Johnny Vidacovich’s name is magic in circles where great rhythm and finesse are king. That Out Da Box boasts the drummer’s handle makes sense in arousing strong interest. His stamp is definitely here though he is credited as a co-composer on only one of the 12 tunes on the disc.

In reality, the excellent ensemble itself with Vidacovich, keyboardist, co-producer and arranger Michael Pellera, bassist Grayson Brockamp and saxophonists Tony Dagradi and Khari Allen Lee, maintains predominance. Vidacovich’s old friend, drummer Jeffrey Meyer, who contributed material to and produced three of Vidacovich’s previous fine albums Mystery Street, Bank Street and ’Bout Time is back as the major composer and producer.

Paraphrasing the late great James Brown, Meyer’s and Pellera’s “Steely Magnolia” “wouldn’t be nothing, nothing without” the groove set by Vidacovich. Next the drummer pounces on the title cut with Khari Allen Lee blowing some mean alto. “Puree,” bebops acoustically with Pellera moving from Fender Rhodes to acoustic piano. Brockamp enjoys some open space to further explore the tune on bass.

Dagradi returns on tenor for one of the few ballads, the beautiful “So Long.” Vidacovich’s impeccable brush work—he’s one of the best-ever with brushes—enhances the mood.

One of the interesting aspects of the recording is the use of two saxophonists—Lee and Dagradi. They turn up on separate cuts as well as blowing together as they do on “Don’t Eat My Grits” and others. We hear Vidacovich count out in scat-like style the opening of the Latin-flavored “Chick Ole.” He recites his sweet, Aesop fable-type tale on “Oneida” the words of which are featured on the album sleeve.

There is a certain comfort zone found within Out Da Box rising from like minds and old friends coming together. These talented artists use it to their advantage in providing diversity, sincerity and musical imagination.

Johnny Vidacovich performs with Astral Project at Jazz Fest on May 4 at 4:40p Jazz Tent.