The Water Gypsies are an exciting and unique Gypsy Jazz band, living and travelling aboard traditional narrow boats on the Kennet and Avon Canal. This year the band have successfully performed at Upton Jazz Festival, Birmingham Jazz Festival, The Grand Northern Ukulele Festival, Bath Folk Festival and live on BBC Radio

Born out of a chance meeting at a gypsy jazz jam in Bradford on Avon, The Water Gypsies play the music of Django Reinhardt but with their own, high energy, English folk, modern jazz and Latin jazz influences. Their combined talents are formidable, all having performed in the UK and across Europe.

Clive Radford on lead guitar and rhythm guitarist Nipper Lewis both play National guitars, vintage instruments that like their boats, are made from wood and steel. The unique driving sound of the guitars perfectly supports the soaring violin of Gina Griffin and the growling old time vocals of Nipper Lewis. Bassist Ian Turner is the fire behind the band; having previously performed with guitarist John Etheridge, he now provides his solid groove to The Water Gypsies rhythm section. The band will often perform unamplified and acoustic reimagining the days before microphones ruled the world.

They have built up a loyal following on the Kennet and Avon Canal and plan to travel other canals over the next year.