Biography
Tony Dagradi has long pointed toward elevated realms, whether through his teaching role at New Orleans’ respected Loyola School of Music or by launching Astral Project, widely regarded as the city’s foremost contemporary jazz ensemble. On alto and soprano saxophone, the musician has shared stages with an impressive roster that includes Professor Longhair, Ellis Marsalis, James Booker, Dr. John, Johnny Adams, Larry Coryell, and Nat Adderley, alongside his regular Astral Project associates. His range is evident in extended tours with Carla Bley and periodic appearances alongside the New Orleans Symphony.
Yet Astral Project, which Dagradi formed in 1978, accounts for his greatest recognition. Influenced by his engagement with Eastern religion, he selected the band’s name to embody a musical goal of moving both players and listeners beyond the restricted ego toward a more expansive awareness. Many who have heard the group affirm that it succeeds in producing such transportive states. The lineup—Dagradi on saxophone, David Torkanowsky on piano, James Singleton on bass, Steve Masakowski on guitar, and Johnny Vidacovich on the bass—has earned acclaim for merging intellectually demanding lines with the textures of street music. Their albums Elevado and Voodoo Bop, featuring compositions such as Masakowski’s “Paladia” and Dagradi’s “Protecting Circle,” illustrate the musicians’ breadth and collective strength, each member being a composer in his own right.
Torkanowsky’s dynamic piano is absent from the 2002 recording Big Shot after he departed to pursue separate interests, yet the remaining members have always maintained additional projects, and the resulting sound remains equally gripping. Dagradi also assembled his own trio, documenting the 1995 release Live at the Columns: The Tony Dagradi Trio at the storied hotel on St. Charles Avenue whose close, refined setting suits his intense yet reflective approach, with fellow Astral Project members Johnny Vidacovich and James Singleton.
As a university instructor, Dagradi has energized jazz education in New Orleans by establishing the Jazz Underground series at Loyola, where skilled players, including himself, salute masters such as Thelonious Monk, Horace Silver, and John Coltrane. He can likewise be found at Snug Harbor, sitting in with Rick Margitza. Wherever the saxophonist appears, he reliably raises the level of the experience.
Yet Astral Project, which Dagradi formed in 1978, accounts for his greatest recognition. Influenced by his engagement with Eastern religion, he selected the band’s name to embody a musical goal of moving both players and listeners beyond the restricted ego toward a more expansive awareness. Many who have heard the group affirm that it succeeds in producing such transportive states. The lineup—Dagradi on saxophone, David Torkanowsky on piano, James Singleton on bass, Steve Masakowski on guitar, and Johnny Vidacovich on the bass—has earned acclaim for merging intellectually demanding lines with the textures of street music. Their albums Elevado and Voodoo Bop, featuring compositions such as Masakowski’s “Paladia” and Dagradi’s “Protecting Circle,” illustrate the musicians’ breadth and collective strength, each member being a composer in his own right.
Torkanowsky’s dynamic piano is absent from the 2002 recording Big Shot after he departed to pursue separate interests, yet the remaining members have always maintained additional projects, and the resulting sound remains equally gripping. Dagradi also assembled his own trio, documenting the 1995 release Live at the Columns: The Tony Dagradi Trio at the storied hotel on St. Charles Avenue whose close, refined setting suits his intense yet reflective approach, with fellow Astral Project members Johnny Vidacovich and James Singleton.
As a university instructor, Dagradi has energized jazz education in New Orleans by establishing the Jazz Underground series at Loyola, where skilled players, including himself, salute masters such as Thelonious Monk, Horace Silver, and John Coltrane. He can likewise be found at Snug Harbor, sitting in with Rick Margitza. Wherever the saxophonist appears, he reliably raises the level of the experience.
Albums
