John Grant played twice in Bristol yesterday, first at an instore performance at Rise, and later on in the more traditional surroundings of St George’s. I arrived slightly late to the instore, and could hear Grant’s plaintive vocals and piano twinklings carried in the breeze across the Triangle.

Because of my late arrival, I stood in the vicinity of the graffiti section, some way away from Grant (see photograph below, where if you look closely you can see Grant in front of the window on the right). This is one of the joys of the instore gig, if the music is not up to scratch, there are always the CDs and books to peruse.

Both Laura Marling and Mumford & Sons have played previous instores at Rise, the latter also memorable for the homeless man who normally sits outside the Clifton Down Sainsbury’s having a great time balanced precariously in a window.

Rise are hosting their next instore this evening with Jesca Hoop before she plays at St Bonaventure’s. Next month, Smith & Westerns (4th), Singing Adams (11th), Beatroot Rendezvous (also 11th) and John E Vistic (21st) will all be playing instore gigs.

And don’t forget Record Store Day on Saturday, April 16, where bands and DJs will be in the shop from 8am until late and there will be a fully licensed bar. Confirmed live performances so far will be from Hi Fiction Science, The Moles, SJ Esau, Minotaur Shock, Malachai Sound System and Henry & Sam.

For more information about instore gigs at Rise, visit http://www.rise-music.co.uk/events.php.