Friday, May 25, 2012

Akira Tana (2002) -Secret Agent Man

Artist:  Akira Tana
Album: Secret Agent Man
Released:  2002
Quality: mp3 CBR 320
Size: 148 MB
”Akira Tana and his musicians were definitely out to have some fun making this release, which draws heavily from works written for spy-themed movies and television series. "Secret Agent Man" is given a funky treatment with a slight Latin tinge, showcasing guitarist Rodney Jones, organist Dr. Lonnie Smith, and tenor saxophonist Bob Kenmotsu. The rendition of the "Alfred Hitchcock Theme (March of the Marionettes)" at first seems like it will be low-key, but the brisk arrangement quickly discards Kenmotsu's flute for his blistering tenor in a smoking performance. They even have a bit of fun with the unlikely inclusion of a Sting composition (the normally monotonous "It's Probably Me"), but this version has more spirit and eliminates the mundane lyrics. The band relaxes a bit with a loungy but effective take of "From Russia with Love." The CD concludes with five songs written by the band's members to make up a fictitious soundtrack for a film. A nice added touch is the campy cover photo, with each of the players photographed in standard spy gear (hat, trench coat, and sunglasses), though Smith's huge Afro covered by a turban would likely make it hard for him to tail a subject!” ~ Ken Dryden, allmusic.com





Tracklist:
1.       Secret Agent Man                     4:07
2.       Mission Impossible   Schifrin  4:32
3.       The Guardman          Yamauchi           3:37
4.       In the Heat of the Night          Bergman, Bergman, Jones               4:54
5.       It's Probably Me        Clapton, Kamen, Sting      5:52
6.       Alfred Hitchcock Theme         Murray  3:49
7.       Charade      Mancini, Mercer  4:26
8.       From Russia With Love           Bart        4:38
9.       When We Are Alone Kenmotsu             6:21
10.    Struttin' About           Reid       5:52
11.    Song for a Rainbow  Jones      6:20
12.    Navarac      Tana      3:13
13.    Chase Game              Smith    6:10



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