To the best of my knowledge, it's been some time since anything has been heard from the excellent drummer Akira Tana, so this disc under his leadership was a pleasant surprise to me. As an extra added attraction, his coleader (Rufus Reid) of the rotating combo TanaReid is on board. There are still three albums by that group available on the Evidence label. More of a concept or theme project than a soundtrack presentation, Secret Agent Men is loosely based on the movie spy genre with flicks like From Russia With Love and Charade covered along with television fare such as the "Alfred Hitchcock Theme" and "Mission Impossible" (which also was a movie). Don't ask why Lethal Weapon or Quincy Jones' "In The Head Of The Night" are included but the latter makes for one of the most effectively rendered tracks heard. Utilizing the Hammond organ of Dr. Lonnie Smith is a neat twist and he contributed "Chase Game." Splitting the bulk of the solos are guitarist Rodney Jones, who also supplied "Song For A Rainbow." and under-rated reedman Bob Kenmotsu, who provided "When We Are Alone." The latter has a special empathy with organists, which is evident on the import platter Bronx Tale with the late Brother Jack McDuff. B-3 buffs and video-types will definitely go for this one.

— Larry Hollis

© 2002 Cadence