Onaje Allan Gumbs

[Late]

I didn't know until recently that "Onaje" means "Sensitive One" in Swahili. Thank goodness this record was made. 1976. Solo piano. The centerpiece of the album, for me, is the longest tune, a Gumbs original called "Street Life." I usually prefer trio records to solo, but man. This album is not your usual piano fare.

What pianists do you hear as influences when you spin this record? Some Jaki, some McCoy, and maybe even a little Stevie Wonder? Another note—covers of "Giant Steps," no matter how brilliantly played, are usually forgettable, but not Gumbs' version. He makes it his own.

I think this is more than a good record. It might very well be great.

Edited Friday at 07:46 PM by Late
Edited the date!

[felser]

32 minutes ago, Late said:

I think this is more than a good record. It might very well be great.

I agree, one of my favorite solo piano albums.   He went different directions afterwards, but this was his high water mark.

[Late]

4 hours ago, felser said:

... this was his high water mark.

Very much agreed. I'm gonna spin the whole album again right now.

[Pim]

I dig his work as a sideman. Mostly hear McCoy Tyner influence. I played this solo album once and it didn’t do a lot for me but perhaps I should give it another try

[Kevin Bresnahan]

I saw Gumbs once when he was in his straight ahead phase in the early 00's, but he was off my radar for most of his other visits to the Boston area, when he was more on the smooth side of things. He was quite the pianist that one time I saw him.

[optatio]

On 10/31/2025 at 8:45 PM, Late said:

I didn't know until recently that "Onaje" means "Sensitive One" in Swahili. Thank goodness this record was made. 1976. Solo piano. The centerpiece of the album, for me, is the longest tune, a Gumbs original called "Street Life." I usually prefer trio records to solo, but man. This album is not your usual piano fare.

What pianists do you hear as influences when you spin this record? Some Jaki, some McCoy, and maybe even a little Stevie Wonder? Another note—covers of "Giant Steps," no matter how brilliantly played, are usually forgettable, but not Gumbs' version. He makes it his own.

I think this is more than a good record. It might very well be great.

👍

[mikeweil]

Just ordered a copy of his solo album. Just the kind of jazz I want to hear at the moment. It is still available. 

I knew him from Norman Connors' albums, he appeared to me as a very good, if not too original pianist. I heard some Hancock influence as well. The majority of his recording activity definitely was in soul/pop circles, but, like many others, he never neglected his jazz activities. Among his many sideman credits are Woody Shaw as well as Roy Ayers  and Phillys Hyman. A true professional.