b. 31 January 1949, London (England). Ricotti was the son of a drummer and took up percussion. Although educational facilities were not available, Ricotti was able to contact Bill Ashton who was then a teacher in London. Ashton encouraged Ricotti to continue his studies. Ashton was inspired by Ricotti and began a project that would eventually become the National Youth Jazz Orchestra. Ricotti was proficient on all percussion instruments but he was most skilled with the vibraphone. He also learned his skills as an arranger and composer. Ricotti recorded and played with Neil Ardley and Dave Gelly in the late 60s and early 1970s. Ricotti was a well-known studio musician by the late 1970s. He continued to be involved in the soundtrack music of a number of British television series, including The Beiderbecke Affair. He was also co-leader of Paragonne in the 1980s, along with Chris Laurence, John Taylor and John Taylor. Allmusic
