Akira Tana - Secret Agent Men (2002)

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! ~ by Ken Dryden, AMG. 

Sons Of Sound Recorded Music, SSPCD012, 2002 

Musicians:
Akira Tana - Drums
Robert Kenmotsu - Flute, Soprano & Tenor Saxes
Dr. Lonnie Smith - Organ [Hammond B-3]
Rodney Jones - Guitar
Rufus Reid - Bass
Chuggy Carter - Percussion 

Tracks:
01. Secret Agent Man {Steve Barri, P.F. Sloan, Phil Sloan} (4:07)
02. Mission Impossible {Lalo Schifrin} (4:32)
03. The Guardman {Tadashi Yamauchi} (3:37)
04. In The Heat Of The Night {Alan & Marilyn Bergman, Quincy Jones} (4:54)
05. It's Probably Me {Eric Clapton, Michael Kamen, Sting} (5:52)
06. Alfred Hitchcock Theme {Lynn Murray} (3:49)
07. Charade {Henry Mancini, Johnny Mercer} (4:26)
08. From Russia With Love {Lionel Bart} (4:38)
09. When We Are Alone {Robert Kenmotsu} (6:21)
10. Struttin' About {Rufus Reid} (5:52)
11. Song For A Rainbow {Rodney Jones} (6:20)
12. Navarac {Akira Tana} (3:14)
13. Chase Game {Dr. Lonnie Smith} (6:10) 

Total Time: 64:02 

Credits:
Audio Production, Producer - Jeff Penney
Photography - Pierre Dufour
Art Direction - La Torre Productions
Licensed by King Records Co., Ltd Japan

LINK

When We Are Alone {Robert Kenmotsu}

Javon Jackson - Easy Does It (2003)

Tenor saxophonist Javon Jackson seems right at home on this nice set of soul-jazz tunes. He’s certainly helped by the presence of trombonist Fred Wesley, who’s still a great funk and blues stylist, as well as Dr. Lonnie Smith, a top-flight organist who’s never gotten the credit he deserves as a Hammond B3 stalwart. Guitarist Mark Whitfield and drummer Lenny White keep the groove steady and burning as well, and vocalist Eve Cornelious brings some sizzle and sultriness to “House Party.” This works both as a good party record and solid jazz set with one exception. The group’s cover of “Wake Up Everybody,” while exuberantly delivered, simply lacks the power and weight of the original. Their rendition sounds more like a rousing dance exhortation than the sweltering, commanding mandate that Teddy Pendergrass delivered in his definitive original performance that was also his swan song to Harold Melvin & the Blue Notes.

Otherwise, this disc brings back fond memories of late-night house celebrations and Sunday-afternoon radio shows on vintage black radio stations. Jackson’s “Kiss,” Smith’s “If (You See Kay)” and Wesley’s title track get excellent drumming on the bottom from White, blues-tinged, scorching solos by Jackson and Wesley and striding, full organ lines by Smith. Whitfield’s splayed; frenetic solos also add a tight edge. He can be either a frenetic or a sophisticated soloist, while also smoothly contributing during the unison sections. Jackson’s writing also merits praise, particularly the final numbers “Easy Does It” and “J-Soul.” These have a relaxed, catchy groove and good blend of instrumental fire and rhythmic assertiveness.

Throughout Easy Does It Jackson plays with more verve and swing on supposedly less jazz-oriented pieces than he has in the past doing mainstream material, which indicates to me that he’s really enjoying himself. Personally, I’d much rather hear him doing good blues and funk than tentative, detached hard bop. ~ by Ron Wynn, Jazz Times.

Palmetto Records, PM 2093, 2003

Recorded 30^th September & 1^st October, 2002 at:

Maggie's Farm, Buck's County, Pennsylvania

White House Sound Lab, Leicester, England

Musicians:

Javon Jackson - Tenor Saxophone

Fred Wesley - Trombone, Vocals

Dr. Lonnie Smith - Organ

Mark Whitfield - Guitar

Eve Cornelious - Vocals

Tracks:

1. If You See Kay {Lonnie Liston Smith} (4:13)

2. Right On {Marvin Gaye} (7:35)

3. House Party {Fred Wesley} (4:17)

4. Papa Lou {Javon Jackson} (3:13)

5. Kiss {Javon Jackson} (7:25)

6. Diane {Javon Jackson} (5:47)

7. Wake Up Everybody {Gene McFadden, John Whitehead} (4:49)

8. Easy Does It {Javon Jackson} (4:34)

9. J Soul {Javon Jackson} (6:20)

Credits:

Producer, Engineer - Javon Jackson

Producer - Lenny White

Producer, Engineer, Mixing - Matt Balitsaris

Mastering - A.T. Michael MacDonald

Design - Jason Grotrian

Photography - Jimmy Katz

"Saxophonist Javon Jackson plays funk with a slow hand...[he] doesn't beat matters to a froth but allows them to come to fruition in their own time. This approach to groove calls for the clear arrangements that focus the senses nicely on Jackson's titillating tenor and Dr. Lonnie Smith's snaky organ...A good funkin' time is had by all." ~ Karl Stark, Philadelphia Inquirer.