Valentine’s Day is right around the corner, and since February 14th falls on a Wednesday—not the best night for those who have to get up in the morning—Litchfield Jazz has declared Friday, February 16th the official holiday. Everyone knows sweethearts don’t need any more cologne, overpriced roses, or expensive gifts. But what is it they can’t get enough of? Love songs! Who doesn’t need love songs?
Come to the Poli Club Feb 16 and give your Valentine something special
Grammy-nominated drummer, Richard Baratta, began his musical journey at 12, playing sax, flute and drums, and eventually, exclusively drums and jazz all through his teens. From 1975 through the mid-80s he played with Hal Galper, Johnny Hartman, John Stubblefield, Jack Wilkins, Peter LaBarbara, the Marvelettes, and others. In 1984, he changed paths and pursued a movie career.
Since 1984, Baratta has worked on over 50 movies, as Co-Producer and Executive Producer. These include Joker, Chicago 7, Martin Scorsese’s Irishman, The Wolf Of Wall Street, Taking of Pelham123, 5 Spiderman movies, Maid in Manhattan, Awakenings, and Big.
In 2017 he returned to his main love and began performing again. Since then he has played with Eric Alexander, Vincent Herring, Craig Handy, Walter Blanding, Marcus Printup, Gerald Cannon, Bill O’Connell, Emmett Cohen, Dave Kikoski, Mike LeDonne, Jerry Weldon, Rogerio Boccato, Mike Goetz, Paul Bollenback, Dave Stryker, Pat Bianchi, Essiet Essiet, and others.
In 2019 he released the Latin Jazz-themed Comeback. 2020 brought the High Note-Savant release, Music in Film – The Reel Deal, followed the next year by –The Sequel. Off The Charts, a tribute to masters of the 60’s and 70’s, came next, with John Patitucci, Dave Kikoski, Jerry Bergonzi, and Paul Rossman.
These days Rich is performing at venues throughout the US with his Gotham City Late Jazz Septet, with Vincent Herring, Bill O’Connell, Paul Bollenback, Michael Goetz, Rogerio Boccato and Paul Rossman, and the 3B’s+ 2 with Herring, Craig Handy, Bollenback, Rossman and Pat Bianchi.
One reviewer wrote of him: “Richard Baratta is a captivating, powerful drummer, and he has surrounded himself with excellence.”
- VINCENT HERRING – SAXOPHONE
- BILL O’CONNELL – PIANO
- MICHAEL GOETZ – BASS
- PAUL BOLLENBACK – GUITAR
- RICH BARATTA – DRUMS
- PAUL ROSSMAN – PERCUSSION
Audience members will receive a gift of the best chocolate anywhere (Honest!) from Kim Thorn of Thorncrest Farm/Milkhouse Chocolate!!
Tickets for this event are available here!
STUDENT TICKETS AVAILABLE @9pm show (Bring ID to Box Office and $10 for Ticket)