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 also originally included pianist David Torkanowsky who left in 2001. Renowned for improvisation, Astral Project blends styles of jazz, funk, rock and world and have been referred to as one of New Orleans' "premier" jazz groups.
Astral Project began performing at the Absinthe House on Bourbon Street where during their early years Bobby McFerrin 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 in New Orleans. Astral Project has received several Big Easy Entertainment Awards.
Their recordings include: Live in New Orleans (DVD/CD combination released April 2007); The Legend of Cowboy Bill; Big Shot; Voodoobop (best album of 2000 at the 13th Annual Big Easy Awards); Elevado (Winner of the Best Album in 1998 at the OffBeat Awards); and Astral Project New Orleans LA (Album of the Year at the 1995 Big Easy Awards)
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