Astral Project is a modern jazz quartet from
, Louisiana. It was founded by saxophonist
Tony Dagradi
Anthony Arnold "Tony" Dagradi (born September 22, 1952) is an American jazz saxophonist.
Biography
Dagradi was born in New York City, and began playing alto saxophone when he was eight years old. In his professional career, he has primarily play ...
in 1978 and includes drummer
Johnny Vidacovich
John Joseph Vidacovich Jr. (born June 27, 1949) is an American jazz drummer and a member of the band Astral Project with James Singleton, Tony Dagradi, and Steve Masakowski.
He has also worked with Bobby McFerrin, Stanton Moore, Charlie H ...
, bassist
James Singleton and 7-string guitarist
Steve Masakowski
Steve Masakowski (born September 2, 1954) is jazz guitarist, educator, and inventor. He invented the guitar-based keytar and the switch pick, and has designed three custom-built seven-string guitars. He developed an approach to playing the guit ...
. The band originally included pianist David Torkanowsky who left in 2001. Astral Project blends jazz, funk, rock, and world music and has been called one of New Orleans' premier jazz groups.
Astral Project began performing at the Absinthe House on
Bourbon Street
Bourbon Street (french: Rue Bourbon, es, Calle de Borbón) is a historic street in the heart of the French Quarter of New Orleans. Extending thirteen blocks from Canal Street to Esplanade Avenue, Bourbon Street is famous for its many bars an ...
where during their early years
Bobby McFerrin
Robert Keith McFerrin Jr. (born March 11, 1950) is an American folk and jazz singer. He is known for his vocal techniques, such as singing fluidly but with quick and considerable jumps in pitch—for example, sustaining a melody while also rap ...
was known to often sit in. Having made several national and international tours, the quartet has continued to perform more recently at
Snug Harbor and at
Jazz Fest
The New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival (commonly called Jazz Fest or Jazzfest) is an annual celebration of local music and culture held at the Fair Grounds Race Course in New Orleans, New Orleans, Louisiana. Jazz Fest attracts thousands of vi ...
in New Orleans. Astral Project has received several Big Easy Entertainment Awards.
Big Easy Entertainment Awards Winners 1988-2005
''bestofneworleans.com'', retrieved July 27, 2007
Discography
* ''Come With Me'' (Astral Project)
* ''Astral Project'' (Astral Project, 1997)
* ''Elevado'' (Compass
A compass is a device that shows the cardinal directions used for navigation and geographic orientation. It commonly consists of a magnetized needle or other element, such as a compass card or compass rose, which can pivot to align itself with ...
, 1998)
* ''Voodoo Bop'' (Compass, 1999)
* ''Big Shot'' (Astral Project, 2003)
* ''The Legend of Cowboy Bill'' (Astral Project, 2004)
* ''Live in New Orleans'' (Astral Project, 2006)
* ''Blue Streak'' (Astral Project, 2008)
References
External links
Official site: Astral Project
*
*
by Larry Englund
{{DEFAULTSORT:Astral Project
American jazz ensembles from New Orleans
Musical groups from New Orleans
Jazz musicians from New Orleans
Musical groups established in 1978
1978 establishments in Louisiana
Compass Records artists