| Jazz |
Here is the album of an exceptionally gifted and versatile drummer who began his career forty years ago in New York before venturing into cinema, becoming a producer involved in major productions such as The Wolf of Wall Street, The Irishman, Joker, and several Spider-Man films. In 2020, Baratta officially returned to music with his first album on Savant, Music in Film: The Reel Deal, where he revisited iconic film scores in a dynamic jazz setting.
This new album is undeniably a triumph, bringing a smile to your face from the very first track, I Feel Good. Initially, I found it hard to imagine this explosive tune in a jazz interpretation, but the result is both surprising and masterfully executed—just like the rest of the album. That said, while I found his version of Purple Haze less compelling than that of my friend, guitarist Nguyen Le, Baratta’s rendition remains an aesthetically refined take on the classic.
Richard Baratta offers a musical universe that extends far beyond the styles typically expected in a jazz club. His rhythmic vision is remarkably diverse, providing ample space for his musicians to express themselves, creating an effervescent interplay that permeates the album from start to finish. As Baratta himself explains: “My first love was jazz, but rock, soul, and funk were never far behind—otherwise, I would have missed out on hundreds of teenage parties.” Looking Back revisits ten classics from the late 1960s, carefully selected by Baratta and O’Connell.
The making of such an album inevitably stirs emotions, beyond just the nostalgia of youth. “As I worked through each piece, I realized they all had their own distinct personalities,” O’Connell reflects. “I would bring them to Rich, and he’d say, ‘Let’s try it!’ Finding the right approach for each track was both a challenge and a thrill.”
Reimagining Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds as an island-inspired tune was a bold move, but Baratta pulls it off with undeniable talent and a fully embraced aesthetic, drawing the listener into the album’s irresistible charm. This is a jazz record that breathes new life into familiar songs, offering fresh perspectives on each track—an absolute delight!
The formula may seem straightforward, but the arrangements are intricate, as Baratta himself explains. The drummer speaks of his admiration for the original flute solo, which he found revolutionary at the time: “It was a sound I absolutely loved,” he recalls. “I listened to Coltrane and Miles, but I never stopped listening to rock.” Hey Jude, appearing later in the album, further reflects this deep affinity for rock, while showcasing the sextet’s musical sensitivity. Once again, O’Connell infuses the arrangement with a subtle Latin touch.
As you may know, I’m not usually a fan of cover albums, yet this one is a hidden gem—imaginative, deeply personal, and full of surprises. Baratta and his ensemble offer a fresh vision of well-loved songs, making for a thoroughly enjoyable listening experience. Whether you’re spinning the album or catching the band live, this is an essential musical journey—one that promises even more to come!
Thierry De Clemensat
USA correspondent – Paris-Move and ABS magazine
Editor in chief Bayou Blue Radio, Bayou Blue News
PARIS-MOVE, February 15th 2025
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