Home » Jazz Musicians » Behn Gillece

Behn Gillece

With over a decade on the New York jazz scene, vibraphonist Behn Gillece has built a reputation as a virtuosic instrumentalist and prolific composer. With inspiration from such legends as Milt Jackson and Bobby Hutcherson, Gillece, throughout his career, has committed himself to advancing the art form of the vibraphone while flourishing as a jazz composer. A New Jersey native, Gillece had many early performance opportunities in his home state, as well as Philadelphia, before moving to New York City in 2006. Since then, he has made quite a name for himself as a sought after sideman, as well as a bandleader and recording artist.

His latest release, Still Doing Our Thing (2021 Posi-Tone), was recorded in the most difficult year the music industry has faced in a generation. Yet, despite difficult circumstances, Gillece’s stellar quartet safely came together and did what they do best, which is make astounding music. The group includes pianist Art Hirahara, bassist Boris Kozlov, and drummer Rudy Royston, with a guest appearance by saxophonist Nicole Glover.

From 2009 to 2013, Gillece co-led four transformative recordings on Posi-Tone with tenor saxophonist Ken Fowser, all receiving international acclaim and extensive radio play. Gillece’s first four debut albums as leader, Mindset (2015 Posi-Tone), Dare To Be (2016 Posi-Tone), Walk Of Fire (2017 Posi-Tone), and Parallel Universe (2018 Posi-Tone) helped the ascension of his public appreciation and made immediate splashes in the press and radio, picking up a 2018 Downbeat Rising Star award. The vibraphonist has also appeared as a sideman on many recordings, most recently contributing his playing to albums by Michael Dease, New Faces, Walt Weiskopf, Melody Gardot, Idle Hands, Out To Dinner, and Ensemble Novo.

Gillece has performed his music throughout the world at venues which include 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, and many others. Gillece has also appeared at music festivals worldwide, including the 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 and New Jersey City 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.

Read more

Tags

1
Radio & Podcasts

All New Sounds From Gillece, Berne, The JOI Jazz Orchestra And More

Read "All New Sounds From Gillece, Berne, The JOI Jazz Orchestra And More" reviewed 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, ...

8
Album Review

Boris Kozlov: First Things First

Read "First Things First" reviewed 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 ...

2
Album Review

Out To Dinner: Episodes Of Grace

Read "Episodes Of Grace" reviewed 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 ...

5
Album Review

Boris Kozlov: First Things First

Read "First Things First" reviewed 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 ...

7
Album Review

Boris Kozlov: First Things First

Read "First Things First" reviewed by John Chacona


During the early days of pandemic-induced isolation, old folkways and techniques suddenly became new again (remember the shortages of baking yeast and canning supplies?). The old ways are nothing new at Posi-Tone records, which has maintained an unflagging allegiance to swing, juicy melodies and fiery playing. Those qualities, all present on bassist Boris Kozlov's First Things First, situate this recording firmly within Posi-Tone's house style, one that calls back to the glory days of Blue Note Records. So, it's no ...

1
Radio & Podcasts

New Sounds and Archive Nuggets

Read "New Sounds and Archive Nuggets" reviewed by Bob Osborne


A mixture of old and new this time. Featured albums are from Behn Gillece, Devin Gray, Camila Nebbia & Axel Filip, Damon Locks and Ivo Perelman & Matthew Shipp. There's also a couple of albums from 2020 that I have only just gotten around to, plus some archive specials from Hugh Hopper, Marc Ducret and Miles Davis.Playlist Devin Gray “Think About It" from Melt All The Guns (Rataplan Records) 00:00 Camila Nebbia and Axel Filip “Intransigente" ...

4
Album Review

Charlie Porter: Hindsight

Read "Hindsight" reviewed by Hrayr Attarian


Trumpeter Charlie Porter has proved himself to be an inventive composer whose works are simultaneously thought-provoking and mellifluous. His third and perhaps most immediately relevant release, Hindsight, draws inspiration from the events that came to public attention in 2020. Musically, the nine originals are fluid yet complex and are peppered with sounds from other genres such as gospel, African folk and hip hop. The result is a seamless and delightfully unique fusion which delivers its message with intelligence and panache. ...

Read more articles
1

Contest

Enter the "Ken Fowser and Behn Gillece - Top Shelf" Giveaway at All About Jazz!

Enter the "Ken Fowser and Behn Gillece - Top Shelf" Giveaway at All About Jazz!

Source: 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 ...

96

Recording

Ken Fowser/Behn Gillece - Duotone (2011)

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 ...

112

Recording

Ken Fowser and Behn Gillece - Little Echo (2010)

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 ...

163

Performance / Tour

Ken Fowser/Behn Gillece Quintet at Chris' Jazz Cafe on April 11, 2009

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 ...

155

Performance / Tour

Ken Fowser/Behn Gillece Quintet at Smalls on March 26, 2009

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 ...

“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

Photos

Music

Recordings: As Leader | As Sideperson

Between The Bars

Posi-Tone Records
2023

buy

First Things First

Posi-Tone Records
2022

buy

Episodes Of Grace

Posi-Tone Records
2022

buy

Food Is Medicine

Posi-Tone Records
2022

buy

Play On

Posi-Tone Records
2021

buy

Hindsight

OA2 Records
2021

buy

Mindset

From: Mindset
By Behn Gillece

Proximity

From: Top Shelf
By Behn Gillece

Videos

Get more of a good thing!

Our weekly newsletter highlights our top stories, our special offers, and upcoming jazz events near you.