I do not think that I have played any record more this year so far than Esja.

There is something compelling about its bittersweet ostinati and the grand musical world Hania Rani conjures out of so little.

Another record that does not rely on genre at all, it is hardly a jazz record in the usual sense but again will appeal to jazz fans as it will anyone into minimalism or electronica even. Esja has an introverted feel to it and manages to tap melody out of rhythm and mood, often the three forces combining to mesmerising effect, say on ‘Eden’, and rather than sliding into a dreamy haze has an edge to it that draws you back again and over again.