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