Parallel Universe Behn Gillece

• 1Break The Ice05:11
• 2Bossa For R.M.05:54
• 3Parallel Universe06:29
• 4Ready For Tomorrow05:07
• 5Smoke Screen04:32
• 6Eviscerate03:04
• 7Downpour04:53
• 8Shadow Of The Flame05:36
• 9Evening Glow07:16
• 10Alice's Journey04:42
• 11Candle In The Dark05:13
• Total Runtime57:57

Info for Parallel Universe

For his fourth album on Posi-Tone, Downbeat Rising Star vibraphonist Behn Gillece investigates the parallax of perspectives created by the individual approaches of introversion and extroversion which comprise the “Parallel Universe.” With purposeful intention, Gillece repeatedly shifts his musical focus back and forth between inward to outward perspectives. While doing this, he moves straight forward through a series of original compositions that skillfully combine his high-powered harmonic approach with stunning displays of lyricism and create an engaging set of transformative tour de force performances. Gillece shines brightly throughout while clearly enjoying supportive companionship from saxophonist Stacy Dillard, trumpeter Bruce Harris, pianist Art Hirahara, bassist David Wong, and drummer Rudy Royston, each of whom contribute uniquely bright moments to the proceedings. With an expressive program of musical offerings, Behn Gillece’s “Parallel Universe” is a joyous journey which seeks to engage and entertain listeners while simultaneously transporting them into new realms of personal insight and sonorous delight.

Behn Gillece, vibraphone
Bruce Harris, trumpet
Stacy Dillard, tenor saxophone
Art Hirahara, piano
David Wong, bass
Rudy Royston, drums

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.

Gillece holds a master’s degree from SUNY Purchase, and is endorsed by Malletech instruments. His awards include the aforementioned 2018 Downbeat Rising Star Vibraphonist, 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.

This album contains no booklet.