Ishmael (2)

Cult bands don’t really get much more cult than Yellow Magic Orchestra.

Featuring a full on all star trio of Ryuichi Sakamoto, Haruomi Hosono and Yukihiro Takahashi, and having been sampled by J Dilla, covered by Michael Jackson, they are rightfully regarded as key innovators of popular electronic music and Detroit techno.

Pioneers in their use of synthesizers, sequencers and digital recording technology in general, they experimented heavily with computers and electronic instruments, anticipating the global trend towards drum machines and sampling.

Taking on their vast and varied discography is Bristol’s Ishmael Ensemble, who themselves cite YMO as a big influence on their work. Accompanying their show will be a bespoke visual performance from one of the band’s close collaborators.