JOHNNY VIDACOVICH
THE ASTRAL PROJECTSince 1978, Astral Project has been New Orleans¹ most exciting, inventive and respected morden jazz group. It¹s a co-op band comprised of world-class improvisers, hailed by fans and critics around the world.
Down Beat calls Astral Project "one of the most distinctive and cohesive groups in jazz."
JazzTimes calls Astral Project "one of the more adventurous working units in modern jazz today."
The daily paper in Astral Project¹s home town, The New Orleans Times-Picayune, calls Astral Project simply "the city¹s premier modern jazz ensemble." The monthly music magazine OffBeat says Astral Project is"the finest modern jazz ensemble in New Orleans, and undoubtedly one of the most unique jazz groups period."
JOHNNY VIDACOVICHIn his very personal approach to percussion, master drummer John Vidacovich combines elements of New Orleans' traditional rhythms with free techniques and mainstream sensibilities. He is at once a brilliant soloist and a highly sensitive accompanist with the ability to detect and quickly enhance even the most subtle change of direction. His command of dynamics, distinctive melodic accents and effervescent swing have brought him international recognition as the quintessential modern New Orleans drummer. His unique style and conviction has led to performances with jazz masters Joe Henderson, Donald Byrd, Kenny Baron, Eddie Harris, Nat Adderley, Joe Williams, Ray Anderson and Bennie Wallace, plus work with such Southern legends as Professor Longhair, James Booker and Mose Allison. Most recently, John has toured with the young guitarist Charlie Hunter. John's albums as a leader include "Banks Street" and "Mystery Street" (both Chebasco), and his new solo album, "Vidacovich."
JOHNNY VIDACOVICH TRIO feat George Porter Jr. of the Meters, Runnin' Pardners, & 7 Walkers The simply-named Trio -- featuring Johnny Vidacovich (pictured) on drums, George Porter Jr. on bass and June Yamagishi on guitar -- as a regular appearance around town has always gotten the kind of reviews from showgoers that are more facial expressions and noises than actual words. Putting those three mighty powers of funk, blues and soul together on one stage is only part of the magic. Vidacovich, Porter and Yamagishi's chops have won them a lot of friends over the years, and their "special guests" onstage always feature some of the biggest talents and even the biggest names in local music. Yamagishi wails, Vidacovich pounds and Porter provides the throbbing, funky backbone for some of the most soaring and surprising jams that could happen, structured around everything from fusion jazz to Meters classics to '50s style New Orleans R&B.
THE VOICE OF THE WETLANDS ALLSTARS Voice of the Wetlands All-stars - Tab Benoit has assembled a stellar ensemble of fellow New Orleans musicians (including N.O. Legends which include Meters and Neville Brothers Cyril Neville, fellow roots-man Anders Osborne, fiddler Waylon Thibodeaux, influential New Orleans drummer Johnny Vidacovich, harmonica/ accordion player Jumpin Johnny Sansone, and New Orleans Mardi Gras Indian Big Chief Monk Boudreaux. to forge a musical plea about the fragile eco-system that is the increasingly depleted wetlands surrounding their hometown.
"The Voice of the Wetlands Organization formed the first national out-reach program to educate and make the public aware that Louisiana was in danger, the refineries that line the coast of Louisiana were un protected due to years of neglect by locals and oil companies. We all knew that our culture was already fading but if you can connect a direct relationship to Louisiana and the rest of the US then maybe our elected politicians would take notice and vote for the issues that were important to the people and the culture of Louisiana. The Voice of the Wetlands Allstars have done this through music" Rueben Williams of the Thunderbird Management Group/Voice of the Wetlands Organization, “We have brought allot of attention through these legendary musicians who are at their musical prime. They are pioneers of a sound and style that is indigenous to Louisiana’s wetlands and every performance is filled with passion for that purpose."
The Voice of the Wetlands All-stars have appeared at both the Democrat and Republican Conventions and annually at the Voice of the Wetlands Festival in Houma, Louisiana. The group has toured close to 40 dates through-out the US in 2011.
If there is one group that encapsulates the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival, it is the Voice of the Wetlands All-Stars, an improbable cooperative with a cause.
