I’m just a lucky so and so.” Johnny Vidacovich considers himself a lucky guy. Touchstones of the brilliant drummer’s serendipitous musical journey include his life-changing acceptance into St. Aloysius High School with a full scholarship, his long, meaningful relationship with pianist/vocalist/composer Mose Allison and being a member of Astral Project, which this year celebrates its 39th anniversary.

“It’s the best band...