Modern Drummer Reviews

A pool of impressive Washington, DC area talent is tapped on two vibrant releases. One features a hard-swinging big band, the other a joyful, grooving Latin jazz sextet. Both are masterfully helmed by drummer JOE McCARTHY . As leader of Afro Bop Alliance he shares kit and percussion roles on Camino Nuevo (Jazz Maniacs Records), mixing modern and traditional grooves with fluid ease. Co-leading his big band on Words Cannot Express (OA2) , McCarthy's voracious drive fuels the thrilling, surprising arrangements of multi-instrumentalist Vince Norman. An in-demand freelancer, McCarthy's also the drummer for the United States Naval Academy's jazz ensemble. If his sworn duty is to swing, then he's serving his country well.

Jeff Potter
Modern Drummer
April 2008

Caribbean Jazz Project-Afro Bop Alliance Big Band

The Caribbean Jazz project unites with the Maryland-based Afro Bop Alliance for the release of the aptly titled Caribbean Jazz Project – Afro Bop Alliance, set for release on Heads Up in March 2008. The album recasts nine CJP signature pieces – by Samuels, Coltrane, Monk and Oliver Nelson – in a fresh new light via full-bodied arrangements as played by the Afro Bop Alliance Big Band. This collaborations is one of the most exciting new sounds on the Latin jazz scene today.


“Repackaging something that I had played a lot in a smaller group made me hear the music in a new light,” says Samuels. “You react differently to it. It’s a different ball game. It’s the difference between playing on a five-man team and a fifteen-man team. And if you’re the listener, you may have heard these tunes with the small group, but it’s a completely different experience hearing it with this big band.”

Over the course of eight acclaimed recordings, a Grammy Award and two Grammy nominations, the inventive Caribbean Jazz Project has blended scintillating rumbas, sambas, boleros and cha-chas with the uncut spirit of jazz improvisation. As the leader of this continually evolving entity, Samuels explains: “Caribbean defines part of what we do, and jazz defines the other part.”

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HUCD 3137 (053361313722)
THE CARIBBEAN JAZZ PROJECT WITH THE AFRO-BOP ALLIANCE BIG BAND

Led by vibraphonist Dave Samuels, the Caribbean Jazz Project has been crafting brilliant Afro-Caribbean sounds since the mid -1990s. More than a decade after recording their earliest albums on Heads Up International, Samuels and company return to the label and unite with the Maryland-based Afro-Bop Alliance Big Band, the seven-piece Latin jazz collective that has garnered high praise from critics since Encarnación, their 2004 debut recording. Produced by Samuels with arrangements by Afro Bop Alliance trombonist Dan Drew, The Caribbean Jazz Project Afro-Bop Alliance showcases material from CJP’s seven previous recordings spanning 15-years, yet recasts each tune via innovative and full-bodied arrangements. Catch this musical match made in heaven and hear the Caribbean Jazz Project like you’ve never heard them before. (Mike Wilpizeski)

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Click Here for sound previews and more information

"Words Cannot Express" Review

MUSIC REVIEW:
Vince Norman / Joe McCarthy Big Band, Words Cannot Express

by Jack Bowers, Cadence, Oct-Dec 2007

The Vince Norman / Joe McCarthy Big Band bears more than a passing resemblance in a number of ways to the Taylor / Fidyk Big Band. First, it is also from the DC area; second, it is co-led by a splendid drummer (McCarthy) and resourceful arranger (Norman); and third, its sidemen were recruited by and large from the area's armed services bands(I counted four each from the Airmen of Note and Army Jazz Ambassadors, three from the Navy Commodores). The overriding similarity is that, like Taylor / Fidyk, these guys know how to swing and do so under any and all conditions. There are, on the other hand, some essential differences, the most obvious of which is that this is a studio date, not a concert. Moreover, the big band doesn't play on every track; there are three numbers by a sextet. And besides writing (or co-writing) every number except for the Bop-era opener, "Tadd's Delight," and producing all the charts, Norman displays his impressive talents elsewhere, playing piano with the band and alto, tenor, soprano sax and bass clarinet with the smaller group, which is heard on "Remember Me When," "El Otono" and "Voo Zsa Day." Trumpet Tim Stanley is eloquent on "Remember" and "Otono," as he is with the big band on "Words Cannot Express." The ensemble closes the session with Norman's captivating three-part "Suite Baby Ray" - the breezy "Left My Baby in Baltimore," Latin-inspired "Back to Bayview" and flag-waving "Coming Home." Norman is a standout on every instrument, underpinning trim and persuasive solos by trombonists Ben Patterson, Chris Buckholz and Jeff Martin, trumpeters Paul Armstrong and Greg Reese, guitarists Jeff Reecer and Gary Malvaso, tenors Tedd Baker and Ben Bokor, soprano Steve Williams, alto Andy Axelrad, baritone Fred Wolfe, pianist Harry Appelman and bassist Max Murray. Norman's also a first-class writer, and none of his compositions is less than engaging. Admirable writing and sharp musicianship usually prompt an emphatic endorsement, and that is certainly the case here.

Joe to appear at MusicFest Canada

Joe, a Zildjian artist, has been invited as a clinician to MusicFest Canada. The event will be held May 13-17, 2008 Ottowa, ON. Click Here to view the flyer

Joe Interviewed

I did an interview for WWUH that will air on the 12th of July, on Thursday Morning Jazz with Mark Channon. Click this link www.wwuh.org for more info, or click here to listen to the archived interview.

We talked about the newly released "Words Cannot Express" CD by the Vince Norman/Joe McCarthy Big Band, available on OA2 Records

"Words Cannot Express" was 92 on the top 200 National Jazz Playlist and continues to climb.
Words has been submitted to the GRAMMY board, if you are a member, please vote for us!!!!!!

I have a play-along afro-cuban drumset book with Alfred Music coming out at the beginning of '08. The music for the book is from the new Caribbean Jazz Project recording with Afro Bop Alliance on the Heads Up Label. Release date is in March 08.

We have 2 great guests playing with the band on Aug 22nd at the Kennedy Center. Steve Davis, one of the great young trombonists on the scene today( Art Blakey, Chick Corea) and Ed Fast, a great percussionist, drummer and composer who leads Conga Bop, and just finished a tour with Chita Rivera. Show time 6pm, free to the public.

I spent time in Texas the week of Oct 15th for clinics and performances at the University of Texas, Arlington, Texas Christian University, SMU and Southwestern University. It was a great tour, had a chance to see old friends and meet many new. Thanks again to Doug Howard, Tim Ishii/Jim Yakas, Brian West and Thad Anderson and my sponsors:Zildjian, Yamaha, Lp and Innovative for their continued support.

I also had 3 great days at the end of October in Colorado at the University of Northern Colorado, performing with the UNC Salsa Band, and doing a clinic/masterclass. Thanks to Jim White and my sponsors for 3 days fo great music!!

2008 Winter/Spring Highlights:
Clinic/Masterclass Westfield State. Special thanks to Dr. Peter Coutsouridis and my sponsors.

Maryland Day of Percussion clinic/performance, special guest conguero Roberto Quintero with Afro Bop Alliance. Special thanks to Michelle Humphries and to my sponsors.

University of New Mexico Jazz Festival: guest adjudicator/featured soloist
Special thanks Glenn Kostur.

CD Release
Caribbean Jazz Project/Afro Bop Alliance on Heads-Up International