Chris McCarthy (piano) Known for his “high skill and sensitivity,” (NYTimes) Chris McCarthy has developed a reputation as “one of the most imaginative and impressive voices on the New York jazz scene” (Hot House Jazz Magazine). Early accolades included the 2012 Gerald Wilson Award for big band composition at the Monterey Jazz Festival. After playing with Jerry Bergonzi and Jason Palmer’s working bands in Boston while attending college at New England Conservatory, he moved to New York in 2016 and has been collaborating with artists from around the world in NYC ever since. He released his debut for Ropeadope Records Still Time To Quit in 2020.

McCarthy is celebrated for his sensitive accompanying of vocalists. In 2024, his duo album with vocalist Vanisha Gould Life’s a Gig received a 4.5/5 review from Downbeat magazine, calling the record an “instant classic.” He regularly tours with the Mark Morris Dance Group in productions such as “The Look of Love” “Pepperland,” and “Dances to American Music.” His latest album Add a Zero was praised by All About Jazz as “a gem…facilitated by musicians who understand his creative drive and with whom he feels a kindred spirit both musically and socially.”