Onaje Allan Gumbs - Professional Career

Professional Career

In 1971, Leroy Kirkland introduced Onaje to the renowned Detroit guitarist Kenny Burrell, to whom Onaje gave a demo tape. The following day, Onaje received a call to play with Kenny Burrell at Baker's Keyboard Lounge in Detroit. This work led to further performances with major jazz musicians such as bassist Larry Ridley as well as The Thad Jones/ Mel Lewis Orchestra. During those early 70's, Onaje replaced Nat Adderley, Jr. in a great contemporary jazz ensemble called Natural Essence. At that time in the course of two years, some the personnel of this group included drummer Buddy Williams, bassist Alex Blake, trombonist Earl McIntyre and on percussion, Thelonious Monk Jr.

In 1972, in Buffalo, New York, Onaje met Norman Connors, who hired him to act as arranger for the album Dark of Light. Onaje went on to contribute keyboard work for subsequent albums by Norman including the albums Love From the Sun, Saturday Night Special, You Are My Starsip, Invitation and Mr C. Onaje's sideman work soon included stints with Buster Williams, Cecil McBee, and Betty Carter.

Toward the late 1970s, Onaje spent two years working in Woody Shaw's band as pianist, arranger, and occasional composer, including the albums Rosewood, Steppin Stones and Woody III. During this time, the group won the Down Beat Reader’s Poll for Best Jazz Group and for Best Jazz Album in 1978 for Rosewood.

Onaje's most recent sideman role is on Avery Sharpe's 2012 album Sojourner Truth: Ain't I A Woman; here Onaje's fresh approach to the piano and his skills as a composer (" Catch the Sunset" ) are evident.