Description
#ishmaelensemble #vinyl #vinylrecords
Bristol’s Ishmael Ensemble, led by producer and saxophonist Pete Cunningham, made a significant impact with their 2021 album Visions of Light. This release, following the success of their 2019 debut A State of Flow, sees the group pushing the boundaries of modern jazz even further. With its rich blend of cinematic jazz, infused with Bristol’s signature dub and electronic influences, Visions of Light immediately evokes comparisons to renowned acts like The Cinematic Orchestra and Portico Quartet, while establishing its own distinct voice.
The album opens with the serene yet deceptive ‘Feather,’ which quickly transitions into the high-energy and chaotic ‘Wax Werk.’ Cunningham’s saxophone takes center stage, supported by the dynamic contributions of guitarist Stephen Mullins, drummer Rory O’Gorman, and synth artist Jake Spurgeon. The first half of Visions of Light captures the intense, raw energy that Ishmael Ensemble honed during their extensive touring, delivering a darker, more powerful sound that echoes the intricate and atmospheric style of both The Cinematic Orchestra and Portico Quartet.
On the album’s second half, the tone shifts towards a more introspective and textured approach. Tracks like ‘Looking Glass,’ with its ethereal vocals and complex string arrangements, and the nostalgic ‘Morning Chorus,’ build towards the hopeful conclusion of ‘January’. Throughout these pieces, Ishmael Ensemble’s ability to blend elements of jazz, electronic, and ambient music creates a soundscape that draws inevitable parallels to the work of their contemporaries, yet remains uniquely their own.
Visions of Light stands as a testament to Ishmael Ensemble’s evolving artistry and their place in the contemporary jazz scene. The album’s ability to balance complexity with accessibility, while drawing inspiration from genre-defining acts like The Cinematic Orchestra and Portico Quartet, solidifies it as a standout release in 2021. It not only showcases the group’s growth but also sets a new benchmark for modern jazz, making it a must-listen for fans of the genre.
