Description
The fifth and last-published in a series of five original e-books about the New Orleans modern jazz group Astral Project.
David Lasocki, Johnny V: John Vidacovich of New Orleans on the Drums and on the Cymbals (published April 2017).
The drummer (and cymbalist) John Vidacovich, familiarly known as Johnny V, the winner of a lifetime achievement award from OffBeat magazine, has made an enormous impact on the music of his native New Orleans over the last fifty-plus years. Whether as a founding member of Astral Project, the leader of his own jazz or funk groups, or a sideman in numerous styles of popular music, Johnny has followed intensely in the distinguished tradition of Big Easy percussionists. And like other great performers, he has developed his own, inimitable style within the tradition. Although Johnny has been interviewed by the press for decades, nothing like a full-length study of his life and work has ever been made. The present book fills that void with biography, photographs, commentary on his recordings, improvisations on his teaching, and a visit to his poetry and comedy, not to mention a detailed discography and bibliography.
You may also buy printed versions from amazon.com and other amazons of the world with black-and-white illustrations or (as Johnny V in Color), with color illustrations.
Praise for this book
“Thanks, just got it in the mail and have been checking it out. It’s one GREAT job, David! Never can say thanks enough for such hard, great work. All my love, Johnny V.”
“David, I knew long ago that Johnny needed voices to memorialize his importance to music. Those in the future with such curiosity as yours will benefit in understanding a rare talent. Thanks for your enormous effort. Hope your book makes the New York Times best seller list.”
Producer, New York.
“David, Thanks for the book — great, as always.”
Jazz saxophonist, Czech Republic.
“Hey David, thank you SO much for seeing this book through! It’s one of the greatest gifts of Johnny’s life, I am sure!”
Jazz drummer, France.
Praise for this series:
“I have seen Astral Project over 20 times, and your books are like sweet nectar to a honeybee. The level of detail and consummate research about their history make the books truly a ‘must read’ for any fan of jazz music. I am thoroughly engaged and reading two books simultaneously! Thanks for your amazing work!”
Optometrist and jazz guitarist, Louisiana.
