Richard Baratta is a Grammy-nominated musician and film producer born in 1950 in Poughkeepsie, New York. Growing up in a musically oriented family, Baratta began his musical journey at age 12. Initially playing saxophone, flute, and drums, he eventually focused exclusively on drums.
After earning a BA in History from Wagner College in 1973, Baratta studied with notable musicians like Jack DeJohnette, Bob Moses, and Steve Haas. Moving to New York City in 1975, Baratta pursued a musical career, playing gigs and recording from 1975 to 1984. During this period, he collaborated with:
He also had memorable performances with Hank Mobley and Johnny Hartman.
In 1984, Baratta made a significant career change, transitioning to movie production. Over the next 35 years, he worked on over 50 films, progressing from location manager to unit production manager, and eventually becoming a co-producer and executive producer. His filmography includes:
Despite his successful film career, Baratta maintained his connection to music, regularly attending concerts and keeping in touch with his former bandmates.
In 2016, Baratta returned to performing music while continuing his work in film production. Since his return to music, Baratta has played with numerous renowned jazz musicians, including Eric Alexander, Vincent Herring, Walter Blanding, Craig Handy, and Marcus Printup. He has released several albums on the Savant/High Note record label:
His latest album, Looking Back, is set to be released on February 21, 2025.
Baratta's music often blends jazz with Latin influences, and his recent albums have focused on reinterpreting movie-based compositions with a Latin/jazz twist. His work has garnered critical acclaim, featuring collaborations with top jazz musicians. As a drummer, Baratta is known for his skillful playing, particularly noted for his work with cymbals.
Richard Baratta's unique career path, spanning both the music and film industries, has given him a distinctive perspective that informs his musical approach. His return to music in his later career demonstrates his enduring passion for jazz and ability to balance his musical pursuits with his successful film production career. His story is one of versatility, perseverance, and a deep love for both music and cinema.
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