This recording - Volume I: the Book of Norman - produced with care by Abby and Norm, features Norm's compositions, so grounded in traditional strengths that one could swear each tune was an old great that somehow, has not yet been heard; yet utterly modern, and a completely individual statement that speaks truthfully to the jazz, rock, or blues lover; player and listener alike. Likewise is Norm as a player; hits you in the same deep place as a long held favorite song, and yet he is at the same time, as John Abercrombie said, "harmonically sophisticated, rhythmically burning...a truly great guitar player". Norm's playing speaks for itself at venues from The Blue Note (N.Y.), to the Blue Room (Banff, Alberta) to The House of Blues (Cambridge, Mass.) as well as in performances and/or recordings with George Garzone, Paul Bley, Jerry Bergonzi, John Medeski, Jackie Byard, Bob Moses, Marty Ehrlich and Maria Schneider and Dave Holland to name a few.

Abby - whose multi-faceted career in jazz singing, bass, classical and jazz guitar, and her amazing ear create her signature melodic sound woven into an intense swing feel - also shows her unique production style (heard in the perfect dynamic moment or the tempo choice that means melodic rather than relentless) that was honed by years of chamber music at N. E. Conservatory. where she studied with David Leisner and won the Chadwick Medal for top performer and musician while receiving her degree in classical guitar performance. While pursuing their Undergradute and Master's Degrees Norm and/or Abby had the honor of studying with Mick Goodrick, John Abercrombie, George Garzone, Jimmy Giuffre, Dave Holland, Cecil McBee,Bob Moses, Paul Bley, and other great musicians. Abby and Norm were thrilled to become Mr. and Mrs. Norm and Abby in June of '97, and the two were honored to have best man and jazz legend in his own time George Garzone perform with"The Fringe" at their reception.

What a great way to start.