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ONAJE ALLAN GUMBS Remember Their Innocence "Remember Their Innocence", is the latest edition in the growing discography of pianist-keyboardist-composer-arranger Onaje Allan Gumbs. "Remember Their Innocence" is a recording that aptly mirrors the extraordinarily broad-based pallet of experiences he has enjoyed and enhanced with his presence. Solidly based in jazz, "Remember Their Innocence" is blessed with a musically diverse sensibility that's quite accessible to both hard core jazz enthusiasts and those who crossover. Onaje has crafted an acoustic date full of good grooves and superior playing. Befitting both the breadth and depth of his impressive musical credentials, and the affiliations he has enjoyed with great musicians, the varied cast he has assembled to give wing to his compositions includes some of the most noted contemporary musicians; they include drummers Billy Kilson, George Gray and Vince Ector, bassists Kenny Davis, Marcus McLaurine and Miriam Sullivan, horn men Roger Byam, Eddie Allen, harmonica virtuoso Gregoire Maret and special guest saxophonist Sadao Watanabe. "Each of the artists on my record are all master craftsmen who understand my vision without sacrificing their individuality" Onaje says. "Sadao Watanabe was not originally scheduled to be on the record. However when I hung out with him at his own session during the same time period as my recording, I casually asked him if he would consider playing on my date. Without missing a beat, he agreed, despite my modest budget. He and all of the musicians and singers gave me so much talent, cooperation and love during these sessions." "Remember Their Innocence" is also blessed with guest vocalists whose names you may not immediately recognize, but once you experience them on this disc,they will be impossible to forget. Dennis Collins [who also participated on Onaje's "Dare to Dream" date], and Branice McKenzie are two of the most talented vocalists out here,Onaje enthuses. They are two fine artists who don't get enough recognition or exposure. Another key contributor, from the spoken word side, is poet Sharrif Simmons, who lends his cool, crisp cadences to "All I Hear",which is aptly subtitled (Quiet Passion). Clearly Onaje Allan Gumbs knows a thing or three about crafting vocal tracks, skills he obviously learned on the bandstand with Dianne Reeves, Carmen Lundy,Grady Tate and NEA Jazz Master Betty Carter in addition to sitting behind the studio controls with Phyllis Hyman, Vanessa Rubin, Marlena Shaw, and Will Downing. The compositions, all written or co-written by Onaje, reflect a hip sense of narrative momentum, all leading back to the title track. The songs are shaped pretty much around the title track, "Remember Their Innocence", Onaje agrees. It's a song that recognizes the innocence as well as the innate wisdom of children. It also reflects the fact that as adults, we still possess those childlike qualities that we should never overlook.The love and heart Onaje and his cast pour into "Remember Their Innocence" is palpable and quite befitting an artist who has enjoyed his broad-based wealth of musical affiliations. Harlem-born, Queens-raised, Onaje Allan Gumbs has enjoyed a career as first-call sideman, valued arranger and composer, producer, and ultimately bandleader and recording artist. Many will remember him for his indelible 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 dreams 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 Allan Gumbs 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. Here's what they're saying about Onaje Allan Gumbs: "Onaje Allan Gumbs is a musician who has a high, refined sense of style, good taste, and dedication to development." Wynton Marsalis, trumpeter-composer-educator "Whether on acoustic piano or synthesizers, Gumbs devotion to lyricism and attention to the details of composition, arrangement, and performance mark his work with a feeling of quiet passion across all tracks." Black Radio Exclusive "There is something elegant in his style, a confident, yet subdued air." The Boston Globe "He's more than extremely competent,he's a great musician." NEA Jazz Master Herbie Hancock "A proficient player, he has a knowledge and awareness where new music is going... No such thing as acoustic compared to electronic. Onaje expands the word pianist to no limit and that should be taken heed." NEA Jazz Master Wayne Shorter Onaje Allan Gumbs Discography (as a leader) Return to Form, Half Note Records (HN 4915) w/Payton Crossley, Marcus McLaurine, Gary Fritz, Rene McLean Dare To Dream, MCA (MCAD 10382) w/Oskar Cartaya, Buddy Williams, Shunzo Ono, Leonard ;Doc Gibbs, Roger Byam, Kenny Davis, Steve Thornton, Jeff Lee Johnson, Kevin Eubanks That Special Part of Me, MCA Zebra (42120) w/Anthony Cox, Buddy Williams, Andres Laprida, Roger Byam, Victor Lewis, Don Alias Onaje, Steeplechase (31069) (solo piano) Check out the artist's website: http://www.onajeallangumbs.com Track List: 1. Prologue 2. Healing Zone 3. Remember Their Innocence 4. Sol Brilho( Sunshine of Dreams) 5. Innerchange 6. Maybe Next Year 7. All I Hear(Quiet Passion) 8. Virgo Rising 9. Crystal Images 10. You Just Don't Know 11. Playtime 12. Shadowlight 13. Your Love 14. Epilogue Suggested CDs:Other Genres:
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