Bristol is a city that has been known for decades as a hotbed of British musical experimentation. Here, amidst the rhythms of drum'n'bass and the sounds of trip-hop, was born a collective whose name was inspired by Ishmael, the narrator of Herman Melville's Moby Dick.
Ishmael Ensemble is one of the most prominent phenomena of the British music scene, able to inspire and amaze with its ability to blend tradition with innovation. The ensemble fuses jazz and electronics and is led by the immensely talented producer and saxophonist Pete Cunningham.
The story of Ishmael Ensemble began as a humble experiment in Pete's home studio, but soon grew into a large-scale creative project. The debut album A State of Flow was a masterpiece, exploring cinematic melodies and psychedelic soundscapes in what critics hailed as a magical journey through sound. The album was acclaimed not only by music lovers, but also by the UK's elite music critics.
The second album, Visions of Light, further established Ishmael Ensemble as a unique force transcending the boundaries of jazz and electronics. The music here envelops the listener in the atmosphere of his native Bristol with enchanting sounds, a wide range of sounds, pulsations and dynamics. The release was named BBC Radio 6 Music Album of the Year and the band was invited to perform at the prestigious Winter Jazz Festival in New York.
In addition to his work in this band, Pete Cunningham is a highly sought-after producer and remixer. Building on his reputation as a creative visionary, he has collaborated with world-class artists such as techno legend Carl Craig and the renowned jazz label Blue Note Records.
