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Master Drummer

That sentence was written about the 1967 St. Aloysius grad by Bunny Matthews in Offbeat magazine.

• He learned to play Dixieland songs like "Bill Bailey" and "When the Saints Go Marchin' In" for concerts at schools and hospitals.
• That experience inspired him to join the Aloysius band under the direction of Clem Toca, then Joe Hebert, both of whom led outstanding Stage (Jazz) Bands on Esplanade Avenue.
• Johnny's senior year, the Band got superior ratings at the prestigious Enid (OK) Band Contest. Needless to say, he made the Louisiana All-State Band multiple times.
• While still in high school, Johnny played paid gigs at clubs in the French Quarter. After high school, he became a full-time musician.
• He has taught for decades at Loyola and UNO and written poetry along the way.

1966-7 St. Aloysius Band Officers

L-R: Joseph Hebert, Band Director; Robert Ohler, 2nd Lieutenant; Pat Gordon, 1st Lieutenant;
Emmett Zimmerman, Drum Major; John Vidacovich, Captain; Lloyd Wood, 2nd Lieutenant

• Growing up in New Orleans and playing from an early age steeped him in the gumbo that is Big Easy music. His eclectic approach caused him to say "yes" to numerous artists of various genres within the jazz umbrella. Each gig broadened his range.
• He particularly values the experience in his late 20s when he toured with Professor Longhair. He taught me a lot of stuff.
• Johnny has been called a brilliant soloist and a highly sensitive accompanist who can morph from one style to another with lightning speed.
• He co-founded the modern jazz ensemble Astral Project in 1978. The players go their separate ways but come together occasionally to play gigs and record albums, including one live at Jazz Fest.
• He has appeared on more than 250 recordings and on stages around the globe with dozens of the biggest names in jazz.