Abby & Norm Group
A to Z Music, 2003, CD
Instrument: Instrumental
Issue: 9.2
Jazz Ruler Type: Fusion
Performance: 4+
Sound: 4
Score: 
O’s Notes: To characterize this as any singular type of jazz would be wrong. This couple plays fusion, pop, ballads and straight-ahead jazz. Abby & Norm are husband and wife, music educators at Berklee and accomplished musicians. They both play guitar and bass, alternating over the tracks. They start with a contemporary “Canadian Suite”. It’s followed by a fresh arrangement of “My Funny Valentine featuring an excellent passage with Norm (g) shadowing Abby’s scatting. “Melodic Miner’s Daughter” is syncopated jazz, fusion with Abbey on lead guitar. George Garzone adds sax on four songs, most notably “Miles”, a cool tribute. Abby also sings on five of the tracks, and her voice is soft and inviting. This is an excellent example of teachers who can also do!
