Jesus and Jazz f Richard Baratta Tomoko Ohno Michael Goetz Patrick Gannon at Mt Zion Ame Church – Millburn, NJ

Welcome to Jesus and Jazz featuring Richard Baratta, Tomoko Ohno, Michael Goetz, and Patrick Gannon! Join us at Mt Zion Ame Church on September 28, 2025 at 11:30 AM (Eastern Time) for an amazing musical experience. Get ready to be uplifted by soulful tunes and inspiring melodies in a beautiful setting. Don’t miss this opportunity to enjoy great music and good company. See you there!

Jesus and Jazz at Mt Zion AME Church – A Service of Praise, Power & Jazz. An inspirational uplift of Spirit, Mind and Body featuring the dynamic Rev. Eyesha Marable . 56 Church Street, Milburn, NJ Free & open to all.

Lineup

Drummer Richard Baratta

Richard Baratta is a Grammy-nominated jazz drummer and prolific film producer whose career spans decades and disciplines. Born in 1950 in Poughkeepsie, New York, Baratta began his musical journey at age 12, playing saxophone, flute, and eventually focusing on drums.

Music Career Highlights

• Played jazz throughout his teens and early adulthood, performing with legends like Hank Mobley, Johnny Hartman, and Cyro Baptista.
• Studied under renowned drummers Jack DeJohnette, Bob Moses, and Steve Haas.
• After a long hiatus to pursue film, he returned to music in 2016 and now leads two bands:
• Gotham City Latin Jazz Septet
• The 3B’s Plus 2
• His album Music in Film: The Reel Deal earned a Grammy nomination, and he followed it with Music in Film: The Sequel in 2022.

Film Career

• Switched to film production in 1984 due to financial pressures and family commitments.
• Worked on over 50 films including Joker, The Irishman, Dr. Strange, The Wolf of Wall Street, and five Spider-Man movies.

Baratta’s story is one of reinvention—balancing Hollywood blockbusters with jazz club gigs, and proving that passion never fades.

Pianist Tomoko Ohno

Tomoko Ohno is a Japanese-born jazz pianist celebrated for her expressive style and international career. Born in Tokyo, she began piano studies at age 4 and was performing professionally in the Tokyo jazz scene as a teenager. After earning a degree in Law and Politics from Rikkyo University, she moved to the U.S. to study jazz at William Paterson University, where she trained under Harold Mabern and Rufus Reid.

Career Highlights:

• Performance Venues: Lincoln Center, Carnegie Hall, Blue Note, Birdland, and live broadcasts on WBGO, WNYC, and ABC’s Good Morning America.
• Collaborations: Played with jazz greats like Wynton Marsalis, Benny Golson, Joe Henderson, Slide Hampton, and Houston Person.
• Recordings: Released multiple albums including Powder Blue, Affirmation, Natural Woman, and Tres Sabores, blending jazz with tango influences.
• Ensembles: Member of the DIVA Jazz Orchestra, Jay Leonhart Trio, and the Trilateral Project with Brazilian drummer Samuel Martinelli and bassist Marcus McLaurine.

Tomoko Ohno’s artistry bridges continents and genres, making her a dynamic force in contemporary jazz. You can explore more on her official website.

Bassist Michael Goetz

Michael Goetz is a seasoned bassist deeply embedded in the New York music scene since 1985. Known for his versatility, he’s played across genres—from jazz to Broadway to film scores—with an impressive roster of collaborators including Vincent Herring, Ingrid Jensen, Ray Vega, and David Amram.

Here’s a quick snapshot of his career:

Jazz Projects: He’s featured on Grammy-nominated albums like Music in Film: The Reel Deal and holiday jazz releases such as A Very Gypsy Christmas.

Studio & Stage: Goetz has recorded tribute albums for Vitamin Records covering artists like Pink Floyd, Metallica, and Enya.

Film & TV: He’s contributed to scores for Femme Fatale, Snake Eyes, and Twilight, working with legendary composers like Ryuichi Sakamoto and Elmer Bernstein.

Broadway: His pit orchestra credits include Les Misérables, Miss Saigon, Ragtime, and Young Frankenstein.

Patrick Gannon Saxophone

Patrick Gannon is a talented alto saxophonist known for his dynamic performances and leadership in jazz ensembles. He leads the Patrick Gannon Sextet, a group that blends classic jazz sensibilities with modern energy. The ensemble has featured top-tier musicians including Jonny Gittings (trumpet), Peter Lin (trombone), Caelan Cardello (piano), Matt Holmes (bass), and Alberto Oliart (drums).

Gannon has been spotlighted on platforms like All About Jazz, where his work is recognized for its expressive tone and thoughtful improvisation. Whether performing in intimate clubs or larger venues, his saxophone voice brings warmth and sophistication to the stage.

Singer Lynette Sheard

Lynette Sheard is a powerhouse performer with a five-octave vocal range and perfect pitch. She’s not just a singer—she’s also an accomplished actress, producer, director, and vocal coach.

Here’s a quick snapshot of her vibrant career:

Beyond the Stage: Sheard is also a mental health advocate and entrepreneur, blending creativity with leadership in her community work and business ventures.

Music: Sheard performs across genres including jazz, R&B, gospel, soul, and pop. Her voice has been described as one that “shakes the rafters”.

Theater: She’s starred in principal roles in Dream Girls, Smokey Joe’s Café, Ragtime, Aida, A Raisin in the Sun, and Avenue Q, where she played Gary Coleman.

Recognition: Her performances have been praised by outlets like The New York Times, Broadway World, and The Star Ledger.

Come experience the fusion of Jesus and Jazz as they uplift your spirits and leave you feeling inspired.

Let the Spirit move you and the music uplift you — Jesus and Jazz is calling!