The NECC Jazz Ensemble

Northern Essex Community College’s jazz/rock ensemble’s December concert will feature favorites composed by Bill Withers, Sonny Rollins, and others as well as original student work.  Free and open to the public, the “night club style” performance will be held on Thursday, December 12, beginning at 7 p.m., in the Hartleb Technology Center, Haverhill Campus, 100 Elliott St.

The title of the performance— “Instruments in a New Voice”—describes how the group is taking traditional and standard repertoire and giving it their “unique interpretation”, according to Dr. David Garcia, associate professor of music and director of the ensemble.   For example, the group is linking Bill Withers’ “Ain’t No Sunshine” with Herbie Hancock’s “Chameleon”.

Original compositions will include Faul Burke’s “Everywhere I Go”.  Burke, who performs with the band Powdeer, is taking a new approach.   “It’s not the way my band does it, but this way it gives it a new voice.”

“This is going to be a unique event, and I’m very proud of what this group has in store for the audience,” said Garcia.

In addition to Garcia, saxophone and director, and Burke, guitar, the ensemble includes Frank Gonzo, vocals; Kelvin Nguyen, vibraphone; Zane Nishan, bass; James Andrew Norman, guitar; and Nate Twiss, drums.

Northern Essex offers a certificate in music technology and an associate’s in general studies: music.  For additional information on the music certificate or degree programs visit www.necc.mass.edu
For additional information or for sign language requests contact Alisa Bucchiere at abucchiere@necc.mass.edu.