RICHARD BARATTA

LOOKING BACK

Savant Records

Richard Baratta, drums; Bill O’Connell, piano; Paul Bollenback, guitar; Michael Goetz, bass; Paul Rossman, percussion; Vincent Herring, saxophone; Caroll Scott, vocals.

Richard Baratta may not have a big band, but it sure sounds like one. This CD is dynamic! They open with a rendition and arrangement of the James Brown popular hit record, “I Feel Good,” that blasts on the scene and elevates the mood in my listening room. Baratta’s drums are formidable and expressive, driving the music ahead like a run-away freight train. The excitement builds.

I never noticed that “Purple Haze,” composed by Jimi Hendrix, sounds very similar to Oscar Brown Jr.’s “Afro-Blue” record. The chord changes are interchangeable, although the melodies are different. Richard Baratta’s arrangement combines the two extraordinary songs in his unique arrangement. Oscar Brown Jr. composed his song in 1959. Hendrix composed his in 1966.

Richard Baratta began his musical career nearly forty years ago, playing with various big bands and ensembles across New York City. At twelve years old, it was evident he was going to be a musician. He could play saxophone, flute, and drums proficiently. His love of jazz was prominent throughout his teen years. After graduating college with a degree in History, he studied privately with legends like Jack Dejohnette, Bob Moses, and Steve Haas.

Baratta was a serious musician until 1984, when he suddenly changed careers to motion picture production. This supplied more financial security for being married and raising a family. Producing movies was far more lucrative. Consequently, the talented drummer, turned movie producer, worked on over 50 films, including big hits like the Academy Award nominated “Joker,” “The Irishman,” “Dr. Strange,” and “The Wolf of Wall Street.” There were many more films Baratta produced, including five “Spiderman” movies.

In 2016, his passion for playing drums ‘live’ and his love of music came alive again. He started performing and has recorded four records since 2019. This new recording spotlights the drummer’s immense and impressive talent on his instrument. The jazz arrangements of these familiar Top-40 tunes will absolutely blow your mind. For instance, the ensemble’s arrangement of Arthea’s chart-topping song, “Respect,” composed by Otis Redding, got a straight-ahead makeover. Awesome! Vincent Herring dances all over this arrangement on saxophone, putting the “J” in jazz. Talk about a transformation, this became one of my favorites on Baratta’s album. His drums pump this music to their limit, exploding throughout to inspire his musicians and to captivate the audience. I like the way they shuffle through “California Dreamin’.”

Baratta’s drums open “You Can’t Always Get What You Want” with an infectious groove. Bill O’Connell’s piano solo adds pizzazz to the production, playing rhythm with his left hand and letting his right-hand sing solo over the funky rhythm section. I loved every single song on this Richard Baratta album. I’m glad he’s returned to the music scene again. His energy was missed!

Reviewed by Dee Dee McNeil

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