Johnny Vidacovich is one of the relatively hidden treasures of New Orleans music to outsiders, but locals know how important he is to the fabric of the city’s culture. A polyglot of rhythms, the drummer is a truly unique player in a city that is filled with virtuoso drummers. His highest profile gig is with the New Orleans jazz super group Astral Project, a regular attraction at Jazz Fest although not a regular working band, although bandmates Vidacovich and bassist James Singleton are a rhythm section of choice for many local players. Recently Vidacovich has been a regular in two of the best contemporary jazz bands in the city, the improvisational trio Johnny, June (Yamagishi) & George (Porter), and the fabulous Nolatet, with Singleton, keyboardist Brian Haas and vibraphonist Mike Dillon. Johnny V. also plays with a host of others and is often a featured player at the groundbreaking Scatterjazz program at SideBar. Even during the lonely days of the pandemic Johnny has revved up for a daily contribution on his Facebook page, “Message of Hope and Faith,” in which he offers some inspirational thoughts and a thoughtful drum solo from his living room.

Vidacovich has only a handful of solo outings, so ’bout Time is a welcome addition to his catalog. The record showcases his abilities as a bandleader and poet as well as beatmaster. The format is a quartet featuring Astral Project band mate Tony Dagradi on saxophones, Ed Wise on bass and Michael Pellera on keyboards. The compositions are terse pieces that run from R&B to fusion, with tuneful themes and tight ensemble playing throughout. The longest track, “Pee Wee” rides on Johnny V’s stately march rhythm and employs a nifty theme to frame excellent solos from Wise and Dagradi before the tune fades out on Johnny’s solo. Johnny really drives the band with his powerful rolls on “Three Sicilians” as Dagradi turns in a great tenor solo and Pellera follows on piano. The title track and “Like Butta” follow suit with solos from the same players. The beautiful ballad “Back Home” may be Dagradi’s finest moment on the album, a soulful tenor passage that really sweats. No Vidacovich album would be complete without one of his beat poems set to his own drum accompaniment as he does not disappoint here with the super funky “Watching the Mountains Grow.”