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Behn Gillece
Having spent many years deeply embedded in the vibrant jazz scenes of New York and Philadelphia, Behn Gillece has carved out a distinguished reputation as both a virtuosic vibraphonist and a prolific composer. Drawing inspiration from luminaries like Milt Jackson, Gary Burton and Bobby Hutcherson, Gillece has dedicated himself to pushing the boundaries of vibraphone artistry while leaving an indelible mark on the jazz landscape as a composer. Hailing from New Jersey, Gillece honed his craft through numerous performance opportunities in his home state and Philadelphia before making the leap to New York City in 2006. Since then, he has solidified his status as a sought-after sideman, as well as a formidable bandleader and recording artist.
His latest album, "Stick Together" (2024, Posi-Tone), is a testament to the power of collaboration and synergy. Teaming up with esteemed musicians such as pianist Art Hirahara, bassist Boris Kozlov, and drummer Rudy Royston, Gillece crafts musical creations imbued with an undeniable sense of joy and ease.
From 2009 to 2013, Gillece co-led four transformative recordings on Posi-Tone with tenor saxophonist Ken Fowser, garnering international acclaim and extensive streaming and radio play. His albums as a leader— including "Mindset" (2015), "Dare To Be" (2016), "Walk Of Fire" (2017), "Parallel Universe" (2018), "Still Doing Our Thing" (2021), and "Between The Bars" (2023)— propelled him into the spotlight, earning him a 2018 Downbeat Rising Star award. Additionally, Gillece has lent his talents as a sideman to various acclaimed recordings, collaborating with artists such as Patrick Cornelius, Michael Dease, New Faces, Walt Weiskopf, Melody Gardot, Idle Hands, Out To Dinner, and Ensemble Novo.
Gillece's performances have reached prestigious venues worldwide, including the Lincoln Center, Kennedy Center, Kimmel Center, Smalls Jazz Club, Mezzrow, Jazz Standard, Side Door, Smoke Jazz Club, Fat Cat, Yoshi's, Chris’ Jazz Cafe, as well as renowned festivals such as North Sea, Montreux, Nice, Molde, Ghent, Montreal, and Toronto festivals.
In addition to his robust performance life, Gillece also has a burgeoning career as a music educator. Gillece is a member of the faculty at Rowan University, where he teaches vibraphone, jazz ensemble, music theory, and online courses. In addition to the various workshops he has been asked to give at colleges and universities across the world, he has prepared over 700 lessons for online instruction on vibesworkshop.com, which benefits percussion students internationally.
A recipient of numerous accolades, including the 2018 Downbeat Rising Star Vibraphonist award, Gillece holds a master's degree from SUNY Purchase and is endorsed by Malletech instruments. Other honors include the 2009 Betty Carter Jazz Ahead residency, winning the Generations competition in 2009, and winning the 2008 Jazz Improvisation competition at the Percussive Arts Society International Convention.
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Behn Gillece, Isrea Butler, Noah Haidu, Nicki Parrott and more
by Benjamin Boddie
It's All About the Music... Fantastic music by Behn Gillece, Isrea Butler, Noah Haidu, Nicki Parrott, Hiruy Tirfe, Altin Sencalar, Brian Bromberg, Troy Roberts, Jacky Terrasson, Allen Dennard, Kelly Green, Idit Shner, Charles Lloyd, Dayna Stephens, Nicole Glover, Charles McPherson, Rachel Z and more. Playlist Behn Gillece “Four Of A Kind" from Stick Together (Posi-Tone Records) 00:00 Isrea Butler “See See Rider" from Congo LamenT (Vegas Records) 05:24 Noah Haidu “I Got It Bad" from Standards II (Sunnyside ...
Continue ReadingBehn Gillece: Stick Together
by David A. Orthmann
While Behn Gillece's Stick Together, the vibraphonist's seventh disc for the Posi-Tone imprint, includes an abundance of highlights and exciting moments, there is something more substantive here than a band of excellent players constantly going full bore. The disc functions within the parameters of tried-and-true modern jazz practices, yet the difference between it and releases that bear a stylistic resemblance lies in a distinctive group sound that stays front and center amid compelling individual contributions. Regardless of ...
Continue ReadingBehn Gillece: Stick Together
by Kyle Simpler
The vibraphone came to prominence during the Jazz Age of the '20s and has remained a staple in that genre ever since. Over the years, performers such as Lionel Hampton, Milt Jackson and Gary Burton have added to the popularity of the instrument. N ow vibraphonist Behn Gillece is building from this legacy to develop his own unique sound. With Stick Together, his seventh Posi-Tone release, Gillece gives listeners a delightful collection of music which not only highlights his musical ...
Continue ReadingAll New Sounds From Gillece, Berne, The JOI Jazz Orchestra And More
by Bob Osborne
On this show we present new music from Behn Gillece, Tim Berne with Aurora Nealand and Hank Roberts, and The JOI Jazz Orchestra. In addition three new releases on the Diskoknife lable from Audible Spirits, Darren Johnston, and, Mick Rossi with Peter Hess and Matt Moran. There are also new releases from Ben Sher, Massimo Magee,Louis Stewart with Noel Kelehan, Michael Wetherwax and the Kupkasonic Jazz Orchestra, Ramdat, Charlie Apicella & Iron City Meet The Griots Speak, Simon Deeley, and, ...
Continue ReadingBoris Kozlov: First Things First
by David A. Orthmann
Bassist Boris Kozlov, pianist Art Hirahara and drummer Rudy Royston often operate as the rhythm section on sessions for the venerable Posi-Tone Records imprint. Regardless of the leader they are serving, they deliver a coherent foundation and frequently extend themselves beyond the parameters of a conservative, strictly supportive role. In short, it is never predictable what they—collectively and individually—will do next, yet the wheels never fall off, and the music is the better for their dazzling, spontaneous flights. Some of ...
Continue ReadingOut To Dinner: Episodes Of Grace
by Kyle Simpler
When Blue Note Records released Eric Dolphy's Out to Lunch! in 1964, they probably did not imagine the album would one day become a jazz classic. However, it remains one of the most influential jazz albums and, in 2022, it was reissued in the Blue Note Classic Vinyl series. In 2019, Posi-Tone Records tapped into the spirit of Dolphy's album with Out To Dinner's Different Flavors. This album proved successful enough for a second release, Play On, in 2021. The ...
Continue ReadingBoris Kozlov: First Things First
by Kyle Simpler
Bass players don't always get the recognition they deserve. While it's easy to see their importance in the rhythm section, they aren't always the first instrument that comes to mind when it comes to the spotlight. There are exceptions, of course, and Boris Kozlov definitely fits into this category. His Posi-Tone debut, First Things First, highlights his skills not only as a player, but also as a composer and bandleader as well. Anyone familiar with the Posi-Tone catalog ...
Continue ReadingEnter the "Ken Fowser and Behn Gillece - Top Shelf" Giveaway at All About Jazz!
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All About Jazz
All About Jazz members are invited to enter the Posi-Tone Records “Ken Fowser and Behn Gillece - Top Shelf“ giveaway contest starting today. We'll select FIVE winners at the conclusion of the contest on January 28th. Click here to enter the contest (Becoming a fan of Behn Gillece at AAJ automatically enters you in the contest.) Good luck! Your Friends at Posi-Tone Records About Top Shelf We're only serving up the best, when the strong blend of tenor ...
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Ken Fowser/Behn Gillece - Duotone (2011)
Source:
Something Else!
Last year we investigated a strong post-bop excursion by the potent, up-and-coming partnership of tenor saxophonist Ken Fowser and vibraphonist Behn Gillece. Little Echo (2010) swung like mad and put into sharp focus the tight rapport of Fowser and Gillece that is at the center of their post-bop achievements. Continuing what seems to becoming tradition for the duo, the rhythm section is entirely swapped out from the prior record, yet the momentum is maintained. For this outing, Donald Vega mans ...
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Ken Fowser and Behn Gillece - Little Echo (2010)
Source:
Something Else!
By PicoIt's not unusual at all for the tenor sax and the vibraphone to appear on the same jazz record; we've heard these on countless jazz recordings. But by co-leading a record, saxophonist Ken Fowser and vibraphonist Behn Gillece gives us fairly rare opportunity to hear both instruments as the two lead voices sharing equal billing. Little Echo, which went on sale last Tuesday, is in fact the second album by this emerging duo, Full View being their ...
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Ken Fowser/Behn Gillece Quintet at Chris' Jazz Cafe on April 11, 2009
Source:
All About Jazz
The Ken Fowser/Behn Gillece Quintet, will have a CD release party for their debut CD Full View, on April 11, 2009, at Chris' Jazz Cafe.
Ken Fowser/Behn Gillece Quintet Ken Fowser - tenor Behn Gillece - vibes Jeremy Manasia - piano Adam Cote - bass Jason Brown - drums
April 11, 2009 Sets starting @ 8 & 10 PM Chris' Jazz Cafe ...
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Ken Fowser/Behn Gillece Quintet at Smalls on March 26, 2009
Source:
All About Jazz
The Ken Fowser/Behn Gillece Quintet, will have a CD release party for their debut CD Full View, on March 26, 2009, at Smalls Jazz Club.
Ken Fowser/Behn Gillece Quintet Ken Fowser - tenor Behn Gillece - vibes David Hazeltine - piano Adam Cote - bass Jason Brown - drums
Smalls Jazz Club 183 West 10th Street New York, NY Sets @ 9PM ...
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“His talents, as amply demonstrated on his most recent release, Walk of Fire (Posi- Tone, 2017) are propelling him into the realm of modern vibraphone greats, such as Joe Locke, and historic giants such as Bobby Hutcherson.” Paul Rauch, All About Jazz
Primary Instrument
Vibraphone
Location
Philadelphia
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Behn Gillece
Location: Philadelphia
Instrument: Vibraphone
Born: February 9, 1982
