CODEX
Codex features McCarthy’s stellar quartet paying homage to musical and personal mentors and world-changing events
Binding together ancient manuscripts into book form, a codex offers a unique glimpse into the events, ideas and impressions that go into a particular history. With his new album, Codex, saxophonist/composer Brian McCarthy offers a modern, musical version of those archaic texts, presenting a sonic autobiography through a collection of homages and interpretations that touch on the crucial events and mentors of his life to date.
Codex also marks the recorded debut of McCarthy’s longstanding quartet, featuring pianist Justin Kauflin (Clark Terry, Quincy Jones), bassist Evan Gregor (Phil Woods, David Liebman) and drummer Jared Schonig (Kurt Elling, Nicholas Payton). The presence of these three gifted collaborators is as much a part of McCarthy’s personal codex as the compositions they play: his association with both Kauflin and Gregor dates back to their days at William Paterson University, while Schonig, a more recent acquaintance, was a perfect fit while bringing his unique rhythmic voice into the band.
July 14, 2018 Highland Center for The Art
Adam Birnbaum - Piano
Evan Gregor - Bass
Jimmy Macbride - Drums
Quotes
[McCarthy] touches those roads Joshua Redman travels on with a fresh footing. This band excels at building anticipation, Justin Kauflin on piano is one to watch, exciting.”
- All About Jazz
“Saxophonist Brian McCarthy takes a progressive approach to straight-ahead jazz, demonstrating a strong command of the jazz saxophone lineage.”
-John Barron, World Jazz Blog
"McCarthy exhibits an evocative tenderness…"
-All About Jazz
In the Press
12.03.2017 All About Jazz, Concert Review
11.30.2017 Times Argus, Album Review
11.29.2017 Seven Days, Album Review
02.28.2014 Vermont Life, Tour Feature
02.15.2014 North Country Public Radio, Tour Interview
01.03.2014 All About Jazz, Album Review
12.26.2013 The Day, Tour Interview
12.23.2013 Hartford Courant, Tour Interview
04.10.2013 Seven Days, Album Review