Stick Together

Product Description

Vibraphonist Behn Gillece showcases how to "Stick Together" with several of his favorite musicians – pianist Art Hirahara, bassist Boris Kozlov, and drummer Rudy Royston – to celebrate the power of collaboration and synergy. Together, they skillfully blend their individual talents, creating a musical tapestry that combines technical precision and heartfelt expression, reflecting the rich spectrum of human emotions. Gillece's compositional prowess takes center stage, complemented by the evocative piano of Hirahara, the resonant bass lines of Kozlov, and the rhythmic prowess of Royston. The palpable friendship and chemistry among these four artists result in an electrifying and joyous synergy, elevating each performance to new heights. With the leader's creative ingenuity setting the course and the ensemble's collective artistry providing the energetic drive, this engaging album provides an unforgettable sonic experience. It demonstrates that a splendid time is guaranteed for all when we "Stick Together."

About the Artist

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, Stick Together (2024 Posi-Tone), celebrates the power of collaboration and synergy with the familiar musicians pianist Art Hirahara, bassist Boris Kozlov and drummer Rudy Royston. There's an undeniable sense of joy and ease in their musical creations. 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 six debut albums as leader, Mindset (2015 Posi-Tone), Dare To Be (2016 Posi-Tone), Walk Of Fire (2017 Posi-Tone), Parallel Universe (2018 Posi-Tone), Still Doing Our Thing (2021 Posi-Tone) and Between The Bars (2023 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 Patrick Cornelius, 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.