Noble & Cooley Drum Company - Artists

Growing up in Massachusetts, Rick McCarty was drawn to the drums at a very early age. Thanks to a variety of inspirations, Rick began taking drum lessons shortly after his eighth birthday. Rick continued his education with several different instructors up until he moved to Cincinnati to attend Xavier University. Once enrolled in his first semester Rick began gigging/recording/ touring, and hasn’t looked back since.

McCarty, a player of rare discernment and taste, has emerged from his experiences in several lauded bands (thistle, Ampline, the Light Wires, El Gigante) as an indelible pacesetter, drawing on influences that far precede the standard class of '76. Through a vigorous recording schedule and hundreds of shows across the country, McCarty's approach above all serves the music – which, depending on the night, may be knotty and unpredictable post-punk, visceral melodic rock and roll, or mournful alt-country.

Always sympathetic to songcraft, Rick shows a nuanced ability to combine sturdy rock modes with elegant Blue Note traces and deep Stax pockets. And while this thinking-man's drummer understands the elemental push/pull of rhythmic foundation, he has of late incorporated a variety of tools to extend his sound. Rick continues to merge steadfast fundamentals with harmonic possibilities and digital experimentation.