Known for his “high skill and sensitivity,” (NYTimes) Chris McCarthy is one of the most in demand pianists in New York City. McCarthy has developed a reputation as “one of the most imaginative and impressive voices on the New York jazz scene” (Hot House Jazz Magazine) McCarthy has released four records as a bandleader: Still Time To Quit (2020), Priorities (2022), Life’s a Gig (duo with Vanisha Gould) (2024), and Add a Zero (2025). His latest project of all originals Too Late To Quit arrives September 18th 2026 on La Reserve Records, featuring Takuya Kuroda on trumpet, Vanisha Gould on vocals, Eden Bareket on bari sax, Sam Minaie on bass and Steven Crammer on drums.   McCarthy is known for his work with vocalists, and has recently appeared as a sideman on Vanisha Gould’s She’s Not Shiny She’s Not Smooth (2024), What An Interesting Girl (2026), and Aubrey Johnson’s The Lively Air (2026). McCarthy has also toured and recorded with Broadway stars Joshua Henry and Renee Elise Goldsberry. He is also active in the dance world, touring regularly with the Mark Morris Dance Group in productions such as Pepperland, The Look of Love and Dances to American Music. In 2023 he performed in legendary tap dancer Dormeshia’s latest production Rhythm is Life, a New York Times critic’s pick. In 2025, he documented tap dancer and choreographer Brenda Bufalino’s work for the Lincoln Center library archive.