Couples' Therapy + Dr. Special

Each year, an audition committee of professional musicians selects a few exceptional students ensembles to represent the NEC Honors Ensemble Program.

Tonight's concert features two NEC Honors Ensembles from NEC's jazz and Contemporary Improvisation programs. Both are coached by Ted Reichman. The program will be selected from the works listed and may include other pieces, to be announced.

Couples' Therapy

Michael Sachs, alto saxophone
Andrew Halchak, alto saxophone
Ehud Ettun, bass
Jun Young Song, drums

Since forming in 2010, Couples Therapy has become a force in the Boston jazz and art scenes. In every aspect of music, from composition to improvisation to experimentation, the group has sought to challenge the existing parameters and current conditions of jazz and improvised music. Frequently influenced by all mediums of art, including sculpture and dance, the group has drawn upon concepts found in minimalism, the avant garde in jazz, and microtonal music. They have been featured artists at the Kennedy Center in Washington D.C. and the Bimhuis in Amsterdam. Each member draws influences from their homelands of Arizona, Los Angeles, Jerusalem, and Seoul, respectively.

Dr. Special

Rob Flax, violin and vocals
Henrique Eisenmann, piano
Oliver Watkinson, bass
Charles Burchell, drums

Dr. Special is not a real doctor, though he sometimes plays one on Jordan Hall stage.

Influenced by their diverse origins—coming from Chicago, New Orleans, Maine, and Brasil—this quartet of NEC students plays a groove-oriented mixture of jazz, rock, and world music. Dr. Special’s primary mission is to ensure the world does not suffer from Vitamin H deficiency. All audience members are encouraged to get at least seven hugs per day.