Jazza Diction refused to color in the lines. We boasts the best in word jazz and liked to stretch out on occasion to promote the idea that music is music, Daddy-O!

When we were together we played live as often as possible, tearing up Oregon's rugged north coast with our unique stylings. We all loved the rush that comes from an appreciative crowd and our music was VERY well received. The most special moment for me was when an older lady and a teen girl came up to the stage after a gig and the older woman asked me for an autograph. I asked her what her name was and she said "Cindy." I wrote something to the effect of "Thanks for supporting Jazza Diction, Cindy" along with my sig and handed it back to her. She read it then said "I'm sorry, my name is Cindy, but I wanted the autograph for my grandaughter, Julie" and pointed to the teenage girl "She's too shy to ask herself but she absolutely loves your music." That was too cool for words, hearing a young person "got it."

After three EP's and two LP's, the band parted company due to artistic differences, but aimably. Brian, Don, Ray and Tim still perform as Storm Train and I (Jef) am looking to revive Jazza Diction with new musicians.

I'm a huge fan of puns. Jazza Diction can mean spoken word jazza (jazzesque, not pure by any stretch of the imagination) or it can mean an addiction to jazz. The other choices presented in the early stages were "Peace Project" (humility prevented me from allowing this), "Hindsight" (there were already several bands named Hindsight), "Storm Train" and others that were voted out.

My little heart leaped when "Life According to Don" immediately reminded me of The Doors' "The End" with its spoken word nature.

This CD is rife with diverse styles that somehow gel into a cohesive and thoroughly enjoyable experience. In true spoken-word beatnik style, these songs tend to go on awhile (only two of them are under four minutes), and the lyrical/poetic content utilizes cool intellectual humor to make pointed social commentary. Although songs like "Colors" and "What Else Matters?" have a folksy feel to them, and "Desdemona Sand" is reminiscent of Shawn Mullins first CD Soul's Car (No, not the hit "Lullabye"), others kick in with a smooth jazz, blues and light reggae bounce. My hope is that the "defunct" part of Jazza Diction is very temporary. Reviewer: Cristy 11/02

Comments: This CD is rife with diverse styles that somehow gel into a cohesive and thoroughly enjoyable experience. In true spoken-word beatnik style, these songs tend to go on awhile (only two of them are under four minutes), and the lyrical/poetic content utilizes cool intellectual humor to make pointed social commentary. Although songs like "Colors" and "What Else Matters?" have a folksy feel to them, and "Desdemona Sand" is reminiscent of Shawn Mullins first CD Soul's Car (No, not the hit "Lullabye"), others kick in with a smooth jazz, blues and light reggae bounce.

Comments: Jazza Diction refuses to color in the lines. This diverse group boasts the best in Word Jazz and likes to stretch out on occasion to promote the idea that music is music, Daddy-O!

Languid Velvet Goddess was released to answer the many requests from fans that they produce an album that is pure word jazz . . . this lp is just that. Two brand-new songs added to six time-tested favorites . . . just for you, word jazz fans!