Vidacovich a NOLA drum master
POSTED 6:35 PM, AUGUST 31, 2015, BY LBJ
NEW ORLEANS (WGNO)- Drummer and music educator Johnny Vidacovich’s name is in every conversation concerning the best of New Orleans drummers.
Vidacovich…took lessons and credits his early growth on drums to New Orleans musician Warren Duncan, who taught neighborhood kids standard tunes, and his bands played around town at various gigs.
He also credits the elders of New Orleans music….
“I didn’t understand it, and it was overwhelming at first, but I knew that these older guys that I was hanging out with said Johnny, don’t worry about it, just listen,” according to Vidocovich.
Vidocovich has favorites, “Ernie Elly is my favorite drummer right now. Has been for a long time. The touch…just a beautiful touch…makes the drum sing. He plays the music, he don’t beat the drums just plays the music.”
[W]hat makes a New Orleans drummer?
Says Vidacovich, “A guy who makes you, you can be sitting in your seat, and he gon make you dance, it’s gonna make you smile, without a doubt. I think it’s a linear thing, I think it’s a very lyrical thing. Even though they’re beating, there’s something lyrical about it.”
Scott K Fish 