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Vida Blue is Page McConnell on keys (Phish), Russell Batiste on drums (Funky Meters, Papa Grows Funk, Orchestra From Da’ Hood, Brides of Jesus), and Oteil Burbridge on bass (Allman Brothers, Peacemakers, Gov't Mule, and formerly with the Aquarium Rescue Unit). All three contribute on vocals and based on their resumes alone, this band looks extremely compelling. But to see the trio live on-stage and voraciously interact, it quickly becomes apparent these musicians have joined forces and formed a “Super-Jamband.” Crossing the USA on a fifteen-show tour, the Vida Blue tour bus parked itself at the Fox Theatre in Boulder, Colorado for a two-night run.
The Fox Theater is arguably one of the best rooms in the country to see live music. With a capacity limit of 700, intimacy is the keyword. The tiered levels in this small square room provide excellent sight lines and the three large bars make drinking easy. But the main attraction is the lighting and sound systems. Running the Fox’s equipment for Vida Blue were Paul Languadoc (sound) and Chris Kuroda (lights) from the Phish family.
After a fifty-minute-opening set by jam-rockers MOFRO, the Vida Blue trio took the stage at 9:55pm and were greeted by an enthusiastic, capacity crowd. The audience made it very clear from the start that they wanted to get their Vida Blue on. Page, Russell, and Oteil responded graciously. The first two songs showcased the distinctive sound the band has created. “Most Events Aren’t Planned” presents a techno-dance groove with Page’s vocals, and “Get Ready” features Oteil’s vocals combined with his gift to sing the notes as they are played. And speaking of gifted, Russell is playing seven drums, including two snares and a double-kick bass drum pedal, along with seven cymbals of various character. Amazement, wonder, and awe come to mind when witnessing Russell’s chops. During the course of the show, Russell took three drum solos, otherwise known as Batiste Drum Clinics. Overall, Oteil and Russell were constantly locking into explosive bursts of percussion while Page provided killer leads on his six or seven different types of keyboards. The Pink Floyd song “Sheep” made an appearance, followed by another cover, Traffic’s “Light Up Or Leave Me Alone,” which led into a funk/jazz/space jam, dissolving into a ballad sung by Page. “Where’s Popeyes” followed and it included a tease of The Meters’ funk instrumental classic “Cardova.” “Who’s Laughing Now” from the studio Vida Blue CD was next, and then a song written by Russell titled “Russell’s Song” featuring both Oteil and Page on vocals. Then John Lennon’s “Jealous Guy” put everyone in the theater on the same page. As the show clock was running down, the band gave us two more. A rowdy, fist-pumping version of Led Zeppelin’s “No Quarter” with enhancement by Russell playing the drums with four drumsticks (two in each hand). And the power ballad “Electra Glide.” During the singing of “Electra Glide,” the audience responded with cheers after certain lyrics, such as “...go hit your stride and ride like Vida Blue,” and “...but don’t worry if the stars don’t align, rule number one, have a good time.” Tremendous amounts of positive energy were created by both the musicians and the audience. For the encore, we were treated to a double blast. First, “Magilla” which was written by Page and can be found on Phish’s second studio CD A Picture of Nectar; second, another John Lennon song, “Instant Karma.” Finish time: 12:05am.
The second night of the two-night run presented an even tighter sounding band and an even more sold-out theater than the night before. The number one highlight of the show was the Vida Blue debut of The Meters’ “Just Kissed My Baby.” Clocking in at close to fifteen minutes, it was funky funky funky (funky to the third power). For the first time ever, Russell Batiste sang a Meters’ song onstage. Both he and Oteil traded singing duties throughout the song. While Oteil and Russell locked in the groove, Page soloed on top with his funky keyboard playing. Let’s hope this song becomes a setlist fixture because it really works for Vida Blue. Another highlight was Elton John’s “Amoreena” with Page singing so gracefully it was like warm molasses. It seemed like the setlists were split evenly between cover songs and originals. “Most Event’s Aren’t Planned,” “Who’s Laughing Now,” “Get Ready,” and “Electra Glide” all made repeat appearances. “CJ3” made its first appearance and was received happily. Start time: 9:50pm; Finish time: 12:10am.
I won’t reveal all the secrets and tricks of the show, but there are many surprises thrown around here and there. You gotta see Vida Blue with your own eyes to be sure.
Matthew Kane
JamBase | Colorado
Go See Live music!
07.15.02 Fox Theatre | Boulder, CO
Most Events Aren't Planned
Get Ready
Sheep
Light Up Or Leave Me Alone >
Day or Night
Where's Popeyes >
Jam with Cardova/It's Your Thing tease
Who's Laughing Now
Russell's Song
Jealous Guy
No Quarter
Electra Glide
E: Magilla > Instant Karma
07.16.02 Fox Theatre | Boulder, CO
Fresh Tube>
Cars
Most Events Aren't Planned
Who's Laughing Now
*Just Kissed My Baby >
Get Ready
Day or Night
Amoreena
No Quarter
CJ3
Electra Glide
E: Sheep
*Debut
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