John Flynn is as close as we come these days to a live Phil Ochs. Not as biting, but definitely as topical, the 45-year-old Delaware-based Flynn tackles the issues of the day hitting hard at our heavy-handed

reaction to 9/11, Bush on preventive war, Ashcroft's multi-million dollar attack on a nude statue, the death penalty, drug dealers, preachers of hate and despair, and all of us when we grow complaisant. Yet he has time to sing of love and hope, benediction and baseball.

Dragon was produced by Ben Wisch and reflects a master's hand at getting the most out of a small contingent of master musicians. Kris Kristofferson, Jane Kelly Williams and Ben Wisch join in the vocals. Duke Levine plays several types of guitars, Stephanie Winters (formerly of the Nudes) plays cello and Jim Gilmore accompanies on bass. Shawn Pelton plays drums while Steve Bison joins in on sax, recorder and penny whistle.

Flynn believes that each of us can change the world. This album is his contribution to that cause. Recommended. — VKH