Out February 10th via Severn Songs
Bristol collective Ishmael Ensemble and MC/lyricist Rider Shafique announce their new EP New Era out February 10th via Severn Songs.
Fresh from receiving a standing ovation for their incredible performance at the London Jazz Festival, part of their 5 date UK tour and following comeback single “The Rebuke”, Ishmael Ensemble return with EP New Era, a powerful statement of intent in collaboration with poet, MC and lyricist Rider Shafique.
Shafique’s talent for razor sharp lyricism, keen observation and beautifully woven imagery deliver probing prophetic visions across Ishmael Ensemble’s strikingly emotive soundscapes on this brilliant 5 tracker, weaving jazz, dub and other electronic influences with stunning effect.
Opening with “C90 Intro”, (a name which nods to the cassettes Cunningham used to make his DJ first mixtapes) to a backdrop of brooding ambient sonics Shafique introduces the EP in dub poet mode, setting the scene for the personal and political themes of the record: “life is a journey we all need to travel… As we navigate into a new age, a new era”.
Track two “Polestar” leads us into more traditional jazz territory via a trip-hop verging beat and hypnotic sax. Mesmerising lyricism from Shafique and intermittent dubby vocal effects give the track a hypnotic dream-like quality.
EP centrepiece and title track “New Era” sets out a hopeful vision for change and a call to arms for fresh thinking. Shafique’s vocal takes centre stage over a swirling instrumental that builds with creeping urgency, swarming with white noise and a near-spluttering bassline demonstrative of Ishmael Ensemble’s boundary-blurring approach to jazz.
“Salm” serves as a reflective coda to its predecessor – a haunting ambient soundscape with occasional spectral harps, over which the message of the EP is underlined with a cautionary aside “beware when you are fighting monsters, that you yourself do not become what you are fighting against”.
The EP closes with lead single, “Reasons” a brilliantly realised culmination of all the themes and sonics present. Ishmael Ensemble returning to their jazzier incarnation, sax, harp and skippy rhythms propel us once again into reflection with Shafique inviting the listener to engage with the rhetorical “what’s the meaning of life?”, showcasing the combination of breathtaking musicianship and compelling lyricism that make this EP and collaboration so special.
New Era is an absorbing and thought-provoking piece that highlights Ishmael Ensemble’s talent for genre-shifting and taking the sonic conversation well beyond traditional jazz. Coupled with Rider Shafique’s mastery of words, it’s easy to see why audiences have literally been on their feet to praise all concerned at live shows and why 2023 is set to be their most thrilling year yet.
Ishmael Ensemble’s Pete Cunningham says, “I first came across Rider Shafique about 6 years ago after I heard his piece ‘I-Dentity’ via Bristol’s Young Echo collective & was immediately struck by his powerful way with words. A true master of his craft. This record was an opportunity to lean into the more bass-heavy side of my music taste. I’ve always been a massive fan of dub in all its forms & producers like King Tubby, Adrian Sherwood & Pinch have been a constant source of inspiration over the years. This sound palette coupled with a voice like Rider’s is something I’ve always wanted to make so I’m super happy with what we’ve produced here.”
Rider Shafique says, “The message I deliver in my music is very clear and something I’m very passionate about communicating. Working with Pete and Ishmael Ensemble, there is such a shared trust and understanding that allowed new ideas and the integrity of the message to flourish. The theme of the EP began in my own tracks… I wouldn’t say my music is overly controversial but there is a political edge and I dont think thats purposely its just my reality and it means a lot for that to be respected, or listened to, especially from an all-white group and I’m speaking from a black perspective – these are sometimes awkward conversations that people don’t want to have or they don’t feel comfortable having. But it’s important for me that my voice and perspective is respected. These are themes that I’m always constantly thinking about – themes of fear and division, all of the narratives we’re shown on the news which are fuelled by fear and emotion. I wanted to use the EP to show that sometimes we need to pause and think about what we’re doing – we need to trust our own narrative to a certain extent and stand for what we believe in. I think we are going into a new era, people are waking up and realising certain ways and ideas are not sustainable. But there’s so many outside influences distracting us from the reality of life.”
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