Chris McCarthy Quintet ft Takuya Kuroda & Eden Bareket
Pianist Chris McCarthy, trumpeter Takuya Kuroda, and baritone saxophonist Eden Bareket bring their acclaimed quintet to Black Cat for a special residency — the final performance of their four-night run.
McCarthy, praised by The New York Times for his "high skill and sensitivity," leads this genre-blurring ensemble with sophisticated compositional vision. A New England Conservatory graduate and one of New York's most in-demand pianists, his albums like Still Time to Quit and Life's a Gig showcase his ability to blend post-bop with progressive lyrical sensibilities. The Glide Magazine review of Still Time to Quit highlighted the quintet's "free-spirited, unpredictable yet still tied" collective statement, noting how McCarthy's compositions allow for deep improvisation while maintaining strong melodic foundations.
Kobe-born, Brooklyn-based trumpeter Kuroda has carved out a distinctive voice blending post-bop, neo-soul, hip-hop, and electronica. His eight studio albums, including his chart-topping latest Everyday, demonstrate his mastery of groove-oriented contemporary jazz. A former Blue Note and Concord artist who has collaborated with DJ Premier and José James, Kuroda brings what the Black Cat ticket page describes as "cool, soulful, and endlessly engaging" energy to the bandstand.
Argentina-born, Israel-raised baritone saxophonist Bareket completes the front line with his agile command of the instrument's full range. Known for his minimalist trio work with dark, funky grooves, Bareket's contributions add depth and exploratory edge to the quintet's sound.
The rhythm section features bassist Sam Minaie (Tigran Hamasyan, Melody Gardot) and drummer Steven Crammer, who McCarthy describes as "a uniquely groovy yet free-spirited rhythm section, always bringing the funk in tandem with adventure." Together, they create what the promotional materials call music that "radiates groove and pure creative energy."
Expect an evening of sophisticated improvisation where "deep rhythms, hypnotic melodies, and exhilarating interplay" define the performance. The All About Jazz review of their album Add a Zero captures the essence of their live chemistry, showcasing how McCarthy and Kuroda's "genre-defying artistry" creates moments of both intimate musical conversation and explosive collective expression.
