Born: February 9, 1982 Primary Instrument: Vibraphone
“Gillece is a skillful creator of tunes, harkening back to the original hard bop days and beyond, without sounding like mere imitations of that era's classics.” Bruce Lindsay, All About Jazz Vibraphonist Behn Gillece began his musical training in his teenage years. While having an interest in jazz, he originally began his studies in percussion. Inspired by such greats as Milt Jackson and Bobby Hutcherson, he decided to make a commitment to vibraphone and composition. As a New Jersey native, Gillece had many early performance opportunities in his home state, as well as Philadelphia, before moving to New York in 2006. Since 2006, Gillece has made quite a name for himself on the New York jazz scene as a sought after sideman, as well as leader/co-leader. Most notably a co-leader with tenor saxophonist Ken Fowser, they have four critically acclaimed recordings on the Posi-Tone label. “Top Shelf”, is their most recent album. It features their original music that they have performed the past few years throughout venues in NYC, NJ, and Philadelphia. This new recording enlists the support of some of today’s top musicians, including Michael Dease (trombone), Steve Einerson (piano), Dezron Douglas (bass), and Rodney Green (drums). Their other recordings for the Posi-Tone label have been well received by critics, and have received international acclaim and extensive radio play. Gillece has had the opportunity to perform his music throughout the country. Some of the venues include the Lincoln Center, Kennedy Center, Kimmel Center, Smalls Jazz Club, Smoke Jazz Club, Fat Cat, Yoshi's, Chris’ Jazz Cafe, and others. Gillece has also appeared at jazz and music festivals worldwide, including the North Sea, Montreux, Nice, Molde, Ghent, Montreal, and Toronto festivals. As a recording artist, he has appeared as a co-leader/sideman on 20+ recordings, and continues to tirelessly compose for new projects. On the educational side, Gillece has been invited to colleges and universities throughout the area for clinics and masterclasses. He has prepared over 200+ lessons for online instruction via vibesworkshop.com, where his lessons are studied by members internationally. In the spring of 2008, Gillece finished his master’s degree at SUNY Purchase College. Some of Gillece's awards and honors include winning the 2008 Jazz Improvisation competition at the Percussive Arts Society International Convention, participating in the 2009 Betty Carter Jazz Ahead residency, and winning the Generations competition in 2009.
Top Shelf (Posi-tone, 2013)
Tracks: Slick; Stranded In Elizabeth; Due Diligence; Ginger Swing; Unstoppable; Discarded; Pequenina; For The Moment; Top Shelf; Proximity
Personnel: Ken Fowser: tenor saxophone; Behn Gillece: vibraphone; Michael Dease: trombone; Steve Einerson: piano; Dezron Douglas: bass; Rodney Green: drums
DuoTone (Posi-tone, 2011)
Tracks: Overcooked; Spontaneity; Attachment; Back To Back; Come Around Again; In The Twilight; Low Ball; Bongo; Offset; One For G
Personnel: Ken Fowser: tenor saxophone; Behn Gillece: vibraphone; Donald Vega: piano; David Wong: bass; Willie Jones III: drums
Little Echo (Posi-tone, 2010)
Tracks: Resolutions; Ninety-Five; Sap; The Dog Days; Vigilance; Little Echo; One Step At A Time; You; Another View
Personnel: Ken Fowser: tenor saxophone; Behn Gillece: vibraphone; Rick Germanson: piano; Ugonna Okegwo: bass; Qunicy Davis: drums
Full View (Posi-tone, 2009)
Tracks: Bittersweet; The Hutch; Act Of Disguise; Soul Eyes; Two Pair; Just In Time; Crisis Averted
Personnel: Ken Fowser: tenor saxophone Behn Gillece: vibraphone; David Hazeltine: piano; Adam Cote: bass; Paul Francis: drums
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Primary Instrument:
Vibraphone
Location:
Burlington, NJ
