Biography
Behn Gillece is a New Jersey-born vibraphonist and composer who has established himself as a prominent figure in contemporary jazz over the past decade. After honing his craft through numerous performance opportunities in his home state and Philadelphia, Gillece made the transition to the New York jazz scene, where he built a reputation as both a virtuosic instrumentalist and prolific composer. He holds a master's degree from SUNY Purchase and has been recognized with the 2018 Downbeat Rising Star Vibraphonist award, cementing his status as an emerging talent in jazz.
Gillece's musical approach is characterized by rhythmic drive and harmonic depth, with his compositions exploring themes of transition, momentum, and renewal. Working with top-tier ensembles, he has become a mainstay on the Posi-Tone Records label, where he has co-led projects and collaborated with notable saxophonists. His work demonstrates equal mastery of both performance and composition, showcasing his ability to navigate complex harmonic landscapes while maintaining accessibility and emotional resonance in his music.
Fun Facts
- During high school in Burlington, New Jersey, Gillece initially played drums and percussion in concert and marching bands before specializing in vibraphone
- Gillece received the 2018 Downbeat Rising Star Vibraphonist award, recognizing him as one of jazz's emerging talents
- He has been a consistent presence on the Posi-Tone Records label, establishing himself as a reliable and prolific recording artist in the contemporary jazz scene
Musical Connections
Mentors/Influences
- SUNY Purchase Faculty - Graduate education in jazz performance and composition (Master's degree program) [2010s]
Key Collaborators
- Ken Fowser - Co-leading saxophonist in collaborative projects (Posi-Tone Records releases) [2010s-2020s]
- Brian Betz - Performance collaborator (Live performances and recordings) [2020s]
Discography
Albums
| Title | Release Date | Type |
|---|---|---|
| Pivot Point | 2025-05-23 | Album |
| Stick Together | 2024-04-26 | Album |
| Between The Bars | 2023-04-07 | Album |
| Still Doing Our Thing | 2021-03-19 | Album |
| Parallel Universe | 2019-01-18 | Album |
| Walk of Fire | 2017-08-11 | Album |
| Dare to Be | 2016-08-12 | Album |
| Mindset | 2015-05-15 | Album |
Top Tracks
- Pivot Point (Pivot Point)
- Haymaker (Pivot Point)
- What's Expected (Pivot Point)
- Beyond The Veil (Pivot Point)
- Stranded In Elizabeth (Pivot Point)
- Toys (Pivot Point)
- Changes Over Time (Pivot Point)
- Extraction (Still Doing Our Thing)
- Just For Fun (Pivot Point)
- You And I (Solid Moments)
External Links
- Spotify
- [Wikipedia](Not found in search results)
- MusicBrainz
References
Heard on WWOZ
Behn Gillece has been played 1 time on WWOZ 90.7 FM, New Orleans' jazz and heritage station.
| Date | Time | Title | Show | Spotify |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nov 28, 2025 | 08:48 | Just For Funfrom Pivot Point | The Morning Setw/ Dave Dauterive |