TUCKSY is a New York-based genre-bending jazz band that focuses on the original writing of band-leader Dan McCarthy, as well as cover songs from well-known rock and pop bands. Conceptually, the band strives to create music that breaks the rules of jazz by blending bluegrass, rock, and country with a post-modern jazz aesthetic, and by fusing the grooves of hip-hop and funk music with the improvisational approach of jazz. Most importantly, the band focuses on melody and song-structure and creates music that appeals to a broad spectrum of listeners. Oh, and let it be known that this band is led by the combination of banjo and vibraphone; a first in the jazz world…. and bluegrass world… and country world… and rock world… But don’t let the novelty fool you, as the pedigree of the players and the quality of the musicianship is apparent from the first note.
Dan McCarthy is the vibraphonist and creator of tucksy. The Canadian-born musician became a New Yorker three years ago and has not looked back. His sound, one of the most distinct vibraphone sounds in the city, has been called "ambitious", "arresting", "show stopping", and it "walks the tightrope between calm gentility and fiery abandon" (George Harris, AAJ LA). His debut album, INTERWORDS, was named one of the Top 10 Jazz CDs of 2006 by Toronto Star jazz writer Geoff Chapman. Mark F. Turner from AllAboutJazz.com says that Dan “gives new visions of the mallet instrument”. Since moving to New York, Dan has had the pleasure perform all around New York with such noted musicians as, Myron Walden, Gary Bartz, Robin Eubanks, Ingrid Jensen, and Jeremy Steig.
Tuey Connell is the banjo player and co-leader of tucksy. “Connell joins the ranks of modern banjo players who love their bluegrass roots, but have pushed their instruments to new places and fresh levels of technical finesse” (Santa Barbara News Press). Tuey has performed and/or recorded with Vasser Clements, Taj Mahal, Arturo Sandoval, Livingston Taylor, Slavek Hanzlik and others. Tuey's earthy baritone voice in combination with his guitar and banjo playing, make him a unique force in any style of music. As NYC recording engineer, David Baker said of his singing and songwriting: "You've got your own groovy little genre," and his chosen genre is decidedly American in origin. Tuey's songwriting, arrangements of jazz standards, blues, folk, roots rock and gospel songs all come from what Tuey calls his 'roots music.' A truly unique voice in New York City.
Dan Loomis plays bass. Having been in New York since 2004, Dan has been very busy as a sideman performing at some of New York top venues such as Birdland, the Blue Note, Jazz at Lincoln Center, Smalls and the Jazz Standard. His freelance work has also taken him on the road throughout the east coast and on extensive tours of the Czech Republic and Slovakia. While studying at Eastman, his group received the DOWNBEAT award for best collegiate small group performance. His new quartet’s latest record, “I LOVE PARIS“, was released in April of 2007. Called “one of top new jazz releases of 2007” by Scott Yanow, this record represented a major step forward for Dan and his quartet.
Fred Kennedy is originally from Halifax, Nova Scotia, and studied with Ed Soph at the University of North Texas and now makes his home in New York City. Recently, Fred has completed tours to Europe, California, and Ecuador. Fred is fortunate to have the opportunity to perform with many notable artists, including David Krakauer, Gary Campbell, Tim Hagans, Ben Monder, Bobby Shew, Joe LoCascio, Lynn Seaton, Philip Glass, Iva Bitova, Andrew D’Angelo, Ralph Allessi, and Shane Endsley. In 2006, Fred received a grant from the Canada Council for the Arts to develop his musical approach through private study with John Hollenbeck, Kenny Wolleson, and Susie Ibarra.
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