Will McCarthy

Will McCarthy is a London-born soundtrack composer and guitarist who has made significant contributions to the world of music and film scoring. Currently based in Valencia, Spain, since the 1990s, McCarthy has developed a diverse portfolio that spans various genres and international projects.

Early Life and Musical Journey

Born in London, McCarthy's passion for music led him to explore multiple genres, including blues, folk, flamenco, classical, jazz, and indie. His versatility as a guitarist and composer has been a hallmark of his career, allowing him to seamlessly blend different musical styles into his compositions.

Career Highlights

McCarthy's work has garnered international recognition, with his compositions featured in films and television documentaries worldwide. One notable project is the official soundtrack for the documentary "Over the Skies of Azerbaijan," which delves into the story of Spanish pilots who fought for the USSR during World War II. This documentary premiered in Azerbaijan, highlighting McCarthy's ability to craft music that resonates across cultures.

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In collaboration with experimental film director Paul Fletcher, McCarthy composed music for "A to Z of London," a collection of 26 short films, each reflecting tales from various tube stops in the capital. Fletcher described McCarthy's instrumental music as "mesmeric," underscoring the evocative power of his compositions.

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Recent Works

In August 2024, McCarthy released the album "Back to London," a personal project that serves as a homage to his roots. Recorded in Valencia with a diverse group of musicians, the album captures the essence of London's various boroughs through tracks like "Hackney (Changes)," "Soho," and "Notting Hill (Back to the Source)." The album blends elements of jazz, folk, and reggae, creating a rich tapestry of sounds that reflect the city's multicultural landscape.

Released in 2025 and set in London and beautifully produced, ‘The Deal’ features some of the finest jazz musicians on the international scene, including the legendary American Matt Baker on double bass,  British Simon Mark Taylor on saxophone and  Portuguese Nuno Alves on trumpet as well as Valencian multi-instrumentalist Miguel López Sevilla on piano, oboe & percussion. Leading the project, Londoner Will McCarthy is a distinctive guitarist who has composed documentary soundtracks for national television and short films over the years. 

Self-taught, Will McCarthy’s music has gained followers in the wider music world including chanteuse and actress Marianne Faithfull, lauded saxophonists Jorge Pardo and Ray Gelato and renowned music photographer Scarlet Page (daughter of Jimmy Page).  Tellingly, this somewhat mysterious new album 'The Deal'  has a cinematic atmosphere and a story to tell too.  It could be seen as a song-cycle or concept album, depending on your point of view.

What makes ‘The Deal’ so interesting from a thematic point of view is that just what “the deal” is… is open to interpretation. It could be a jewellery heist, a big drug deal, a contract killing or a benevolent parent paying huge medical fees for a pioneering cure to save their child’s life.  In terms of geographical location, the story starts in Scotland then continues in London.

Indeed, there are snippets of choirs and hymns throughout the album that suggests that at least one of the protagonists has a spiritual yearning of sorts and who never misses a chance to visit a church or cathedral.

Musically, there are acoustic jazz influences with trumpet, saxophone, piano and double bass complementing the guitar compositions throughout the album. There are also snatches of choirs, marching bands, music boxes and street life too. Somehow, there's a touch of Victoriana hidden within these tracks. It's a reflection of London both past and present. Examples are the Indian tablas in 'Brick Lane' that then segue into a 'Huguenot' choir of times past.

The album 'The Deal' is now available on all streaming services. To listen to the album: https://will-mccarthy.bandcamp.com/album/the-deal

Esteemed musicians such as American double bassist Matt Baker (Berklee Valencia Professor) and British saxophonist Simon Mark Taylor (graduate of Leeds Conservatoire) contributed to the 'Back to London'  album and 'The Deal' album, enhancing its depth and authenticity. The track "An Angel in Islington" features Peruvian harpist and Berklee Valencia graduate Eve Matin, adding a unique dimension to the composition.

Critical Acclaim

Emmy Award-nominated Hollywood film sound mixer and editor Robert Gravenor has praised McCarthy's music as "virtuoso and versatile," noting the poetic quality in his playing. Gravenor, known for his work on projects like Chet Baker's "Let's Get Lost" and Stanley Kubrick's "The Shining," coordinated McCarthy's first solo album, "This is Music for Films."

Conclusion

Will McCarthy's extensive body of work showcases his ability to traverse and blend various musical genres, creating compositions that resonate with diverse audiences. His dedication to his craft and his talent for capturing the essence of different cultures through music have solidified his reputation as a distinguished soundtrack composer on the international stage.

Will McCarthy is also the leader of established world music trio 'Folk-Jazz-Arabe'

Folk-Jazz-Arabe is a multicultural trio based in Valencia, Spain, known for their innovative fusion of Mediterranean folk, Arabic traditions, and jazz improvisation. Formed in 2010, the group comprises:​

• Will McCarthy (UK): Guitarist, vocalist, and songwriter with a background in folk-punk and film soundtracks.
• Abdel Louzari (Morocco): Multi-instrumentalist specializing in Arabic violin, oud, ney, darbuka, and vocals, with experience in film soundtracks and international festivals.
• Nuno Alves (Portugal): Trumpeter trained in jazz and world music, with collaborations ranging from Chambao to George Clinton, and contributions to film scores.​

Their music is characterized by a blend of acoustic instrumentation, rich cultural influences, and a commitment to authenticity over commercial trends.​

Discography:

1. 80 Min (2011): A double-length debut album featuring 16 acoustic, mostly instrumental tracks. It showcases a diverse range of influences, including flamenco, Arabic melodies, blues, jazz, and Mediterranean rhythms. Notable tracks include "Balansiya," "Istanbul," and "Rumba Valenciana."
2. From Ibiza to Berlin (2014): An album that takes listeners on a sonic journey from the Mediterranean to Central Europe. Tracks like "Eivissa" and "Berlin" incorporate ambient sea recordings, Arabic percussion, and jazz elements, reflecting the cultural tapestry of the regions. ​
3. Syria (Original Score) (2024): A soundtrack album composed for a documentary, featuring nine instrumental pieces that blend Arabic and folk music. The compositions aim to evoke the emotional landscape of Syria, moving from themes of conflict to hope.
4. Over the Sky of Azerbaijan (2015) . Official soundtrack of the national televsion documentary.

   Over the Sky of Azerbaijan is an evocative and richly layered soundtrack by Folk-Jazz-Arabe, originally released on June 1, 2015, to accompany the Spanish documentary Sobre el Cielo de Azerbaiyán . The trio—comprised of Will McCarthy (guitar, vocals), Abdel Louzari (Arabic violin, oud, ney, darbuka, voice), and Nuno Alves (trumpet/flugelhorn)—blends Arabic folk, Spanish roots, and jazz improvisation with cinematic flair.

   The seven-track album flows like a musical journey: from the contemplative opening strains that evoke the vast Azeri skies to the rhythmic intensity of percussion-driven passages. Track titles like “Torre,” “Eivissa,” and “Berlin” reflect localized atmospheres—“Eivissa” captures seaside tranquility and flamenco-spiced energy; “Berlin” conjures 1920–30s cabaret & the war period and more...

   Modeled after the documentary’s historical narrative—Spanish exiles training Soviet pilots to defend Azerbaijan during WWII—the score thoughtfully marries cultural textures. The oud and ney give nods to Azerbaijan’s Muslim heritage, trumpet and guitar root the sound within Spanish and jazz traditions, while percussion bridges eras and geographies

5. Cultural fusion & atmosphere: Seamlessly integrates Arabic, Spanish, jazz, and folk elements to evoke a sense of place and emotion.

6. Narrative coherence: Tracks are evocative and cinematic, each feeling purposeful within the historical context.

7. Instrumental variety: Textural layering (strings, percussion, wind) keeps the music engaging across the album.

8. Overall, Over the Sky of Azerbaijan is a culturally resonant and artfully restrained soundtrack—perfect for listeners seeking introspective, world‑infused jazz with a historical soul. The album stands strong both as an accompaniment to film and as an evocative standalone listen.

Folk-Jazz-Arabe has performed extensively in Valencia and beyond, gracing venues like Café Mercedes Jazz and festivals such as Festival Mestizaje. Their live performances are known for their dynamic energy and cultural richness. ​

For more information and to explore their music, visit their Bandcamp page: https://folk-jazz-arabe.bandcamp.com/album/folk-jazz-arabe

Awards

Will McCarthy's band Folk-Jazz-Arabe commisioned to compose the official soundtrack for the national televison documentary 'Over the Sky of Azerbaijan', which has been broadcast in Europe and Asia.

Will McCarthy was commisoned to compose the soundtrack to the national televison documentary 'Campeonas Invisibles.'