Behn Gillece

Stick Together

Posi-Tone

This is vibraphonist Behn Gillece’s seventh album for Posi-Tone, many of which we have covered on these pages. Sometimes Gillece is in a leading role and in others as a sideman. You may want to reference his Between the Bars (2023), Art Hirahara’s Open Sky, the Wayne Shorter tributes, Citizen Wayne and Shorter Moments, the Out to Dinner ensemble, and Patrick Cornelius’s Book of Secrets. Gillece is one of most skilled composers on the label’s roster.

The album name with ‘stick,’ a reference to the mallets used on his vibraphone (typically in his case a two mallet in each hand approach) also nods to the cohesiveness of this rhythm section. Pianist Art Hirahara, bassist Boris Kozlov, and drummer Rudy Royston have become the ‘house’ rhythm section, appearing on countless releases for the label, including several with Gillece.

Stick Together is a relatively quick follow-up to Between the Bars though that was a septet album where Hirahara was the pianist flanked by a different bass-drum duo. This is at least Gillece’s second quartet album as a leader with the label as this same group convened for 2021’s Still Doing Our Thing. These eleven compositions represent ten Gillece originals, both new and old with one owing on the opening “Almost There” to Gillece’s friend, Philadelphia-based guitarist Steve Giordano. Immediately one senses the synergy between the resonating vibes and Royston’s cymbal flourishes in this one that shifts between initial ambience to all-out swing. Gillece maintains that his “Four of a Kind” is easily the most challenging composition in the program with its intricate rhythmic patterns deftly navigated by these masters.  “Changing My Day” was originally written for a piano-vibes duo in 2013. Kozlov adds solid colors to the colorful palette painted by Hirahara and Gillece in this soothing ballad.

Gillece then shakes us out of our dreamy state mind with “Get On It!” a straight 8^th rock/boogaloo track with passages that have the piano and bass in unison, thereby adding a thick thread to the groove.  Last Spring this writer was Gillece perform with guitarist Brian Betz and organ master Pat Bianchi. He is more than comfortable in that vein and perhaps a more boogaloo centered album is in his future.

“Cyclic Episode” is an extension, at least in spirit, to Sam Rivers’ “Beatrice” from Between the Bars. The tile “Shimmering Sands” is ideal for this ensemble as ‘shimmering’ is descriptive of the playing of Gillece, Hirahara, and Royston (ah, maybe Kozlov qualifies too but it’s not a term often associated with bassists). The inspiration is from a samba composed by Royston on an early album from Gillece, entitled Glad to Be Back and appeared on Still Doing Our Thing. Gillece conjures a similar feel here. “Cascades Merging” is another aptly named tune, an older one, lush and lightly swinging, that captures the blending of the piano and vibraphone.

“In the Huddle” shifts between odd time signatures and meter changes which this rhythm section has no issues adapting to. There’s an air of mystery, or perhaps secrecy per the title, and the fun is guessing which way it will turn next. The modal “Barreling Through,” which appeared on the collective Idle Hands album Solid Moments presents yet another labyrinthian challenge. Naturally Gillece nods to one of his main influences, Bobby Hutcherson in “Dreamscape,” using complex harmonic movements in deference to Hutcherson’s “Same Shame.” The finishing touch is an ethereal piano-vibes duo “Lazy September.” Close your eyes and imagine that warm, gentle breeze. In fact, that notion could be applied to many in this relaxing set.

• Jim Hynes

BUY NOW

Buy Us a Cup of Coffee!

Join the movement in supporting Making a Scene, the premier independent resource for both emerging musicians and the dedicated fans who champion them.

We showcase this vibrant community that celebrates the raw talent and creative spirit driving the music industry forward. From insightful articles and in-depth interviews to exclusive content and insider tips, Making a Scene empowers artists to thrive and fans to discover their next favorite sound.

Together, let’s amplify the voices of independent musicians and forge unforgettable connections through the power of music

You can donate directly through Paypal!

Subscribe to Our Newsletter