Esha is a band combining incredible talent and good taste from The Netherlands to produce a wonderful CD called Preface. I’d like to think that this is a preface to things to even more great music to come. The CD is only 4 tracks and certainly leaves us wanting more.
The band is comprised of Ayesha de Groot on vocals, Hans Kwakkernaat on piano, Jan Flubacher on contrabass, and Philip Behrends on drums.
While my initial impression was the band may be a solo act with it’s name being an abbreviation of Ayesha’s name I now see the name as more of an omen as well as excellent marketing. Don’t get me wrong, Ayesha de Groot’s vocals are certainly the first thing that will grab you. When I first listened to the CD I heard vocals worthy of, and reminiscent of, such jazz greats as Diana Krall as well as emotional pop influences of Joan Armatrading.
As I listened though, almost immediately the enchanting piano grabbed my attention. Hans Kwakkernaat is certainly a master of expressing and invoking emotion as his talents shine in one great piano stanza after another. His playing is no less poetic than the wonderful lyrics of these compositions.
Just when I thought I had this group figured out as a great duo the contrabass comes thought and grabs my attention. Reminiscent of a sound I’ve long admired where the base stops everything else and draws the spotlight and brings everyone to the same unmistakable conclusion, yes its that base making the music isn’t it. Jan Flubacher’s bass and Philip Behrends’ drums walk us down the path and play the central role in the “In My Garden” track showcasing their immense talents.
There are many signs that this band will become known and that their first production is indeed a preface to more great things to follow. It turns out that Esha means desire in Sanskrit (a sacred language of Hinduism and Buddhism). I think there are many signs here, that Esha, the band has the desire and the talent to entertain us for many years to come.
Thanks to the wonders of the Internet upstart bands like Esha have greater reach than ever giving us all a chance to enjoy these new sounds. The Esha Preface CD is available on Amazon.com
