Ishmael Ensemble

Helmed by producer and saxophonist Pete Cunningham, Ishmael Ensemble's music effortlessly straddles the worlds of electronica and jazz. Their last album, Rituals, explored vast sonic terrain with an honesty, intimacy and emotional heft that is uniquely their own. Praised by the likes of Lauren Laverne, Tom Ravenscroft & Gilles Peterson & playlisted at 6 Music, it reached #2 in the Official Dance Album charts & #33 in the Official Album Sales charts.

Ishmael Ensemble rose to acclaim with their debut album A State Of Flow (2019) - imbuing lush, cinematic compositions with left-field dub and electronic sensibilities. Named The Guardian's 'Contemporary Album Of The Month' and MOJO's 'Jazz Album Of The Month', it led to Maida Vale sessions for BBC 6 Music's Gilles Peterson and Tom Ravenscroft. Their sophomore album Visions Of Light (2021) saw Cunningham reimagine what the ensemble could do, working with various collaborators to explore soaring strings, writhing electronics and jagged guitars.

Praised by the likes of The Observer, UNCUT, Dummy & The Wire and heavily playlisted on BBC 6Music (3x B-List singles & Huey Morgan's 'Album Of The Year'), it led to iconic festival slots including Glastonbury’s West Holts Stage and New York's Winter Jazz Festival followed by an international run of sold out shows across the UK, EU, US & Mexico

2026 saw the formation of Ishmael Ensemble & The Rituals Orchestra, an expanded live show including a string quartet, harpist & guest vocalists from across the group's catalogue. Debuting at Forwards Festival in Bristol and a sold out show at Hackney's EartH Theatre.

With a new album on the way and their 10 year anniversary on the horizon, the group continues to be a significant force in the UK Jazz scene capable of captivating audiences, wherever the setting.