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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.
 

For more information on Behn Gillece, to purchase albums, or to view his upcoming performance schedule, visit his website at https://www.behngillece.com.

 

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Behn Gillece

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CYDT - Introduce Diminished to a ii-V by Behn Gillece Audio Player 09/06/2019 - 13:09
CYDT - Two Triads Sus Voicing Exercise by Behn Gillece Audio Player 09/02/2019 - 18:51
CYDT - Simple Phrygian Intro by Behn Gillece Audio Player 08/30/2019 - 13:42
CYDT - Think Differently Over Half Diminished Chords by Behn Gillece Audio Player 08/26/2019 - 18:24
CYDT - Form a Major 6th Chord With Dampening by Behn Gillece Audio Player 08/23/2019 - 12:25
CYDT - Simple Dorian Exercise by Behn Gillece Audio Player 08/20/2019 - 17:31
CYDT - Drop 2s in 4ths Pt. 2 by Behn Gillece Audio Player 08/16/2019 - 08:39
CYDT - Drop 2s in 4ths Pt. 1 by Behn Gillece Audio Player 08/12/2019 - 16:06
CYDT - Left Handed Chords on the Piano Exercise Pt. 2 by Behn Gillece Audio Player 08/09/2019 - 15:19
CYDT - Left Handed Chords on the Piano Exercise Pt. 1 by Behn Gillece Audio Player 08/05/2019 - 17:42
CYDT - Additional Chord Outlining Exercises Pt. 3 by Behn Gillece Audio Player 08/02/2019 - 15:52
CYDT - Additional Chord Outlining Exercises Pt. 2 by Behn Gillece Audio Player 07/31/2019 - 14:37
CYDT - Additional Chord Outlining Exercises Pt. 1 by Behn Gillece Audio Player 07/26/2019 - 10:31
CYDT - Chromatic ii-V Outlinings Pt. 2 by Behn Gillece Audio Player 07/22/2019 - 15:40
CYDT - Chromatic ii-V Outlinings Pt. 1 by Behn Gillece Audio Player 07/19/2019 - 10:47
CYDT - Move Two Voices Contrapuntally Inside A Chord by Behn Gillece Audio Player 07/16/2019 - 17:01
CYDT - Dampen Two Notes From One Chord To The Next by Behn Gillece Audio Player 07/12/2019 - 14:02
CYDT - Weed Out Unnecessary Doublings by Behn Gillece Audio Player 07/08/2019 - 20:37
CYDT - 3rds and 7ths in Half Steps by Behn Gillece Audio Player 07/05/2019 - 11:23
CYDT - Harmonizing Scales by Behn Gillece Audio Player 07/01/2019 - 17:13
Line Development - Adding Chromatic Notes to Major Modalities Pt. 2 by Behn Gillece Audio Player 06/28/2019 - 12:00
Line Development - Adding Chromatic Notes in Major Modalities Pt. 1 by Behn Gillece Audio Player 06/25/2019 - 11:32
Line Development - Adding Chromatic Notes Pt. 4 by Behn Gillece Audio Player 06/21/2019 - 12:57
Line Development - Adding Chromatic Notes Pt. 3 by Behn Gillece Audio Player 06/18/2019 - 17:27
Line Development - Adding Chromatic Notes Pt. 2 by Behn Gillece Audio Player 06/15/2019 - 11:30