Hot House Jazz Magazine as described Chris McCarthy as "one of the most imaginative and impressive voices on the New York jazz scene." Since arriving in New York City in 2016, McCarthy has made a name for himself as one of the scene's most in demand young sidemen.

Originally from the Seattle area, McCarthy was introduced to jazz through Roosevelt High School's music program. He followed his passion to New England Conservatory, where he graduated with honors in 2016. While in Boston, McCarthy was a regular member of both Jerry Bergonzi and Jason Palmer's working bands. In 2017 he released his debut album "Sonder," which All About Jazz described as "a very promising release, and hopefully the first of many for this broad-minded and adventurous keyboardist." That same year saw the release of Jason Palmer's acclaimed live album "At Wally's Vol. 1," featuring McCarthy on keyboard.

He steps into the foreground as a bandleader with the release of his April 2020 debut, "Still Time To Quit." The album features the New York super group of Takuya Kuroda on trumpet, Michael Blake on sax, Sam Minaie on bass and JK Kim on drums. The album has been praised as a "big step forward for McCarthy, an auspicious label debut that bodes well for the future" by Glide Magazine and was prominently featured on Spotify's Jazz X-Press Editorial Playlist.

Other recent projects include Sasha Berliner's celebrated album "Azalea" (2019), trumpeter Tony Glausi's EP "My Favorite Tunes" (2020), a new commission with vocalist Clotilde Rullaud from the French American Jazz Exchange. 

He worked with young baritone sax player Eden Bareket in the recording of the beautiful "Day Dream" (2021), prior to his own trio release also for Fresh Sound New Talent. "Priorities" saw the light in 2023, featuring all compositions by McCarthy written during the Pandemic time. He is backed by solid rhythm provided by bassist Chris Tordini and drummer Steven Crammer.

The international jazz scene will continue to hear from McCarthy for years to come.

https://www.allaboutjazz.com/musicians