V.S.O.P. #109 CRITERIA 1 GOLD COAST JAZZ: THE OCTET

Lon Norman (trombone), Bill Ladley (drums), Jerry Marshall (trumpet), Eddie Gralka (baritone, tenor sax), Marvin Marvin (tenor sax), Berry Poger (alto sax), Paul Sarmento (bass), Joe Black (piano), Frank DeFabio (piano).

• Recorded August, 1957 at Criteria-Reela Studios, Miami, Florida.
• Production and Technical Supervision: Mac Emerman.
• Recording Engineer: Mac Emerman.
• Mastering: Rudy Van Gelder.
• Original Liner Notes: Val Machen.
• Photos: Mac Emerman
• All Arrangements by Lon Norman.

• Saturday Comes 'Round (Lon Norman) 4:16
• Don't Blame Me (Jimmy Mchugh) 4:25
• Potsdam (Lon Norman) 6:13
• Blue Moon (Rodgers, Hart) 3:36
• If I Should Lose You (Rainger, Robin) 4:43
• Dark Horse (Lon Norman) 3:30
• Scott Free (Lon Norman) 3:26

This is the first recording released on Criteria and the fourth of several VSOP releases of Criteria recordings. Criteria was a small jazz label founded by Mack Emerman that showcased Miami jazz musicians of the late 1950's. All Criteria LPs are extremely rare and highly sought after. This 1957 recording exemplifies the high caliber of jazz that made it onto this label. The Octet played straight ahead West Coast style jazz in the Shorty Rogers, Marty Paich manner. The arrangements by Lon Norman are excellent. The solos by Berry Poger, Marvin Marvin, Eddie Gralka and Jerry Marshall are top notch. This is very fine music, and compares most favorably with Hollywood sessions of the day.

    Download: itunes.apple.com/us/album/the-octet/id65682823

     Other Sources for CD:  City Hall Records