Harlem-born, Queens-raised, Onaje Allan Gumbs has enjoyed a career as first-call sideman, valued arranger and composer, producer, and most importantly, bandleader and recording artist. Many will remember him for his vital contributions to such Woody Shaw classics as Moontrane and Rosewood, to which he lent his exceptional composing and arranging skills. Still others will recall his work as producer/ arranger for vocal dates led by Downing, Rubin, and Marlena Shaw; or perhaps his sideman contributions to dates with an impressive range of artists - from NEA Jazz Master Kenny Burrell and Nat Adderley, to the cutting edge with Ronald Shannon Jackson, to the crossover work of Jonathan Butler. Onaje's soundtrack writing includes Danny Glover's Showtime film Override, and his song “Dare to Dream" was a theme for a Panasonic awards presentation. Onaje was recently nominated at this year's NAACP Image Awards as Outstanding Jazz Artist, and is currently working as the composer for an NPR radio documentary on Negro Spirituals.
Onaje has staked out a territory that is equal parts originality, straight ahead jazz, R&B, Brazilian, contemporary jazz, and beyond. As Duke Ellington would say, he is “beyond category."
Most recently, Onaje celebrated the completion of his album Remember Their Innocence, a recording that reflects the broad- based pallet of experiences he has enjoyed and enhanced with his presence. To date, the album has received high praise amongst critics and fans; John Kelman, from All About Jazz, writes “(Onaje Allan) Gumbs still comes through as the primary voice, with a selfless approach that is always in service of the song...Gumbs demonstrates the light touch, sensitive accompaniment, and lyrically intuitive soloing that have made him an in-demand player amongst a wealth of musicians...."
Joining Onaje are bassist Marcus McLaurine, percussionist Gary Fritz, and drummer George Gray.
For more information, visit Onaje's website at www.onajeallangumbs.com.
Concert Information:
Onaje Allan Gumbs
Featuring Marcus McLaurine, Gary Fritz, and George Gray
The Kitano
66 Park Avenue
July 21-July 22, 2006
Sets at 8:00 p.m. and 9:45 p.m.
$20 cover, $10 drink minimum
www.kitano.com
For reservations, call 212-885-7119
For press inquiries and artist photos, contact Jazzania at:
917-907-1200
[email protected]
For more information contact All About Jazz.
