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Dan McCarthy
About Me
Dan McCarthy is a Canadian jazz vibraphonist based in Toronto. After graduating top of his
class from the prestigious jazz program at Humber College, Dan quickly made a name for
himself on the Toronto jazz scene, performing with such notable Canadian artists as Ted
Warren, Pat Collins, Peter Appleyard, Ted Quinlan, Lorne Lofsky, Terry Clarke, Brandi Disterheft,
Laila Biali, and Don Thompson.
Moving to New York City in 2004 brought many more opportunities for Dan, giving him the
chance to play and record with some of the top jazz musicians in the world, such as Steve
Swallow, Ben Monder, Mark Feldman, George Garzone, Myron Walden, Rudy Royston, Thomas
Morgan, Mark Shim, Ari Hoenig, Gerald Cleaver, and Ingrid Jensen.
In March of 2019, Dan returned to Toronto permanently to pursue a Master in Jazz
Composition at York University on a full fellowship.
He released his first record, “Interwords” in 2006, which was hailed by Geoff Chapman of The
Toronto Star as one of the top 10 jazz records of the year. His playing has been called
ambitious, arresting, and show-stopping by George Harris at All About Jazz Los Angeles,
who also said his Dan walks the tightrope between calm gentility and fiery abandon. Mark F.
Turner at All About Jazz New York says that Dan gives new visions of the mallet instrument.
Dan’s second record, “Let’s Start The Show”, released in 2009, features the unique combination
of vibraphone and banjo, accompanied by bass and drums. Jazz critic Kurt Gottschalk
described the album as “cinematic”. In 2018, Dan released a free-improvisation duo record
that was recorded in 2004 with fellow Toronto pianist Gordon Webster, entitled
“Constellation”. All records can be heard on iTunes, Apple Music, and Spotify.
In March 2019, Dan’s first major-label release “Epoch” came out on Origin Records. The record
features jazz icon Steve Swallow on bass, as well as giants Ben Monder on guitar and Mark
Feldman on violin. It received glowing international reviews. “Elevated by the pillars of
mystique and mournfulness, this statement proves beautifully gripping.” (Dan Bilawsky, All
About Jazz). “Five Stars, It is a visionary project, full of creative fantasy, but above all it is a
beautiful music that is listened to with great pleasure.” (Mateusz Krepski, Multikulti, Poland).
His second Origin release, “City Abstract”, will be released on October 18, 2019. It features
notable Canadian jazz legends Ted Quinlan on guitar, Pat Collins on bass, and Ted Warren on
drums. The album draws inspiration from composer Carla Bley, as well as the music of Gary
Burton, specifically his time on ECM in the 1970s.
In addition to performing, Dan is also actively engaged in music education, teaching lessons
(vibraphone and otherwise), as well as giving masterclasses and clinics at high schools and
colleges across Canada.
Dan exclusively uses and endorses the Marimba One “One Vibe”, and BlueHaus Mallets.
For more information, please visit http://www.vibraphonedan.com
My Jazz Story
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