The 2012 release of "Ready To Live" by singer/songwriter/producer and multi-instrumentalist Jarrard Anthony is powerful Soul music which presents an expression of love, knowledge, intimacy, and appreciation of life to the listener. The two-year project reunites Anthony with his first album’s producer, composer and drummer Nate Smith (Michael Jackson, Teddy Riley) for doo wop harmonies of “Something Like Love,” the stepper’s R&B of “Cloud 10”, and the Hip Hop vibe of “Never See Her Again.” Independent vocalist Darien joins Anthony in a duet over the bossa nova groove of “All Around the World”, a song which is the singer's "tropical ode to love".

The great line-up of guest features of "Ready To Live" continue with Eric Roberson on "Damn Sista", Onaje Allen Gumbs on "Lucky Day", in addition to Virginia newcomer Patrice Covington and jazz legend Lonnie Liston Smith on “I Love U,” a tribute to fellow Virginian Weldon Irvine. Lonnie Smith and Anthony create magical sounds through a fusion of musical genres—from house to jazz to ‘70s soul, while maintaining Anthony’s trademark smooth and soulful vibe of music throughout. The result is harmonious and joyful sounds from the talented Jarrard Anthony who shares his spirit, love and life through music on Ready to Live.

Listen to "Lucky Day" and "Damn Sista" from the album below on the Reverbnation player and the full snippets above from Amazon.

Enjoy this collection of tunes by pianist/producer arranger Onaje Allen Gumbs. His diversity in the approach to soulful music and ability as a pianist is apparent from the start, going from fusion sounds of "Dark Of Light" to 80's R&B ballads on "One World", his own signature compositions and beautiful Rhodes covers such as Stevie's "Ribbon In The Sky" and "What You Won't Do For Love" by Bobby Caldwell. On each of the songs in this collection, Onaje handles the keys with delicacy and precision through an array of memorable and soothing melodies.




Bio:


In 1971, a gig with master guitarist Kenny Burrell at Baker's Keyboard Lounge in Detroit led to recording and sideman gigs with such artists as Norman Connors, Buster Williams, Cecil McBee, Betty Carter and Nat Adderley. He spent 2 years as pianist, composer, arranger in the band led by the late, great trumpeter Woody Shaw. As a producer/arranger/pianist, Onaje has worked with other artists such as , Billy Cobham, Kevin Eubanks, Will Downing, Angela Bofill, and Cassandra Wilson. Producer of debut albums for vocalists Vanessa Rubin and Gregory Generet and for bassist Kenny Davis whose album featured among others, Geri Allen, Javon Jackson, Billy Kilson and Don Byron.

Signature arrangements: Woody Shaw(Rosewood), Phyllis Hyman (Betcha By Golly Wow and The Answer is You) and for Stanley Jordan(The Lady in My Life). Solo projects include "Onaje" (Steeplechase - 1976/1995), "That Special Part of Me" (MCA/Zebra - 1988), "Dare to Dream (MCA/Zebra - 1991)", "Return to Form" (Half Note - 2003), "Remember Their Innocence" (Ejano - 2005), "Sack Full of Dreams" (18th & Vine - 2007) which was a Jazz Improv Magazine pick amongst best albums of 2007 and "Just Like Yesterday" (Pony Canyon - 2010). Onaje composed, arranged and performed the original score for the 1994 Showtime Network film, "Override", directed by actor/producer Danny Glover.

He composed the score for an upcoming indie film entitled "Indelible". His composition, "Crystal Images" was featured in the motion picture "Don't Be Afraid of the Dark".Onaje also has gained a lot of satisfaction as one of the instructors at the prestigious Litchfield Jazz Camp in Kent, CT. Onaje is the featured pianist on Avery Sharpe's albums, "Dragonfly"(2005), "Legends and Mentors"(2008), "Autumn Moonlight"(2009),"LIVE"(2010) "Running Man" (2011) and "Ain't I A Woman" (2012). Onaje is a 2006 NAACP Image Award Nominee for Outstanding Jazz Artist for his album, "Remember Their Innocence".