Behn Gillece: Pivot Point

Posi-Tone will have released 253 albums in its post-bop contemporary mainstream jazz space with Pivot Point by Behn Gillece. Maintaining freshness and avoiding formula could become a creative challenge for any such productive label, but Gillece avoids that potential pitfall through well-written songs, crafty arrangements and excellent musicianship. The sequencing of songs is also thoughtful, varying in meter, style and emotion. Pivot Point is sufficiently complex and intelligent to warrant multiple listenings, but is simultaneously lots of fun.

Tweaking the front line keeps the music fresh. Jon Davis takes over the piano chair from the talented Art Hirahara, who has most recently been the occupant. Davis brings a firmer touch, different rhythmic approaches and phrasings and an exploratory sense to his improvisations. Willie Morris, relatively new to the label, has an expressive, rich tone on tenor. On soprano, his supple, clear sound is a beautiful match to Gillece's vibraphone. Morris and Davis sound great together while contributing strong individual statements.

Back is the veteran bassist Boris Kozlov. He is the beating heart of the music. Rudy Royston, frequently in tandem with Kozlov, provides the percussion for half of the tracks, while Jason Tiemann steps in for the other half. All three have history together, evidenced in their tight, intuitive interactions and Tiemann's ability to tag in and keep the music flowing without missing a beat.

Gillece graciously shares soloing and writing space. Davis contributed two songs: "Just For Fun," a knotty mid-tempo swinger, and the funky, bluesy "Changes Over Time." For his composition "What's Expected," Morris has one foot in the classic Blue Note era and the other in modernity. He swings through multiple creative interpretations on tenor while Gillece gets in touch with his inner Milt Jackson, tapping out long, soulful runs. The only song not by a member of the band is a rendition of the sinuous and bluesy "Toys" by Herbie Hancock, which is faithful to the melody but with its own reorchestrated personality.

Two of Gillece's four contributions, "Haymaker" and "Stranded in Elizabeth," are upbeat and swinging, with creative themes that provide solid foundations for improvisation. Given its perkiness, whatever happened in Elizabeth must have been pleasant. The lovely, lilting "Beyond The Veil" and melodious title cut both feature Morris singing soulfully on soprano, resonating delightfully with Gillece's crystal vibes. All four tunes exemplify Gillece's exceptional sound and technique on vibes, as well as his strong writing.

It is always a fine day when Behn Gillece releases a new recording. This assemblage fully meshes as a tight, integrated ensemble, making Pivot Point another excellent addition to the Posi-Tone library. It is every bit as good as his superb prior albums, if not a smidge better.

Note: This lineup appears in its entirety on Unbound Inner with Morris as leader, recorded on the same day.