Downbeat magazine presented Ess's performance of Lennox Berkeley's 'Theme and Variations' with the 'Outstanding Performance Award' in 1983. Consequently, Ess received a scholarship to attend the prestigious Berklee College of Music in Boston. There he continued his musical quest and was heavily influenced by the music of John Coltrane. During those years, Ess started leading his own groups, which included among others, pianist Danilo Perez. After studies with Jerry Bergonzi and Charlie Banacos, Ess graduated from Berklee with honors in 1989 and moved to New York in 1991.