Barratt Band
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The Barratt Band was formed in 1980 by Norman Barratt (Late of Gravy Train) and in its initial stages consisted of Norman Barratt (Guitar, Vocals), Dave Morris (Keyboards), Tim Hatwell (Bass) and Russ Caldwell (Drums). The band recorded their first album 'Playing in the City' in 1981 at Chapel Lane Studios just outside Hereford. The band were one of the first fully professional Christian Rock bands in the United Kingdom, all the members having worked as professional musicians in mainstream rock\pop.
The band signed to the fledgling Chapel Lane label that had just been started by Rob Andrews, owner of Chapel Lane Studios. This was a bold attempt to produce CRM recordings that matched professional secular standards and raise the profile of CRM.
'Playing in the City' was voted 'Album of the Year' in Buzz Magazine, the NME\Melody Maker of the CRM scene in the UK and has become one of the all time favourite Christian Rock albums.
The band toured the album extensively throughout the UK, Europe and Scandinavia on major tours supporting Larry Norman and on smaller club tours in their own right. The highlight being the 1982 Greenbelt Festival held at Knebworth where they headlined the closing night.
Larry Tomaso replaced Tim Hatwell on bass in 1982 and the band appeared on numerous tours and albums supporting or backing some of the top CRM artists of the day from the USA and UK including Larry Norman, Steve Camp, Phil Keaggy, Jesse Dixon, Sheila Walsh.
The band released a second album in 1984 named 'Voice' with Dave Engel now on drums.
The heavy touring and work schedules took their toll resulting in one of the band members collapsing through exhaustion while on tour in Scandinavia towards the end of 1986.
Although the band has never officially split up it never toured or recorded again.
