Astral Project is a modern jazz quartet from New Orleans, Louisiana. It was founded by saxophonist Tony Dagradi in 1978 and includes drummer Johnny Vidacovich, bassist James Singleton and 7-string guitarist Steve Masakowski. The band originally included pianist David Torkanowsky who left in 2001. Astral Project blends jazz, funk music, rock, and world music and has been called one of New Orleans' premier jazz groups.Karrin Allyson, with Astral Project David Lee Simmons, Gambit Weekly, January 10, 2006, retrieved July 27, 2007
Astral Project began performing at the Absinthe House on Bourbon Street where during their early years Bobby McFerrin was known to often sit in.[ Bio of Johnny Vidacovich] Rose of Sharon Witmer, AllMusic Having made several national and international tours, the quartet has continued to perform more recently at Snug Harbor and at New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival in New Orleans.Astral Project Live In New Orleans Geraldine Wyckoff, OffBeat Magazine, June 21, 2006 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, 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
Interview with Tony Dagradi of Astral Project by Larry Englund