Vida Blue
To his credit, keyboardist Page McConnell's first solo venture sounds absolutely nothing likePhish. 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 Brothersbassmaster 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 byStevie Wonderon 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 ofChet 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 theAquarium 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