Onaje Allan Gumbs

On Friday, June 12^th Roscoe’s Room is delighted to welcome back Onaje Allan Gumbs & Trio Plus. A pianist, composer and bandleader, no less an expert than Herbie Hancock says Onaje is “ more than extremely competent…. He’s a great musician.” Onaje will be joined by Marcus McLaurine on bass, George Gray on drums and Roger Byam on soprano and tenor sax. 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, Onaje 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.” The Boston Globe observed “There is something elegant in his style, a confident yet subdued air” and USA Today says “Gumbs delivers instrument R & B with a bite.”  Two sets, 8 and 10 pm; $20 cover charge.