[5] In 1971, Leroy Kirkland introduced Gumbs to the Detroit guitarist Kenny Burrell, to whom Onaje gave a demo tape.
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 the early 1970s, Gumbs replaced Nat Adderley, Jr. in a contemporary jazz ensemble called Natural Essence, which included during these years Buddy Williams and T. S. Monk (drums and percussion), bassist Alex Blake, and trombonist Earl McIntyre.
[5] In the late 1970s, Gumbs recorded with Woody Shaw and worked as musical director for R&B singer Phyllis Hyman, Angela Bofill and Jeffrey Osborne.
[9][10] Main source:[13] With Nat Adderley With T. K. Blue With Betty Carter With Norman Connors With Carlos Garnett With Toninho Horta With Ronald Shannon Jackson With Bennie Maupin With Cecil McBee With Mark Mosley With Avery Sharpe With Woody Shaw With John Stubblefield With Charles Sullivan With Lenny White