Onaje Allan Gumbs
On Friday, November 21st Roscoe’s Room welcomes Onaje Allan Gumbs. A pianist, composer and bandleader, Onaje has been playing piano since the age of 7. After graduating from Manhattan’s High School of Music and Art and the State University of New York at Fredonia Omaje landed a gig with master guitarist Kenny Burrell at Baker’s Keyboard Lounge in Detroit, which led to recording and sideman gigs with such artists as Norman Connors, Buster Williams, Cecil McBee, Betty Carter and Nat Adderley. He spent two years as pianist, composer and arranger in the band led by the late, great trumpeter Woody Shaw. Since then Onaje has worked with other artists including Billy Cobham, Kevin Eubanks, Will Downing, Angela Bofill, and Cassandra Wilson. He has also produced debut albums for vocalists Vanessa Rubin and Gregory Generet and for bassist Kenny Davis. Onaje’s own solo projects include albums (including “Sack Full of Dreams,” a Jazz Improv Magazine pick amongst best albums of 2007) and original scores for films. Onaje is a 2006 NAACP Image Award nominee for Outstanding Jazz Artist for his album “Remember Their Innocence.” Two sets, 7:30 and 9:30 pm; $10 cover charge.
