Vidacovich-Street Beats: Modern Applications (VHS)

Johnny Vidacovich is one of New Orleans' most well-known musicians. His unique sound has graced recordings by artists John Schofield, Mose Allison, James Brooker and Professor Longhair. His blending of Latin-influenced R&B with New Orleans funk, reggae with "second line," and dixieland with modern jazz, epitomizes the unique blend of musical influences that characterize New Orleans music.

John teaches at Loyola University and the University of New Orleans. On this tape he provides insightful illustrations in an articulate and colorful way, including several exercises for playing syncopated figured in both funk and jazz. He also covers various snare drum approached, such as press rolls, drags and utilizing different playing areas of the snare drum.

With his band Astral Project, featuring saxophonist Tony Dagradi, pianist David Torkanowsky, and bassist James Singleton, Johnny performs five compositions that illustrate these different feels, including an "open shuffle" in the Red Tyler composition, Cake Walk, and zydeco and reggae in James Singleton's Bongo Joe. John also breaks down the lineage of two New Orleans standards, Big Chief and the street beat influenced Her Mind is Gone, both from Professor Longhair's classic album Crawfish Fiesta (which featured Johnny, Tony Dagradi, and James Singleton)

VHS format - 65 minutes