3 recurring jazz jam sessions in Bristol, sorted by night. We checked each one against the venue’s own website, calendar or ticket page on October 10, 2026. Jam nights move, so open the venue’s listing before you head out. New to jams? Read how to sit in. Another city? Search the whole map.
Monday jazz jams in Bristol
First Monday of the month
Hot Club Jam
8pm to 10pm
The Bristol Fringe · 32 Princess Victoria St, Clifton
- Host: House band: Hot Club de Clifton, led by Joe Trudgeon
- How it runs: The house band takes the stage at 8pm, then it's an open jam. Bring your instrument or your voice.
- Style: Gypsy jazz
- Good to know: The venue posts each date separately and the November date isn't up yet, so check its listings before you go.
Venue listing Checked October 10, 2026
Third Monday of the month
Jazz Rendezvous Jam
8pm to 10pm
The Bristol Fringe · 32 Princess Victoria St, Clifton
- How it runs: The house band plays tunes from across the jazz eras, then the stage opens up for the jam. Bring your instrument.
- Cover: Free
Venue listing Checked October 10, 2026
Sunday jazz jams in Bristol
Second Sunday of the month
Jazz Rapport Jam
8pm to 10pm
The Bristol Fringe · 32 Princess Victoria St, Clifton
- Host: Andy Nowak (piano)
- How it runs: Classic tunes in the back room, and the jam happens on the stage itself. Seasoned players and first-timers are both welcome.
Venue listing Checked October 10, 2026
Before you sit in
Jam etiquette
- A1Use the sign-up sheet if there is one, and ask to sit in. If a bassist is already on the stand, ask: “Hey, is it cool if I play?”
- A2Don’t push to the front. In Will’s words: “Don’t try to always be the first one to play. Don’t kick anybody off especially if nobody knows you.”
- A3Time your walk. When Will hears the band “playing the head out of the song,” that’s when he starts making his way up.
From lesson 5 of From Unknown to Unavailable. All five tips
Go deeper
From Unknown to Unavailable
A field manual from NYC bassist Will Lyle for bassists who can play but aren't getting the call, and don't know why.
FAQ
Which nights have jazz jams in Bristol?
As of October 10, 2026, our list has jams on Monday (2) and Sunday (1). Check the venue listing on the day you go, since nights change.
How do I sit in at a jazz jam as a bass player?
Put your name on the sign-up sheet if there is one. If a bassist is already playing, ask if you can take a tune. Don’t try to go first every time, and don’t bump anyone. New York bassist Will Lyle starts walking toward the stand when he hears the band play the head out.
Other cities
Browse every city on the Jam Finder
Better Bass Lessons isn’t connected to any venue on this page. Listings checked October 10, 2026.