Nora McCarthy is a boundary-pushing jazz vocalist, composer, poet, and educator known for her fearless improvisation and deep artistic vision. She’s a vital force in New York’s avant-garde jazz scene and a longtime collaborator with saxophonist Jorge Sylvester.
Artistic Identity & Style
- Voice as instrument: McCarthy’s burnished alto voice is often compared to a jazz trumpet—earthy, expressive, and agile All About Jazz.
- Genres explored: Her work spans bebop, post-bop, free jazz, Afro-Caribbean experimental music, and spoken word noramccarthy.com JazzTimes.
- Improvisation: She’s celebrated for her spontaneous creativity, often performing in duo, ensemble, and large orchestral formats All About Jazz.
Collaborations & Ensembles
- Jorge Sylvester ACE Collective: Co-leads this Afro-Caribbean Experimental sextet, blending original compositions with poetic performance JazzTimes.
- ConceptualMotion Orchestra: A 20-piece ensemble she co-founded with Sylvester, featuring original music and socially conscious poetry LinkedIn.
- A Small Dream in Red: An intimate voice-and-saxophone duo exploring abstract expressionism through sound JazzTimes.
Composer, Poet & Educator
- McCarthy has written over 20 original compositions and numerous poems and lyrics that explore themes of identity, justice, and spiritual awakening All About Jazz.
- She’s the founder of MIC~ART Music, where she teaches a holistic method of vocal improvisation that integrates physical, conceptual, and spiritual elements mic-art-music.com.
Legacy & Impact
- Active since the mid-1990s, McCarthy has performed in top jazz venues across New York and internationally.
- Her work is deeply rooted in artistic freedom, cultural dialogue, and peaceful resistance—reflected in her ensemble Peace People, which she brings to Clement’s Place this week.
