Behn Gillece - Dare to Be (2016) Hi Res

It pays to listen to Dare To Be, Behn Gillece's second release as a leader for Posi-Tone Records, from the bottom up. Bassist Ugonna Okegwo and drummer Jason Tiemann are one of most congenial, articulate, and straightforward bass and drums team in recent memory. They're self-effacing, deeply focused and frisky. Regardless of the differences in the material and tempos of the individual tracks (not to mention additional percussive sounds fashioned by Gillece's vibes and Nate Radley's guitar) Okegwo and Tiemann make sure that the band stays centered and grounded. There's always enough space for the soloists to explore and create something fresh within the clearly established parameters. Conversely, Gillece and Radley are more than capable of making the music move without the bass and drums. Check out the relaxed ambiance engendered by just the vibes and guitar at the onset of "Camera Eyes," the disc's opening track; or, Gillece alone, patiently moving through the melody and accompanying himself during a good portion of the head of "A Time For Love," the record's closer.