Ishmael Ensemble

Over the past 10 years, producer & saxophonist Pete Cunningham’s Ishmael Ensemble has gone from being a humble bedroom recording project to an integral part of the thriving UK Jazz scene whilst effortlessly exploring broader musical worlds. The group's debut album “A State Of Flow” saw Cunningham traverse an array of sonic scenery from lush cinematic soundscapes to raucous peaks of psychedelia that received high praise from listeners & journalists alike. The group's follow up record 'Visions of Light' saw them further blur the lines between Jazz & Electronic music, taking the listener on an expansive journey in sound whilst flying the flag for their hometown of Bristol. The record went on to be crowned Huey Morgan's "Album of the Year" on 6 Music as well as The Guardian's Album Of The Month. Their third album ‘Rituals’ released in September 2024 explores vast sonic terrain with an honesty, intimacy and emotional heft that is uniquely their own. Praised by the likes of Lauren Laverne, Tom Ravenscroft & Mary Anne Hobbs & playlisted at 6 Music, it reached #2 in the Official Dance Album charts & #33 in the Official Album Sales charts. “Incredible independent music. These guys just get better with every release” Gilles Peterson “A deeply arresting sound from one of our favourite cities, simply beautiful” Mary Anne Hobbs “A synth, sax & strings epic” The Guardian “A band seemingly capable of doing anything, yet remaining fleet footedly themselves throughout.” The Wire