This mini compilation mixes the voices three American women: Aya De Leon of Oakland, CA, Tamara Nicholl of Houston, TX and Deborah Davis of Dallas, TX. This is an intermingling of the spoken word of an acclaimed community activist, an award-winning techno-vocalizing slam poet and an accomplished, internationally renowned Jazz musician.

Both Tamara and Deborah share lead-vocal roles in bands. Tamara is one in the duo Third Option—a cut from their album, Cult Of Nice, “Woman’s Poem” is presented here. Deborah often headlines for “A few Good Men”—pianist James Weidman, bassist Essiet Essiet and drummer Greg Hutchinson—a cut from their album No Ways Tired, “The Kiss (original poem)” is in the kinté space as well.

Aya de Leon, her “Thin Line/Stop The War” is the first track in Joy in the Struggle. This live version was recorded in 2005 at Malonga Casquelourd Arts Complex, Oakland, CA. Aya de Leon collaborates in groups as well as being pointedly solo—in 1996 it is proclaimed that she “married herself.”