Album Notes

"What a breath of fresh air. Just when music seems to be following a general protocol, Jai Ganesha appears and reminds us that music is in its essence, unique and always uplifting. An inspirational album, Jai Ganesha has bolted the windows open for sacred creativity. Emam and these artists have confirmed once again while bringing cultures together to celebrate, that Spirit has no borders." – Josh Massad

Emam's compositions come to life by a cast of musicians from India, Poland, Hungary, South Africa and the USA. The music brings together Indian classical music, Middle Eastern and Eastern European music as well Jazz. There are two pieces featuring Indian classical vocals of Geetika Varde; two pieces with Polish lyrics/vocals by Yashoda; Zoltan Lantos (Hungarian violinist) is featured on two pieces; the great jazz bass player, Kai Eckhardt is featured on five pieces; Taufiq Qureshi, percussionist and younger brother of Zakir Hussain, is featured on five pieces; Polish jazz bass player, Robert Szydlo is featured on six pieces; sarangi player, Ustad Asif Ali Khan, from Delhi, is featured on eight pieces; Deepak Ram, bansuri (bamboo flute) player from South Africa (with Indian origins), is featured on five pieces; Indu Prakash adds his Indian Classical vocal improvisations to seven pieces. In addition, the album features Pandit Mukesh Sharma, sarod player from Delhi, Dave Lewis, drummer from Los Angles and Emam on (almost) all pieces.
Here's a list of all featured musicians:
Geetika Varde (Mumbai, India): vocals
Mukesh Sharma (Delhi, India): sarod
Kai Eckhardt (Germany/Berkeley, CA): bass
Taufiq Qureshi (Mumbai, India): percussion
Indu Prakash (Delhi, India): vocals
Asif Ali Khan (Delhi, India): sarangi
Gari Hegedus (Berkeley, CA): oud
Moses Sedler (San Rafael, CA): cello
Zoltan Lantos (Budapest, Hungary): violin
Robert Szydlo (Wroclaw, Poland): bass
Yashoda (Poland/San Rafael, CA): vocals
Emam (Iran/San Rafael, CA): tabla, percussion
Dave Lewis (Los Angeles, CA): drums

Album was produced by Emam.
Album cover painting by Yashoda.