Every so often, not even once in a generation, but maybe once in a lifetime... a musician comes along who redefines the instrument. Armstrong, Monk, Hendrix... Suddenly there’s this whole new potential that somehow has never been tapped into until that moment, the impossible is possible, the unthought of manifest. Johnny V is that musician on the drum set. NOBODY plays drums like him, he’s an amazingly unique musician and a seminal figure in NOLA drumming. If I had to sum it up in one word - MELODIC. For decades we’ve been told (still are) that the drum set is not a melodic instrument, it’s not capable of harmony and don’t bother tuning to notes because it’s a timekeeping instrument. Well, they forgot to tell Johnny! Even the way he physically plays - he DANCES on the drums instead of playing them - is unique. Melody is part of his drum DNA, he’s taken the second line feel and brought it to the whole kit. His energy and his love of the music can be felt as soon as he picks up the sticks, and it makes him a joy to watch and listen to. And of course like a true musician and gentleman, he’s shared his knowledge and experience, a mentor and teacher to us all. Nobody could be more deserving of recognition, or more humble. From the next generation of drummers you influence and inspire, and real music lovers everywhere: THANK YOU JOHNNY, WE LOVE YOU
I was house guitarist at Studio In The Country, Bogalusa La for a few years in the 1970's. I did some sessions with this amazing drummer, John Vidacovich. He told me "I'll remember your name". As it turns out, I remember his name. The great John Vidacovich!
Every so often, not even once in a generation, but maybe once in a lifetime... a musician comes along who redefines the instrument. Armstrong, Monk, Hendrix... Suddenly there’s this whole new potential that somehow has never been tapped into until that moment, the impossible is possible, the unthought of manifest. Johnny V is that musician on the drum set. NOBODY plays drums like him, he’s an amazingly unique musician and a seminal figure in NOLA drumming. If I had to sum it up in one word - MELODIC. For decades we’ve been told (still are) that the drum set is not a melodic instrument, it’s not capable of harmony and don’t bother tuning to notes because it’s a timekeeping instrument. Well, they forgot to tell Johnny! Even the way he physically plays - he DANCES on the drums instead of playing them - is unique. Melody is part of his drum DNA, he’s taken the second line feel and brought it to the whole kit. His energy and his love of the music can be felt as soon as he picks up the sticks, and it makes him a joy to watch and listen to. And of course like a true musician and gentleman, he’s shared his knowledge and experience, a mentor and teacher to us all. Nobody could be more deserving of recognition, or more humble.
From the next generation of drummers you influence and inspire, and real music lovers everywhere: THANK YOU JOHNNY, WE LOVE YOU
Awesome Vid! Thx to all .... especially JV.
-Toronto
I was house guitarist at Studio In The Country, Bogalusa La for a few years in the 1970's. I did some sessions with this amazing drummer, John Vidacovich. He told me "I'll remember your name". As it turns out, I remember his name. The great John Vidacovich!
I never met him, yet he has helped to make me a better drummer. He speaks the language of groove & playing for the benefit of the band.
make the pilgarmige to nola and see him play before its too late!!
awesome man.........this was a long time in coming............he IS the best
Well-deserved honor for Johnny V!
Nicely-produced, as well! ;-)
Johnny’s the man! A true artist in every sense of the word
Thanks for this
great TRIBUTE !!! thank you for doing this, i really like it
Amazing drummer! Amazing feel!
Proud of my BST brother,
A true Original!
Unfortunate that he will not be fully appreciated until he is gone.
...he is by anyone, who is not an idiot...
Great stuff
great homage