Richard Baratta

The Grammy nominated, Richard Baratta Gotham City Latin Jazz Sextet/Septet is comprised of world-renowned master musicians. Rooted in traditional jazz background, but expanding into all musical idioms, the musicians and band leave a lasting impression wherever they perform. They have traveled the world entertaining at well know jazz and music festivals, universities, institutions and clubs. Each musician has been a leader in his own career and collectively they synthesize into a unique musical experience. The performances include the Music in Films series, drawing from Baratta’s successful 35 year movie career. His two critically acclaimed recordings, MUSIC IN FILM-THE REEL DEAL and MUSIC IN FILM -THE SEQUEL, and their latest recording, LOOKING BACK, which takes a look at iconic rock classics from the mid 60’s are featured. Incorporate numerous original compositions and what you have are brilliantly arranged, mostly familiar and absolutely swinging affairs with a fresh, unique approach and a funky Latin Jazz feel. This is not just a cover band. Cover bands, as popular as they often are with audiences, always benefit from the inclusion of new and exciting music that appeals to the complete strata of discerning listeners. Gotham City is that group. Do yourself a favor, check out this raucous, good-time, feel-good live band for any type of event.

About the Performers

Richard Baratta has worn many hats over the decades: master drummer, Grammy nominee, film producer, musician, but his latest headwear takes us down a nostalgic road of classic rock and soul recordings from the mid to late 1960’s. Baratta returned to his original love, music, after a very successful 35 year career in the film business. With over 50 years of experience as a jazz drummer he enjoys the free flowing innovative sensibility that he applies to his work in the film industry. As 30 year member of the Directors Guild of America, as well as the Producers Guild of America, Baratta has worked on many Academy Award nominated films, including Donnie Brasco, The Wolf Of Wall Street, The Irishman, Joker, and others, Since 2020 Baratta has recorded five projects, most notably the album Music in Film featuring Grammy nominated track Chopsticks, with his current working band of Vincent Herring, Bill O’Connell, Paul Bollenback, Michael Goetz and Paul Rossman.

Dave Stryker is one of the most distinctive voices in jazz guitar today. With over 35 albums as a leader and a career spanning decades, Stryker has captivated audiences worldwide with his soulful tone, inventive compositions, and dynamic performances. He first gained national attention as a sideman with organist Jack McDuff and legendary saxophonist Stanley Turrentine, with whom he toured extensively from 1986 to 1995.

A prolific recording artist, Dave Stryker’s recent albums—including Prime, As We Are, and Stryker with Strings Goes to the Movies—have topped the JazzWeek charts and earned critical acclaim from DownBeat and JazzTimes. His celebrated “Eight Track” series reimagines classic pop tunes through a jazz lens, showcasing his versatility and deep groove.

Beyond the stage, Stryker is a dedicated educator, serving on the jazz faculties of Rutgers University, Montclair State University, and William Paterson University. Whether leading his organ trio, collaborating with jazz greats, or mentoring the next generation, Dave Stryker continues to shape the sound of modern jazz with passion and authenticity.

Abraham Burton is a powerhouse saxophonist and educator whose fiery sound and commanding stage presence have made him a standout figure in contemporary jazz for over three decades. Born and raised in Greenwich Village, Burton studied under the legendary Jackie McLean at the Hartt School of Music, where he earned his degree with honors. He later received his master’s from Rutgers University, where he now serves on the jazz faculty.

Burton launched his career with the iconic drummer Arthur Taylor, touring internationally and recording acclaimed albums like Mr. A.T. and Live at the Village Vanguard. He went on to lead his own dynamic ensembles, including the Abraham Burton Quartet and Forbidden Fruit, performing at major festivals such as North Sea Jazz, JVC, and Pori. His discography as a leader includes Closest to the Sun, The Magician, and Cause and Effect, all praised for their intensity and artistry.

A longtime member of the Mingus Big Band, Burton has also collaborated with jazz luminaries including Roy Hargrove, Jimmy Smith, Louis Hayes, and Christian McBride. Now based near Morristown, NJ, he continues to inspire audiences and students alike with his deep musicality, fearless improvisation, and dedication to the jazz tradition.

Bill O’Connell is a Grammy-nominated pianist, composer, and arranger whose bold fusion of jazz and Afro-Caribbean rhythms has made him a cornerstone of the Latin jazz scene. A New York native and Oberlin Conservatory alum, O’Connell has performed with legends like Mongo Santamaria, Dave Valentin, and Sonny Rollins. His lyrical touch and rhythmic firepower have earned him four SESAC “Jazz Writer of the Year” awards and widespread critical acclaim.

As the pianist and arranger for the Richard Baratta Gotham City Latin Jazz Septet, O’Connell brings his signature flair and deep musicality to the ensemble’s high-energy performances. His arrangement of “Chopsticks” for Baratta’s Music in Film: The Reel Deal earned a Grammy nomination, highlighting his ability to reimagine classics with sophistication and swing. Whether on stage or in the studio, O’Connell’s artistry continues to elevate every project he touches.

Michael Goetz is a seasoned bassist whose versatility, deep groove, and impeccable musicianship have made him a sought-after figure on the New York jazz and Latin scenes since the mid-1980s. With a career spanning live performance, studio recording, and Broadway orchestras, Goetz has collaborated with a wide array of top-tier artists including Bill O’Connell, Vincent Herring, Paul Bollenback, Dave Stryker, and Doug Munro.

His discography includes work on Grammy-nominated albums such as Music in Film: The Reel Deal with the Richard Baratta Gotham City Latin Jazz Septet, as well as acclaimed releases like A Very Gypsy Christmas and The Harry Warren Songbook. Goetz’s bass lines have anchored tribute albums for Vitamin Records, spanning genres from Pink Floyd to Celine Dion, and he’s contributed to film scores by Ryuichi Sakamoto and Elmer Bernstein. Whether laying down a Latin groove, swinging through bebop, or supporting a Broadway pit orchestra, Michael Goetz brings depth, precision, and soul to every note.

Paul Rossman doesn’t just play percussion—he paints with rhythm. A fixture in the New York jazz and Latin scenes, Rossman has spent decades weaving his vibrant, polyrhythmic voice into the fabric of countless ensembles. His hands have danced across congas, timbales, and shakers in settings as varied as smoky jazz clubs, grand concert halls, and Grammy-nominated studio sessions.

You’ve heard him on Richard Baratta’s Music in Film: The Reel Deal, where his solo on the track “Chopsticks” pulses with both elegance and fire. You’ve felt his groove alongside jazz titans like Vincent Herring, Eric Alexander, and John Patitucci. And when the music calls for a global heartbeat, Rossman answers—drawing from his studies with percussion legends Frank Colón, Bobby Sanabria, and Norman Headman to infuse every note with authenticity and soul.

But Paul isn’t just a sideman—he’s a storyteller. Whether anchoring a Latin jazz septet or adding sparkle to a cinematic arrangement, he listens deeply, responds intuitively, and elevates the moment. His playing is never about flash—it’s about feel. It’s about knowing when to drive and when to dance, when to whisper and when to roar. In a world that often rushes past the details, Paul Rossman reminds us that rhythm is not just time—it’s texture, tension, and truth.

Veteran singer-actor-musician Carroll W. Scott began his musical sojourn in the South Bronx singing and playing clarinet from the age of 10. As a young adult, Carroll played saxophone and sang in pop and jazz groups, sharing stage venues with percussionist Ray Barretto and guitarist Kenny Burrell.

He performed on Broadway and at Lincoln Center, Madison Square Garden and Carnegie Hall. Carroll was understudy to Clifton Davis in the Broadway play “Two Gentlemen of Verona”. His vocal collaborations include McCoy Tyner’s “Inner Voices”, Pharoah Sanders’, “Rejoice” and Idris Muhammad’s, “You Ain’t No Friend of Mine”.

Carroll completed national and international tours with Tony Williams and the Platters and toured Italy and China as a featured singer and soloist with the Brooklyn Interdenominational Choir. Carroll performed with renowned French pianist Pierre Christophe at the Hotel d’Aubusson in Paris, France. Carroll was invited to sing with the Ken Fowser quintet at The Django jazz club, NYC. Most recently, Carroll is featured on Richard Baratta’s Grammy nominated CD, “Music in Film:The Reel Deal”.

Carroll majored in clarinet and saxophone performance and minored in drama, receiving a B.S. in music from New York University. He also achieved a M.S. in Special Education from Adelphi University and a Professional Diploma in school administration and supervision from Long Island University.

Thank you for your support!

Leadership Support for the Lot of Strings Concert Series is provided by Will and Mary Leland and Lot of Strings founding donor, F. Gary Knapp.

Support for the Back Deck Concert Series is provided by Gary’s Wine & Marketplace and Morris County Tourism Bureau, a Division of the Morris County Economic Development Alliance.

Back Deck Visitor Information and Guidelines

Attendees must bring their own chairs and are welcome to bring refreshments. Tickets are $63 for an 8’x8’ block that accommodates up to two patrons or $33 for a block that accommodates one. There is a $3 handling fee per block included in the price. Concerts begin at 7:30 PM. Patrons are welcome to arrive as early as 6:30 PM to enjoy their picnics. In the event of inclement weather, outdoor performances will be held in the Museum’s Bickford Theatre, general admission. For assistance and to make purchases by phone, call the box office at 973-971-3706.

About the Back Deck

Since launching in July 2020, The Back Deck has presented over 72 performances of critically acclaimed artists, welcomed more than 11,000 patrons, and received critical praise from local and national media. The series has presented established artists and rising stars with several ensembles going on to receive national acclaim. Now an established part of the regional cultural landscape, the Museum’s elevated parking deck has become known for elegant tailgates and world-class music each summer.