Five Questions with… Rick McCarthy

What brought you to hosting a show on WICN? Why do you love being on the air?

Years ago, I was asked what the one thing I’d do in my life if fear played no role. I answered, “be a radio DJ.” It was a fantasy that I never dreamed could come true, but it did. Ten years ago, I volunteered to organize CDs at WICN, and instead it led to becoming a substitute DJ, which then led to a daily morning show. Amazingly, the dream came true. The reason I love being on the air is the opportunity to turn listeners on to new artists and in turn to support new artists.

What is your favorite WICN memory? 

Joe Zupan and his wonderful afternoon show. The guy had the greatest radio voice and his persona was incredibly warm. I heard so many great, new jazz pieces on his show and was introduced to some amazing jazz artists.

FILL IN THE BLANK: The best concert I ever saw was ______________?

Tie between Steely Dan and The Mahavishnu Orchestra. Donald Fagen and Walter Becker always employed top-notch jazz players, and the results live were almost always mind-blowing. And the Mahavishnu Orchestra in 1971 was, well, The Mahavishnu Orchestra.

Many listeners don’t know that the majority of our hosts are volunteers that do this out of a personal passion. What do you/did you do professionally off the air? 

I worked in the high-tech industry as a technical writer; owned and ran a bookstore in Worcester, played drums (and continue to play) with a number of bands in the Worcester area.

Who are your favorite artists and/or albums of all time?

My favorite album of all-time was Steely Dan’s “Aja”. It was the very first time I’d heard Wayne Shorter play sax, which led to the purchase of “Speak No Evil” and “Juju,” both of which also blew my mind and led to this life-long love of jazz. Much too difficult to difficult to name a #1 artist – just too much to choose from.