Ken Nordine Featuring Fred Katz Group
Word Jazz
Rare & Collectible Vinyl Records

1983 Pressing. In the realm of spoken word and jazz fusion, Ken Nordine's *Word Jazz* stands as a pioneering artifact that reshaped the landscape of audio storytelling. Featuring the Fred Katz Group, the album weaves together Nordine's distinctive, sonorous narration with the improvisational prowess of jazz musicians. The interplay between Nordine's voice and Katz's ensemble creates an innovative tapestry of sound, where narrative and melody are inseparably intertwined. Each track is a journey into the abstract, with Nordine's lyrical prowess painting vivid, surreal landscapes that challenge the listener's perception of both language and music. The album's unique blend of spoken word and jazz not only exemplifies Nordine's flair for linguistic exploration but also highlights the dynamic range and creativity of Katz's group, making it a timeless piece of experimental art.

What makes *Word Jazz* particularly compelling is its ability to transcend the conventional boundaries of genre, offering a listening experience that is as intellectually stimulating as it is aesthetically pleasing. Nordine's voice acts as both a guide and an instrument, leading the listener through a series of vignettes that touch on themes of existence, imagination, and societal observation. The Fred Katz Group complements this narrative journey with a musical backdrop that is at once intricate and accessible, providing a perfect counterpoint to Nordine's expressive verbal art. Their music, characterized by fluid rhythms and harmonic inventiveness, serves to enhance the album's dreamlike quality, inviting listeners to immerse themselves fully in Nordine's world. *Word Jazz* remains a testament to the power of collaboration between spoken word and jazz, reflecting a creative synergy that continues to influence artists across genres.