Endlessly by Cenk Esen

Cenk Esen's name has been reverberating around London's jazz scene for the past several years, establishing him as the go-to keys player for those in the know. The son of pioneering Turkish Jazz-fusion keys player Aydin Esen, he has spent a lifetime perfecting his chops, studying at the prestigious Berklee College Of Music before relocating to London, and becoming one of the most formidable pianists on the circuit, including performances at Ronnie Scott’s and other renowned venues. Following the of several highly regarded singles, and his appearance on the latest Chaos In The CBD album, Cenk now prepares to release his magnum opus, new LP ‘Endlessly’. Recorded at the world famous Air Studios, with world class musicians MckNasty on drums, and Tom Driessler on bass guitar, this is a truly spellbinding listening experience. It soundtracks the turbulence and uncertainty of a young musician in an unfamiliar city, and the trials and tribulations of finding one’s path through life. Cenk explains: ‘Endlessly was inspired by personal struggles, relationships and my habit of endlessly expecting people and situations to be the way I think/want, and constantly being disappointed. The compositions were born through the reflections on these frustrations and every song tackles different issues and relationships.’.

Opening the record, the swirling ethereal tones of ‘PHASED I’ prepare the listener to embark on the emotive ride that awaits. Launching into the second single ‘Air Traffic Controller’, which quickly sets pace - efficiently demonstrating the exceptional level of musicianship exhibited here. Sporadic key stabs are punctuated by rolling bass and eruptive drumming, spinning a cyclone of sound, pausing only as the eye of the storm passes overhead, and tranquility is briefly glimpsed. Heavy 4/4 drums establish the ghost notes of a groove, before the tornado continues. Elegant strings, and the ghosts of jazz venues push through the madness, as Driessler’s frenzied playing takes the track over the horizon. On its inspiration, Cenk says: ‘It represents a more modern outlook of the London scene. Tight grooves, incredible drummer, incredible bass lines, these are all already staples of the scene but the harmonic approach that can be heard in this track is a sight for sore eyes! Groovy yet modern, you can dance to it but you can also just listen to it as a piece of art…’ . Next up ‘They’re Just Not That Into Me Anymore’ opens with a touching voice note from Cenk’s brother Aykan, who played a pivotal role in the album’s creation. Icy synth chords mesh with scattered drums, as words of affirmation and poignant messages whizz past, before graceful Steinway piano playing resets proceedings, ready for the elevational second movement. ‘H E R ?’ moves into the spotlight, introduced by majestic cello, shimmer tones and spectral vocals in the dark.

On the flip, reversed snippets provide a moment of reflective calmness, before the LP’s only full vocal track (and third single) ‘Endlessly, I’m Erased’ takes hold. A piece of spellbinding beauty, rippling notes spread across a sea of darkness, as the uplifting vocals of Leyla Huysal paint a picture of lament, longing and unrequited love. On this track, Cenk explains “Endlessly, I’m Erased was inspired by my first heartbreak. This song is one of the biggest inspirations for the concept of this record, as it is an example of me expecting certain situations to be the way I envision, yet getting constantly disappointed. The lyrics I wrote came from this disappointment in the situation but also with myself, as I cannot seem to learn the lessons that I need to..”. Returning with a dose of energy, penultimate track ‘A&C’, weaves together polyrhythms with a ferocious intensity, striking a perfect balance between light and darkness. Finally the LP closes with the epic ‘23’ (Live In Istanbul) (which was recorded live on a rooftop in Turkey) sees cascading piano motifs tumbling over waves of restless groove, diving headfirst into a whirlwind of truly phenomenal musicianship, frenetic energy and ghostly atmospheres.

The album is a masterclass of composition and contrast, elegant and ethereal at times, at others energetic and intense. A breathtaking offering from a phenomenal talent, one which is surely to put him firmly on the map this year.