Astral Project at Chorum Hall

For more than thirty years, the band Astral Project has delighted audiences around the world with its unique blend of cutting-edge improvisation and near telepathic interplay, laid over deep New Orleans’ grooves. Tonight, the band launched in 1978 by Tony Dagradi will be in Baton Rouge to play an intimate, cabaret-style concert at Chorum Hall, as the latest in the Arts Council of Greater Baton Rouge's Jazz Listening Room concert series. 

In 1978, when Dagradi gathered together the brightest, most energetic young players in the Crescent City, he coined the band name as a reflection of the group’s quest for a higher plane of experience (he was a devoted student of Eastern philosophy). Over the years Astral Project's personnel has remained remarkably constant. Master drummer John Vidacovich continues to direct the rhythmic ebb and flow of the music. On bass, James Singleton is a conduit of pure energy. Steve Masakowski has long been regarded as one of the most awe-inspiring guitarists and composers in contemporary music. Performing on tenor and soprano saxophones, Tony Dagradi brings an emotional urgency to each solo. His huge tone and soaring lines speak of the entire tradition of jazz and constantly push the energy of the band forward. 7:30 pm at Chorum Hall, 1024 Executive Park Avenue. Tickets are $15 in advance from BonTempsTix.com, or $20 at the door. facebook.com/Chorum.Hall.