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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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All 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, ...
read moreBoris 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 ...
read moreOut 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 ...
read moreBoris 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 ...
read moreBoris Kozlov: First Things First
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 ...
read moreNew Sounds and Archive Nuggets
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" ...
read moreCharlie Porter: Hindsight
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 moreEnter 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 ...
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Ken Fowser/Behn Gillece - Duotone (2011)
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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
