Chris McCarthy Quintet ft Takuya Kuroda & Eden Bareket
The most innovative forces in modern jazz unite for a four-day residency at Black Cat, as Chris McCarthy's quintet teams up with Takuya Kuroda and Eden Bareket for what promises to be "an epic collaboration."
Chris McCarthy, praised by The New York Times for his "high skill and sensitivity," is one of New York's most in-demand pianists. A New England Conservatory graduate known for his genre-blurring approach showcased on albums like Still Time to Quit and Life's a Gig, McCarthy brings his sophisticated yet adventurous compositional voice to this special residency. His collaborations have ranged from jazz icons like Jerry Bergonzi to tap legend Dormeshia.
Takuya Kuroda, the Kobe-born, Brooklyn-based trumpeter, is a master of blending post-bop with hip-hop, neo-soul, and funk. With eight studio albums including his latest chart-topping release Everyday, Kuroda radiates groove and creative energy. A former Blue Note and Concord recording artist who has worked with legends like DJ Premier and José James, he's carved out a signature sound that is cool, soulful, and endlessly engaging.
Completing the lineup is Eden Bareket, the Argentina-born, Israel-raised baritone saxophonist who has been making waves on the New York scene since 2013. Known for his agile command of the baritone sax across its full range, Bareket brings minimalist jazz sensibilities and dark, funky grooves to his performances.
The quintet format—featuring McCarthy on piano, Kuroda on trumpet, Bareket on baritone sax, Sam Minaie on bass, and Steven Crammer on drums—creates a perfect vehicle for the deep rhythms, hypnotic melodies, and exhilarating interplay these musicians are known for. Expect contemporary jazz that defies easy categorization, as these artists blend free-spirited improvisation with sophisticated composition and irresistible groove.
McCarthy's quintet work has been praised for mixing "free-ish and progressively lyrical jazz sensibilities with underground rock's riffage," while Kuroda's contributions bring the funk and soul that have made him one of today's most sought-after jazz artists. This residency offers multiple opportunities to experience this genre-defying artistry in Black Cat's intimate setting.
