Astral Project

{{short description|American modern jazz quartet}}

{{Use mdy dates|date=January 2020}}

{{About|the modern jazz quartet|the paranormal concept|Astral projection|the manga|Astral Project (manga)|the Orange Goblin song titled "The Astral Project"|Frequencies From Planet Ten}}

{{Infobox musical artist

| name = Astral Project

| image = FQF10 Astral Project 2 (cropped).JPG

| image_size = 250

| landscape = yes

| caption = Astral Project performing in 2010

| origin = New Orleans, Louisiana

| genre = Jazz

| years_active = 1978–present

| label = Compass

| associated_acts =

| website = {{URL|www.astralproject.com}}

| current_members = * Tony Dagradi

• Johnny Vidacovich
• James Singleton
• Steve Masakowski

| past_members = * David Torkanowsky

}}

Astral Project is a modern jazz quartet from New Orleans, Louisiana. It was founded by saxophonist Tony Dagradi in 1978 and includes drummer Johnny Vidacovich, bassist James Singleton and 7-string guitarist Steve Masakowski. The band originally included pianist David Torkanowsky who left in 2001. Astral Project blends jazz, funk, rock, and world music and has been called one of New Orleans' premier jazz groups.[http://www.bestofneworleans.com/dispatch/2006-01-10/music_rec.php Karrin Allyson, with Astral Project] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070625073720/http://www.bestofneworleans.com/dispatch/2006-01-10/music_rec.php |date=June 25, 2007 }} David Lee Simmons, Gambit Weekly, January 10, 2006, retrieved July 27, 2007

Astral Project began performing at the Absinthe House on Bourbon Street where during their early years Bobby McFerrin was known to often sit in.[{{Allmusic|class=artist|id=p134745/biography|pure_url=yes}} Bio of Johnny Vidacovich] Rose of Sharon Witmer, AllMusic Having made several national and international tours, the quartet has continued to perform more recently at Snug Harbor and at Jazz Fest in New Orleans.[http://offbeat.com/artman/publish/article_1569.shtml Astral Project Live In New Orleans] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070928014929/http://offbeat.com/artman/publish/article_1569.shtml |date=September 28, 2007 }} Geraldine Wyckoff, OffBeat Magazine, June 21, 2006 Astral Project has received several Big Easy Entertainment Awards.[http://www.bestofneworleans.com/dispatch/current/be_past.php Big Easy Entertainment Awards Winners 1988-2005] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070613040423/http://www.bestofneworleans.com/dispatch/current/be_past.php |date=June 13, 2007 }} bestofneworleans.com, retrieved July 27, 2007