Track Listing

1. Most Events Aren't Planned
2. Where's Popeyes
3. Electra Glide
4. CJ3
5. Fresh Tube
6. Who's Laughing Now
7. Final Flight

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #221533 in Music
• Released on: 2002-06-25
• Number of discs: 1
• Dimensions: .19 pounds

Album Description
For 18 years, Page McConnell has been the keyboardist for Phish, one of the most important and influential bands of the past two decades. Vida Blue is the debut from Page's adventurous trio. McConnell explores grooves both atmospheric and energetic with a sterling rhythm section comprising bassist Oteil Burbridge (Allman Brothers Band) and drummer Russell Batiste (The Meters). 2002.

Amazon.com
To his credit, keyboardist Page McConnell's first solo venture sounds absolutely nothing like Phish. Certainly there's a certain amount of improvisation and jazzy soundscapes that mark many jam bands, but Vida Blue is much more than a mere jam band. Made up of McConnell, Allman Brothers bassmaster Oteil Burbridge, and the Funky Meters skinbeater Russell Batiste, the trio boldly ventures into uncharted territories, letting their collective spirits move them. The result is a sophisticated blend of cool jazz, prog rock, and funky space music that could have been cooked up by Stevie Wonder on a good day. Besides their freewheeling improvisations, the band also serves up more conventional songs that showcase McConnell's sly sense of humor, whimsical take on popular culture, and reveal his droll, strangely innocent singing style that conjures up visions of Chet Baker. Both "Electra Glide" and "Who's Laughing Now" show McConnell to be an eccentric stylist, a commendable mid-range singer, and an engaging, poetic lyricist--which is even more noteworthy since these songs mark the first time he have ever written lyrics. Burnbridge's playing is a little more restrained than his work with both the Allman Brothers and the Aquarium Rescue Unit, but the light touch suits this configuration and meshes well with his brethren. Batiste shows little of that reserve, plunging fearlessly into these strange musical waters, handling the off-rhythms and change-ups with aplomb. An intriguing and promising first effort. --Jaan Uhelszki

Customer Reviews

The Silent One Steps It Up
Page McConnell steps out of the shadows of his old Phish band-mates and presents VIDA BLUE, featuring the all-star rhythm section of Oteil Burbridge and Russell Batiste. Released virtually under the radar with little publicity or hype, Vida Blue is a collection of seven original tracks ranging from techno-funk excursions to mellow piano soul.

McConnell's wide array of keyboards and synths glide over the percolating bass and drum interplay of Burbridge and Batiste to create the truly unique sound which is Vida Blue. Kudos to Page and the band for taking a risk and releasing music that is true to themselves without selling out or caving in to radio-friendliness.

Great Stuff
As a long time Phish fan, I tend to purchase just about every side project Phish members put out. Vida Blue is far from another side project, it probably ranks right up there with Oysterhead in terms of musicianship. Personally, I enjoy the Vida blue material more than the last Phish release.

Otiel Burbidge is a phenomenal base player, I highly recommend picking up his solo work and ARU stuff. I was not familiar with Russell Bastiste's playing, but after listening to this album I decided to pick up some of his work. Overall, Vida Blue's first release a must have for anyone who likes jambands.

Cheesy and Boring
If you like disco beats and goofy lyrics sung by an even goofier singer, then you'll love this cd. Otherwise, you should check out 'The illustrated band', which is the same band, plus some, but Page is obviously not driving the bus, and that's a very good thing. The grooves on 'Vida Blue' are weak and don't even begin to demonstrate the monstrous talent of Otiel Burbridge and Russell Batiste, and even Page for that matter.
Overall it's not terrible, but it is very dissapointing. A waste of talent indeed, and a waste of money for me.