GANESH is one of the most interesting contemporary jazz/world music CDs I have heard in recent years, each song a reflection of intricate and unusual jazz motifs that are original as well as entertaining. I have always been fascinated by and hold a respect for the Hindu religion simply because it has a honest voice and has had to overcome a lot of prejudice in the past 100 years.

Those who know Hindu mythology are aware of the importance of the god known as Ganesh. Ganesh is there to help one overcome personal burdens, act as the remover of obstacles, share wisdom and to guide one on her or his spiritual journey, among other attributes. Odd as it may seem, I was recently give a twelve pound hand-carved Ganesh bookend carved out of stone, given to hold up my corner of six jazz reference books and a dictionary! A wonderful gift with a remarkable carved face of an elephant. It sits quietly on my computer table holding up the dictionary. Strange, wonderful things do come about one's way at times!

This collection contains 14 remarkable jazz works, starting with "Ganesh" (Malconce raag)," and including such eclectic sounds as found in the songs "Battle of Shiva and Ganesh" (Gujri Todi raag), "Shadow Dances," "Sweet Imp," "Syrtotic," "The Jig's Up," "Prelude: Prayer," "Gyromaniations." The listening audience will find each song as different as night is from day.

I found the performances flawless, perfectly matched to the jazz material at hand, and whether a solo or group performance, excellent. GANESH is something that will capture the listening audience's attention completely with its world music flavor and contemporary jazz combination.

Many images float through these songs, and the listening audience will discover unique images in each of these songs. "American Crawl," "Camel Trot," and "Cool Ali" are other fine songs that bear close attention.

For some very intricate piano work, take a few listens to the sounds on "Shadow Dances." Each musician is toprate in GANESH. David Flippo is excellent as a pianist, creating and sharing his unique musical ideas with the audience in a flawless, straight-ahead fashion.

A change of pace, refreshing, combining and reinventing, lively, gentle, classical forms, challenging and exotic, GANESH is an interesting brew, a special cup of tea that the jazz listening audience will embrace for its concepts, images, and ability to share feelings of sound with each listener. This collection will come across as personal, close, intimate, and sensitive to each listener, as if created for that listener alone to partake of! To be able to share successfully jazz visions with the audience is what GANESH is all about. Perfect.