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 known for his 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 currently plays in legendary tap dancer Dormeshia’s new show “Rhythm is Life,” a New York Times Critic’s pick. He regularly tours with the Mark Morris Dance Group in productions such as “The Look of Love” “Pepperland,” and “Dances to American Music.” McCarthy released his piano trio project Priorities (Fresh Sound Records) in May 2022, featuring Chris Tordini on bass and Steven Crammer on drums. 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.”