Jazz/funk pianist originally from D.C., later relocating to the Bolton Hill neighborhood of Baltimore.
Gilchrist was leader of the New Volcanoes whose members included Freddie Dunn (trumpet), James Dephilipo (euphonium), John Dierker (tenor sax), Gabriel Ware (alto sax), Greg Thompkins (tenor sax), Mike Cerri (trumpet/trombone), Irvin Madden (bass), Anthony Jenkins (bass), Vince Loving (bass), and Nate Reynolds (drums). Gilchrist as a solo and with band performed locally at the Ottobar, Paloma’s, 13th Floor, New Haven Lounge, Bertha’s, Waterfront Festivals, Creative Alliance at Patterson Theater, An die Musik…
Gilchrist was named Best Jazz Musician by City Paper in 2000, 2002, and 2003. He also toured worldwide as a member of the David Murray Octet.
CDs by Lafayette Gilchrist (and the New Volcanoes):
1999(CD) Asphalt Revolt
2000(CD) Collagic Dreams
2004(CD) Sin-Drome The Music According to Lafayette Gilchrist
2005(CD) Hyena Towards the Shining Path
2007(CD) Hyena 3
2008(CD) Hyena Soul Progressin’
2011(CD) It Came from Baltimore: Live at the Windup Space Vol. 1
2014(CD) The View from Here
2014(CD) Creative Differences The Go-Go Suite
2017(CD) Manta Ray Compendium
2017(CD) Manta Ray New Urban World Blues
2018(CD) Manta Ray Deep Dancing Suite
2023(CD) Morphius Undaunted
