From jazz clubs to international stages — ready for the call.

Raised in Emporia, Kansas by two music educators, Kelly McCarty grew up surrounded by music. After early studies on piano, cello, and trombone, he found his voice on the bass at age 13—drawn to its role as the foundation of the music: subtle, powerful, and essential.

He studied at Kansas State University under Dr. Wayne Goins, earning a degree in Music Theory & Composition and joining the faculty shortly after graduating. In 2009, he continued at Florida State University with Rodney Jordan, where he developed as both a bassist and composer, culminating in the trio recording Rouxsteady.

Kelly’s early professional career included national touring productions of My Fair Lady, Hello Dolly, and A Christmas Story, logging months of one-nighters across the country. During this period, he also released A Periapsis Suite, a 30-minute original work for jazz quartet.

Now based in Atlanta, Kelly has built a career defined by versatility across genres and scenes. He toured internationally as bassist for Grammy-winning roots/rock band Larkin Poe, performing throughout the U.S. and Europe, including appearances at Glastonbury Festival, Rock am Ring Festival, Rock im Park Festival, and opening for Queen at RheinEnergieStadion in Cologne, Germany.

His performance and recording credits have expanded to include Noah Guthrie, Grant Green Jr., Michelle Malone, Rhett Shull, Karla Harris, Geoff Wood, Suzy Jones, Doug Kees, The Electromatics, Sam Burchfield, Video Game Alliance, Orquesta Macuba, and Kyshona Armstrong.

Active in the Atlanta jazz scene, he has performed alongside Tyrone Jackson, Kevin Bales, Lil John Roberts, Joe Alterman, Lavahi, Louis Heriveaux, Robert Boone, Dash Smith, Tony Hightower, Lori Williams, and Karla Harris. He also enjoys playing with his original groups, the Funk crew Track Suit Mafia, and the alt-jazz outfit BOOM! Trio.

In addition to performing, Kelly maintains an active career as an educator. He currently serves as Adjunct Professor of Bass at Morehouse College and Adjunct Professor of Jazz Bass at Georgia State University. His prior teaching experience includes Kansas State University, Florida State University (as Graduate Teaching Assistant), and RAA Middle School, a performing arts magnet program.

As a clinician, he has been featured at Washburn University’s Coleman Hawkins Jazz Camp, Florida State University’s Summer Jazz Camp, Georgia State University’s Summer Jazz Program, and the Bellevue East High School Jazz Festival. He also maintains a private studio, working with upright and electric bass students of all ages and levels.

Whether on stage or in the classroom, Kelly’s work reflects a deep commitment to versatility, mentorship, and building community through music.