Jerry Cole recorded 20-30 albums under his name; however, there is no telling how many pseudonyms he used because of his high demand and labels trying to keep up with current trends. And not to mention the thousands of recordings he contributed to as a member of the Wrecking Crew.
Surf Age was originally released in 1964, and this vinyl copy from the Sundazed label I acquired came out in 2008 (531/1000 copies). This is an album I had on my list for a long time and finally decided to buy, and its significance to the genre goes without saying. The remastered sound from the original source tapes is bright and clear.
Jerry’s liner notes explain how he used a 57’ Strat and a Fender twin and how he built a kit from Texas Instruments, which you could get by mail, to have the first overdriver distortion. A completely different contrast compared to the technologies we have today.
The title track “Surf Age” gets things rolling with the opening of horns and some rapid drumming and a rhythmic bass line with Jerry’s guitar jumping right in with crisp and clear twangy lines. A strutting saxophone comes in, then the six-string takes off with some sharp lines. It’s a magnificent opener and a perfect example of first wave surf instro.
“Martian Surf” has more of a 50s feel to it with the rhythms and horns. The organ joins with a distinct sound of that period as the guitar takes over with stinging leads. Drums and bass continue to be exceptional with a high level of energy. A real mover!
“Night Rumble” takes on a funkier, bluesy style with twang as the organ takes more precedence this time around. The saxophone takes its own groove and spotlight for a short time before things return to the core melody and the guitar becomes more transitional. Just enough twang to stay in the surf lane, but more rock- and blues-oriented. Reminding listeners, this was intended to be surf and pop recording.
“Rosarita Surf” keeps things moving along with a decidedly Latin flavor and swing. The variety from one track to the next is quite impressive. The energy and color for this one are great!
“Movin' Surf” reverts to a more surf-oriented sound with the horns remaining a core part of the sound. The driving rhythmic bass has strong drum fills to support it as the guitar’s importance continues to shine brightly while transitioning from surf to pop-rock sounds.
“Power Surf” closes out the first side of the LP with an upbeat color, energy, and tempo. The guitar is straight-ahead rock with that period twang. Rolling drums are featured here as the brass holds a constant groove.
“Bronze Surfer” begins much like the first side, with the opening brass, then right into the guitar. This has a different tempo entirely, a few notches down, with the guitar holding a completely different tone and echo. Tasteful and atmospheric.
“Deep Surf” takes on the “Island” feel with the guitar’s twang and shimmer easily creating that kind of scenery as the rhythm section sounds tight and purposeful. The horns are steady and low-end, with a long bass sound weaving through the beautiful guitar lines.
“Ride-Um!” is the only track under 2 minutes at 1:36 but jam-packed with energy and the retro sound all traditionalists of the genre love. Twangy rock guitar, heavy saxophone, superb rhythms from the drums and bass. Perfect.
“Jerry's Jump” takes on an entirely different sound with the organ showing some versatility as the horns, bass, and drums follow the rock licks perfectly. More rock than surf, this concerns the guitar; however, the other instruments do sound like they belong on the rest of the tracks considered to be surf.
“One Color Blues” shows the different colors Jerry could pull out of his six-string. This one reminded me of Davie Allen’s music with the guitar having that heavy fuzz tone and blues swagger. The saxophone also carried that attitude. The bass, drums, and organ moved along in restrained rhythm, perfectly matching the guitar.
“Racing Waves” closes out this classic album with some more high-energy, blues-influenced surf twang. The mixture of rock, blues, and surf of this final track encapsulated their sound nicely. All retro rock and surf that epitomized the sound of 1964 before The Beatles arrived and washed it all away.
Surf Age by Jerry Cole and His Spacemen stands as a cornerstone of the surf instrumental genre—an essential listen for any enthusiast. While copies are still circulating, tracking down a well-preserved, sealed edition is worth the effort for collectors and fans alike.
Keith “MuzikMan”
Hannaleck-Surf Music and Art Founder
July 30, 2026
Album Credits:
- Lead & Rhythm
Guitar: Jerry Cole
- Producer: Jim
Economides (Capitol Records staff producer)
- Cover Photography:
George Jerman
- Recording Studio:
Capitol Studios (Hollywood, CA)
- Backing Musicians:
Uncredited Wrecking Crew session musicians on bass, drums, and secondary
rhythm guitar.
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