Vida Blue, Vida Blue July 10, 2002 - Mode Weekly by Benjy Eisen Album Review - Vida Blue Of all the things, so far, to come out of Phish’s hiatus, Vida Blue is easily the most surprising. And indeed, everything about their debut album is a surprise. Although technically a supergroup, Vida Blue is essentially keyboardist Page McConnell’s project, featuring Oteil Burbridge (Allman Brothers Band) on bass, and Russell Batiste (Funky Meters) on drums. In almost two decades with the wildly successful Phish, McConnell had taken his share of 20-minute improvisational solos, often composing melodies and song structures on the spot. But he had only really contributed two original songs to Phish’s cache, and he never really took a leadership role. Vida Blue, then, emerges as McConnell’s uber alter-ego. On the debut album, McConnell wrote all of the songs and sang all of the vocals (he shared that duty in Phish). He also produced the album himself. There’s no mistake — Vida Blue is McConnell’s band. Named after a ‘70s baseball star, McConnell assembled the cast in April 2001. Vida Blue is the end product of a week of jam sessions in a New Orleans studio, which McConnell then crafted into tracks, adding lyrics and finishing touches. The outcome is an album of lightheaded electronica and organic etherealism. Burbridge, who often flaunts scat gimmicks and flashy fingerwork, shows more restraint here, to his credit. His punch-money bass lines, mixed with Batiste’s solid near prog-rock beats, provide the perfect ethereal layer for McConnell to sprawl across. Both players give unexpected performances, rising above their niche playing and straying admirably from their comfort zones. The results are good. As for his own playing, McConnell sounds nothing like he does in Phish. Just the opposite, he leaves his frenetic Phish fingerprints behind for more open, spacious grooves, and lightened, spacey sounds and effects. The album’s instrumental tracks can come off sounding eerily similar to some of the jambands that surfaced in Phish’s wake (specifically, the New Deal). Other tracks sound more like the ‘70s retro grooves that McConnell has always hinted at in his playing. The album’s centerpieces, "Electra Glide" and "Most Events Aren’t Planned," are catchy and sing-songy, and they show McConnell’s promise as a lyricist and songwriter. Overall, Vida Blue as a band is still a baby. Vida Blue, the album, is entirely likeable (even addicting), but may sound dated in a couple years. By then this band of all-stars will know how to hit ‘em out of the ballpark. For now, call this a score for the home team. © 2002 Mode Weekly