AKIRA TANA drums, percussion
During his studies at Harvard University and the New England Conservatory
he performed with Milt Jackson, Sonny Rollins, and in classical music ensembles at the Berkshire Music Festival at Tanglewood. He has among others, performed with Art Farmer, Jim Hall, Zoot Sims, Ruth Brown and Lena Horne. Tana has appeared on over 200 recordings including those with a group he co-led with the bassist, Rufus Reid, TanaReid. Tana has produced several albums including Project G-7: A Tribute to Wes Montgomery featuring Kenny Burrell. As a leader, Tana has recordings including “Secret Agent Men” and “Moon Over the World,” and “Kiss Kiss Bang Bang,”. “JAZZaNOVA” is another that features Branford Marsalis and Arturo Sandoval. Two recent releases include “A New Picture” and “Loving Burt Bacharach” featuring Organist Astuko Hashimoto and vocalist, Jackie Ryan. Other recent projects are by his group, “Otonowa” that features jazz interpretations of Japanese folk and pop melodies. Akira plays Yamaha Drums, Vic Firth Sticks and Sabian Cymbals exclusively. Tana is currently on the faculty at San Francisco Conservatory of Music and hosts “Jazz Oasis” on Monday and Tuesday evenings from 6-9p on KCSM the jazz station.
BRUCE FORMAN, “Bruce Forman is one of the great lights of our age.” Barney Kessel, Jazz Times
A hectic touring schedule; eighteen recordings as a leader, including his newest release, Junkyard Duo; countless sideman recordings including Ray Brown, Bobby Hutcherson, Roger Kellaway; soundtrack performances on three of Clint Eastwood’s distinguished films—most notably Academy Award-winning Million Dollar Baby; producer, arranger, acclaimed educator, in residence at USC’s Studio/Jazz Guitar Dept., when does Bruce Forman rest?
Deep immersion in American culture inspires Forman to contribute to the traditions that he drew from. Formanism (his trio project); original works like The Red Guitar; his popular podcast with Scott Henderson, GuitarWank; Cow Bop and the “road challenges” down historic byways like Route 66; JazzMasters Workshop; his newest project: Junkyard Duo…these are only the latest answers to the endless question that underlies Bruce Forman’s creativity. His music and life reflect every step of his journey, and demonstrate the awareness of an artist who’s very much at home in the world, and at the top of his form.