Tracklist
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Tracklist
Show Notes
VIDA BLUE:
PAGE McCONNELL (keyboards), OTEIL BURBRIDGE (bass), RUSSELL BATISTE (drums)
In 2001, during Phish's hiatus, Page McConnell recruited a Hall of Fame-caliber rhythm section - Oteil Burbridge (Allman Brothers Band, Aquarium Rescue Unit) and drummer Russell Batiste (the Meters) - for this atmospheric jazz - and funk-flavored project. On their self-titled debut album, Vida Blue explores both textures and grooves.
The seeds for Vida Blue were sewn when McConnell attended shows by the Allman Brothers Band and the Meters in April 2001. McConnell honed in on the playing of Burbridge and Batiste, and the wheels began turning. When both enthusiastically assented, McConnell took the reins and made the arrangements, booking time for the trio at a New Orleans studio.
The trio cut tracks and jammed for a week at Piety Street Recording, a brand-new studio in New Orleans' Ninth Ward. McConnell subsequently added instrumental overdubs and vocals back home in Vermont.
The uniqueness of Vida Blue lies in the indefinable chemistry that emerged during their recording sessions. "Vida Blue has brought out something new and different in our playing," he enthuses. "We developed a personality and character as a band. It really does have its own sound and chemistry and energy.
www.vidablue.net
Reviews
Drünicorn — 4/3/2025 11:41:37 AM
"This album has always been a real treat of happy vibes"
Top Ten Album — 8/27/2015 2:35:46 PM
"For me at least, this is in the top ten of best albums ever for me. In other words, if I could pick only ten album to have access to the rest of my life, this would be one of them"
PAGE AGAINST THE MACHINE! — 6/18/2009 10:45:35 PM
"Vida Blue's self titled is a great album. These songs are just really sweet in that Page of ways. Where's popeye's is funky as hell and moves through a couple of pieces. There is some real improvisation, great songwriting, and funk, croon, and psychedelia all in a nice neat package. Buy it!"