Bright Future Review

Vince Norman Joe McCarthy Big Band - "Bright Future"
(OA2 Records)

This Washington D.C. big band will knock you out right off the bat as opening composition "Knight for a Day (Dragon's Demise)" features an ample horn section blasting out of the speakers. With an exciting arrangement that hints at some of Gil Evans' "Porgy and Bess" themes with a Maynard Ferguson touch and some tasty solos, a big band fan will find themselves pleasantly entranced. Led by veteran multi-reedist, primary soloist, primary composer and arranger Vince Norman and drummer Joe McCarthy, who both have military band ties - who knew the stars and stripes could swing like this? Running through this new release is the shadow of saxophonists Stanley Turrentine - whose "Sugar" is covered here and also was the inspiration for two other songs, and Grover Washington, Jr. - who is given his due on the grooving "Super Grover." "Peanuts" piano legend Vince Guaraldi - of "Linus and Lucy" fame - is also feted on the wonderful waltz "Goodbye Mr. Schultz" - with nice piano work by Tony Nalker. The blend of pop jazz and big band is attractive. Delicious arrangements and fine solos highlight songs like the Latin-flavored "For My Beloved" and the catchy bass-driven "Ah Dju Bah." Meanwhile, Norman's solo on melodica on his lovely ballad "Katelyn" is a true highlight along with the intricate Latin-groove of "Connect the Dots" (with excellent Bb soprano solo by Norman). The multi-talented Norman switches to tenor on the brightly swinging title track, then does double-duty on alto and C soprano on their 5/4 take on "Sugar." Full of colorful arrangements and rock solid playing on a well-recorded and mixed recording, this particular band does appear to have a bright future. And maybe the big band genre as well.
OA2Records

Afro-Cuban Big Band Play-Along Reviewed

Modern Drummer, March 2010



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WYPR's Maryland Morning interviews Joe McCarthy

Holy Alliance!

Afro Bop Alliance bandleader and drummer Joe McCarthy is interviewed by cultural reporter Tom Hall for the program "Maryland Morning with Sheila Kast" This aired August 4, 2009 in the Baltimore area on WYPR (88.1 FM).

Click here to launch WYPR Site and listen to interview

What's Up? Magazine Interviews Joe

What's Up? Magazine, which server Annapolis & Maryland's Eastern Shore, interviewed Joe about Latin music, Afro Bop Alliance, and receiving a Grammy nomination.

Click Here to read the article.

AFRO BOP WINS LATIN GRAMMY!

Caribbean Jazz Project / Afro Bop Alliance won the Latin Grammy award for Best Latin Jazz Record!

Afro-Cuban Play Along Book Coming Soon

Alfred Publishing plans to release two play along books featuring music from the Grammy Nominated Caribbean Jazz Project/Afro Bop Alliance CD. The first book is for Drumset & Percussion, by Joe McCarthy. The second book is for Mallets/C Instruments, by Dave Samuels. Each book includes a play along CD

Both books will be available for preview during the 2008 Pasic Convention at the Alfred booth.

Additional information will be available here once the books are available for purchase.

Latin Grammy Nomination

Caribbean Jazz Project / Afro Bop Alliance CD is up for a Latin Grammy!

The winners will be announced on November 13, 2008.

* Click Here for the official announcement.

* * Click Here to read the article from The Capital published on October 26, 2008