was an emotional experience for all, and he's very welcome back for more of that. Raw, more of a soul or hip-hop voice than the usual, but he handles it all just fine.
Wed 26th Feb
Organ3man
Revival of a classic greasy groovin' combo, itself on the revival front - '60s juke joint organ trio movers - from operatives you can trust. Wednesday nights just got hotter.