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 b... more »oth atmospheric and energetic with a sterling rhythm section comprising bassist Oteil Burbridge (Allman Brothers Band) and drummer Russell Batiste (The Meters). 2002.« less
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.
"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."
Cheesy and Boring
M. Pike | Charlotte, NC USA | 11/18/2006
(2 out of 5 stars)
"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."
Great Stuff
A. Valentine | Ardmore, PA | 12/03/2002
(5 out of 5 stars)
"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."
Page Steals the Show
Sean Walt | Wilmington, Ohio United States | 07/06/2003
(4 out of 5 stars)
"Vida Blue is a dance club/jammy/pop spiked album with a little bit of every thing. Page does all of the vocals except for the studio noises during "Popeyes". He is also the dominant ingrediant to vida blue and since i love phish i have no problem with him hogging the show. However, the jam songs also have a big bass sound that reminds me of how Mike Gordon plays with simple catches funked up differently each and every time. Because of the bass on the jam songs, I have to say that those are the ones that make me wanna give this disk five stars...Where's Popeyes, CJ3, Fresh Tube and i guess despite the vocals, Most Events Aren't Planned. The Electric Glide is also a very nise song with sci-fi lyrics and a good catch.
The final two tracks on the record are the only ones that i really can do without. Especialy Who's Laughing Now. This song is alot like a Mike Gordon tune but without the good bass. It really never gets off and once you add in the [bad] lyrics it quite frankly stinks. The last tune is one of the more accessible tunes on the record and really lacks structure and reminds me a lot of the End Of Session tune on The Story Of The Ghost. It isn't bad but is nothing great.
So, I really like this cd and despite the six minute WLN, I recommend it to all who like good funk jamming with sick keys and good bass lines."
Excellent CD
ralph_wiggum | Englewood, OH United States | 06/28/2002
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Page's latest musical odyssey, Vida Blue, is not entirely like Phish, but it isn't entirely different from it, either. My favorites are 'Most Events Aren't Planned' and the 11 minute long 'CJ3', which is a good example of Page's keyboard prowess. It's a very good CD and I would recommend it to both Phish fans and those who have yet to hear of Phish."