Harlem-born, Queens-raised, pianist Onaje Allan Gumbs has enjoyed a career as first-call sideman, valued arranger and composer, producer, bandleader, and recording artist. Many will remember his vital contributions to such Woody Shaw classics as Moontrane and Rosewood, to which he lent his composing and arranging skills. Still others will recall his work as producer and arranger for vocal dates led by Marlena Shaw; or perhaps his sideman contributions to dates with an impressive range of artists - from Kenny Burrell and Nat Adderley, to Ronald Shannon Jackson, to Jonathan Butler. Onaje 's soundtrack writing includes Danny Glover's Showtime film Override, and Onaje's composition “Dare to Dream" was a theme for a Panasonic awards presentation. In 2006, Onaje was nominated for an NAACP Image Award as Outstanding Jazz Artist, and is currently working as the composer for an NPR radio documentary on Negro Spirituals
Onaje's latest album, Sack Full of Dreams, was released this past January, and features special guest vocalist Obba Babatund. His latest recording effort earned him praise from the Washington Post for his “brand of effortless, small-combo swing" and his “frequent embrace of soul jazz grooves that brings out the best in his bandmates." Autographed copies of the album will be available for purchase at the concert.
Concert Information:
May 25 and May 26, 2007
Onaje Allan Gumbs Trio
Onaje Allan Gumbs, piano; Marcus McLaurine, bass; and Peyton Crossly, drums
Kitano Jazz Club
66 Park Ave at 38th Street
Sets at 8:00 p.m. and 9:45 p.m.
$25 cover, $15 drink minimum
For more information or to purchase tickets, call (212) 885-7119 or email [email protected]
For more information contact All About Jazz.
