Born and reared in California, Akira Tana has developed into one of the foremost drum performers in modern jazz. An active clinician and teacher, he is one of the most inventive drum performers performing today, and accompanied with Ted Lo on piano and Rufus Reid on bass, Moon Over The World is Tana at his finest.

This CD collection combines the best of contemporary jazz with world music motifs and improvisional jazz themes. An unusual blend, it works perfectly with this trio.

There are eleven songs in the collection. Among the songs are found such gems as "Jewel's Eyes," "Moon Over The World," "Koi-no Vacance (Vacation Of Love)," "Condor Man," and "Reflections Of Love." "Chinese Fingers" is an intricate song which will capture the audience's attention with its unusual harmony. Each song performance is inventive. Another song worthy of airplay time is "Three Views Of A Secret."

There is topnotch solo work on each song, and each musician is in top form. To hear Tana and Lo and Reid together is a jazz audience listening treat, and this CD delivers!

For an eclectic and exciting listening adventure, Moon Over The World is a delight. Highly recommended.

— Lee Prosser
© 2004 jazzreview.com