Akira Tana is a giant of jazz. The acclaimed drummer has worked with a Who’s Who of jazz legends, from Art Farmer to Zoot Sims, Sonny Rollins to Sonny Stitt, James Moody to Lena Horne. The JazzTimes calls him a “consummate pro” with a “nimble touch and reliably swinging grooves.” Jazzreview.com has named him “one of the foremost drum performers in modern jazz.” Not only has he played on scores of great recordings, he has produced dozens more, including several albums by Tana Reid, his artful collaboration with the bassist Rufus Reid. His current band, featuring Annie Selleck on vocals, Akiko Tsuruga on Hammond B-3, Jeff Buenz on guitar, Gary Brown on bass, Kenneth Nash on percussion, and Melicio Magdaluyo on reeds, plays the music of James Bond like you’ve never heard it before.

Born just down the road in San Jose, Akira earned degrees in East Asian Studies from Harvard University in 1974 and percussion from the New England Conservatory in 1979. Along with his extensive recording work, he has conducted workshops and clinics at universities and music schools throughout the United States, as well as in South America on a State Department tour. Since moving back to the Bay Area a decade ago, he has taught privately as well as at San Francisco State.

If you like urgent, delicate music powered by subtle and distinctive drum work, don’t miss Akira Tana & the Secret Agent Men (and Women).

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