Onaje Allan Gumbs Return To Form: Live At The Blue Note CD

Onaje Allan Gumbs is a highly acclaimed pianist among his fellow jazz musicians, though it is surprising that this veteran has not recorded as a leader more often. This 2000 live set taped at the Blue Note finds him in great form, accompanied by Marcus McLaurine (one of Clark Terry's first-call bassists), drummer Payton Crossley, percussionist Gary Fritz, and on some tracks, saxophonist René McLean. Gumbs' innovative approach to John Coltrane's "Equinox" is marvelous; it's set to a Latin rhythm, substituting the bassline vamp from "A Love Supreme," while also quoting several other works by Coltrane in a tense chart. His shimmering trio arrangements of the "Daydream" (a gorgeous ballad by Duke Ellington and Billy Strayhorn), and Henry Mancini's "Dreamsville" are also not to be missed.

But Gumbs also makes his case as a composer. "First Time We Met" is a post-bop chart full of sudden twists. The lyrical quality of "Palace of the Seven Jewels" comes through even though it's an instrumental. René McLean's tenor sax comes on strong over Gumbs' funky piano in "Left Side of Right," while the jaunty "A Breath of Fresh Air" suggests a brisk stroll in the park on a sunny spring afternoon. The intimate sound of this highly recommended CD gives one the feeling of having a front row center table at the club. ~ Ken Dryden

Live Recording

Audio Mixers: Jack Kreisberg; Onaje Allan Gumbs; Steven Remote.

Liner Note Author: Ted Panken.

Recording information: The Blue Note, NY (11/11/2000).

Personnel: Onaje Allan Gumbs (piano); Rene McLean (soprano saxophone, tenor saxophone); Marcus McLaurine (bass); Payton Crossley (drums); Gary Fritz (percussion).

Personnel: Onaje Allan Gumbs (piano); Rene McLean (tenor saxophone, trombone); Payton Crossley (drums); Gary Fritz (percussion).