Vida Blue

Amazon.com
To his credit, keyboardist Page McConnell's first solo venture sounds absolutely nothing like Phish. 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 Brothers bassmaster 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 by Stevie Wonder on 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 of Chet 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 the Aquarium 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

Product Description
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.

Vida Blue,Vida Blue,Elektra / Wea,Jam Bands,Pop,Rock,Rock/Pop

Vida Blue

Average customer rating:

It's good
Revolutionary times
Black Dove
makes me want to dance
Enjoy!

Frida

Manufacturer: Deutsche Grammophon
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Frida
Border (La Linea)
La Sandunga
Una Sangre (One Blood)
La Llorona

ASIN: B00006LLNV
Release Date: 2002-10-22

Tracks:

Benediction and Dream
The Floating Bed
El Conejo
Paloma Negra
Self-Portrait with Hair Down
Alcoba Azul
Carabina 30/30
Solo Tu
El Gusto
The Journey
El Antifaz
The Suicide of Dorothy Hale
La Cavalera
La Bruja
Portrait of Lude
La Llorona
Estrella Oscura
Still Life
Viva La Vida
The Departure
Coyoacan and Variations
La Llorona
Burning Bed
Burn It Blue

Amazon.com

She was famous as both artist and model, infamous as political revolutionary and social libertine, and Frida Kahlo's controversial life couldn't help but seem the stuff of great musical theater. Her story is brought to the screen by director Julie Taymor, whose musical compatriot here is also her husband; Elliot Goldenthal, student of both Copland and Corigliani, shrewdly sublimates his modernism in service of the rich, evocative music and songs of Mexico and Central America. Utilizing performers that range from the contemporary (Lila Downs) to the folk-classic (Costa Rican legend Chavela Vargas; Brazilian star Caetano Veloso) and traditional (Los Cojolites, El Poder Del Norte, Trio Huasteca, Caimanes de Tanquin, and others), Goldenthal generously displays the true breadth of Mexican folk music, while seamlessly infusing it with the minimalist corners of his own underscore and some winning songwriting of his own. The result is one of 2002's most compelling soundtracks. The enhanced CD features include musical film excerpts, as well as a video conversation between Goldenthal and star Salma Hayek and text interviews with the composer and director Taymor. --Jerry McCulley

Customer Reviews:

It's good.......2007-07-22

But I don't think it's all it's hyped up to be on the other reviews, but, I do like it to the point of keeping it. It's the perfect 4star rating.

Revolutionary times.......2007-05-14

I absolutely love this soundtrack! Everytime I listen to it, I feel as though I am in Mexico during the revolution and Frida's life. Everyone should choose their own life soundtrack and this one allows us to see into Frida's life more clearly.

Black Dove.......2007-05-13

Fell into the movie trying to avoid study and hang out with a jilted housemate. If I'm honest, Salma Hayek was the main draw. Wafer thin.
However, I was enraptured by the story of Frida and the amazing performance (no wonder she was oscar nominated).
I bought the soundtrack the next morning. It really got to me.This is a great soundtrack and, yes, it does help if you have seen the movie but not necessary. I loved the latin passion (highs and lows). Chervala Vargas as Elliot Goldenthal describes in the slieve was once Frida's lover. I loved her Paloma Negra. So powerful.
There is something for everyone in this long soundtrack.
Do as i have: watch the movie and buy the soundtrack. Worth the time and money.

makes me want to dance .......2007-05-07

I really enjoyed the CD, the musical selection is great and it seems very authentic.

Enjoy!.......2006-12-30

I purchased this CD after seeing the movie. The music is enjoyable to listen to and passionate as I would think Frida was. I purchased this CD a second time to give to a female Hispanic artist who identifies with the trials and tribulations of Frida. This artist now paints while listening to this CD. Her artwork not only has improved but has become popular. I defiantly recommend its purchase.

Gabriela Montero plays Chopin, Falla, Ginestera, etc. [Includes Bonus CD]

Average customer rating:

Gabriela Montero CDs
Non-professional Review
Absolutely Magnificent!
Improvisations Unbelievable!
A beautiful breath of fresh air!

Gabriela Montero plays Chopin, Falla, Ginestera, etc. [Includes Bonus CD]

Manufacturer: EMI Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Bach & Beyond - Gabriela Montero
Gabriela Montero en Concert à Montréal
Bach & Beyond [United Kingdom]
The Carnegie Hall Concert
Martha Argerich Plays Chopin: The Legendary 1965 Recording

ASIN: B0009VK0LO
Release Date: 2005-09-13

Tracks:

Moment Musical In E Mino Op. 12 No. 4
Prelude In G Op.32 No.5
Etude-Tableau In D Op.39 No.9
Prelude in D Flat Op.17 No.3
Prelude In E Flat Minor Op.16 No.4
Prelude In G Op.13 No.3
Etude in C Sharp Minor Op.42 No.5
La Vida Breve: First Spanish Dance - Manuel De Falla
Goyescas: Quejas O La Maya Y El Ruisenor
Danza Del Viejo Boyero
Danza De La Moza Donosa
Danza Del Gaucho Matrero
Nocturne In D Flat Op.27 No.2
Fantaisie-Impromptu In C Sharp Minor Op.66
Mephisto Waltz No.1

Tracks:

On Rachmaniov: Vocalise
On The Theme From Bach 'Goldberg Variations'
On Chopin: Nocturne In D Flat
On Rachmaninov: Piano Concerto No.2
Inspired By Scriabin
On Duermete Mi Nino
In The Style Of Tango
On Granados: 'Quejas O La Maya El Ruisenor'
In The Style Of Bach
On Chopin: Prelude In A
'Improvisation in Blue (Gabriela Montero)'
'Song for Natalia and Isabella (Gabriela Montero)'

Customer Reviews:

Gabriela Montero CDs.......2007-06-12

Excellent service -- speedy, just as described, well-packaged. I'd definitely buy from this seller again.

Non-professional Review.......2007-03-27

Okay, I listen almost exclusively to classical music, but I do so simply for the pleasure and nothing more. I cannot tell you about Gabriela Montero's technique, and, when she improvises, I have no ability to judge the music's intrinsic value, authenticity, or whatever. I can only tell you this: while I own many dozens of albums, running the full spectrum of the classical genre, I value none of them above Montero's Bach and Beyond and her Piano Recital. Pure listening joy!

Absolutely Magnificent!.......2007-03-09

I first saw Gabriela Montero on 60 Minutes a few months ago and was taken by her playing ability as well as her ability to improvise on the classics. Ms. Montero's fingers fly over the keyboard, playing Rachmaninoff more dramatically and key-perfect than I've heard in a long time. I decided to purchase this CD and have not been disappointed.

Improvisations Unbelievable!.......2007-01-26

Gabriela Montero is a tremendous talent, both in standard classical repertoire, and improvisation. I have know her since she was a young girl, and she was by far the best pianist around, even then. She is an undersung pianist of our age, and should rise to the top very soon!

A beautiful breath of fresh air!.......2007-01-20

What a sheer delight hearing her play. I've never heard anyone quite like her. A phenomenally gifted player, and it's a rare treat to hear someone who defies pigeonholing. I had heard her on the radio, and knew I was onto something when her improvisation on a very simple theme gave me the chills. I love both CD's in this collection.

It's interesting hearing the negative response coming from some classical musicians and fans. At times it can seem to roughly follow the stages of grief as proposed by Kubler-Ross. I'm a professional guitarist, and it's funny because it's almost identical to how guitarists react to hearing another guitarist, but with an big class-conscious overlay (all very civilized, of course). Think of the "guitarist screwing in a lightbulb" joke. To paraphrase and extrapolate on what someone might say upon hearing her improvisation:

1. Shock: Wow, he's good. Oh, and it's a woman!? And you say it's improvisation??

2. Denial: That can't possibly be improvisation. Classical musicians don't engage in that untidy process. What she's playing must be written out, and I can tell! Don't ask, I just know it.

3. Anger: This stuff is no good. Only permanent music is of value through the ages, and that's why classical music (and only the European kind) is better than any other music. Besides, I can't improvise, so I reject it - and only THOSE people engage in improvisation.

4. Depression: She can play all the classical music, and seemingly can improvise, or at least pass her stuff off as such. Not only that, she's getting attention and money, and we're not. Why is the world unfair?

5. Acceptance: (sort of) Well, I guess she's selling CD's, and is becoming successful. She is, I hate to admit it, a great player. Even if she is a faker. Of course, they're begging my Muffy to become artist-in-residence in Spoleto....

The other reviewer has a point when he says that she may be viewed as a curiosity. Because she's crossing genres, people may not know what to make of it, and this often causes reflexive hostility. As an improvisor, I would agree that it's hard to say that something is 100% improvised - players tend to have pet phrases and favorite general ideas they return to. But to me, Gabriela's playing is at the highest level of skill, beauty, and feeling, whether improvising or playing written pieces.

Average customer rating:

Cheesy and Boring
Tremendous waste of talent
Page Steals the Show
Great Stuff
Cool, damn cool.

Vida Blue

Manufacturer: Elektra / Wea
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Inside In
Page McConnell
Plasma
Round Room
Pork Tornado

ASIN: B000068CWX
Release Date: 2002-06-25

Tracks:

Most Events Aren't Planned
Where's Popeyes
Electra Glide
CJ3
Fresh Tube
Who's Laughing Now
Final Flight

Amazon.com

To his credit, keyboardist Page McConnell's first solo venture sounds absolutely nothing like Phish. 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 Brothers bassmaster 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 by Stevie Wonder on 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 of Chet 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 the Aquarium 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

Album Description

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.

Customer Reviews:

Cheesy and Boring.......2006-11-19

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.

Tremendous waste of talent.......2005-09-06

I listened to Phish for years, often digging Page McConnell's chops during live shows. The past ten years have soured me on Phish's songwriting abilities, however, since the band seemed (in the past tense -- they've mercifully broken up now) wholly unable to write songs that actually meant anything. I'm not sure if it was the drugs, emotionally stunted childhoods, or just a collective inability to get sad or pissed off about anything, but Phish's music remains a beacon of emotionless twaddle, a geeky escape for teenagers seeking refuge from the harsh realities of the world, and a drug-enhanced excercise in style over substance. But then again, there's obviously still a market for this music.

With "Vida Blue," I was truly hoping Page McConnell would put aside his inner child and write some funky, meaningful tunes. The band on this CD -- bassist Oteil Burbridge and ex-Meters drummer Joseph "Zigaboo" Modeliste -- form a backup band that James Brown in his heyday would've been proud to front. The funky beats of Modeliste (and not 'Russell Batiste,' as it says on this site) alone could funkify even the whitest person's outlook on life, so I was hoping McConnell would take advantage of such a stellar supporting cast.

Alas, he didn't. The result is more silly, emotionless twaddle that Oteil and Zigaboo must held their noses to play with any degree of seriousness. Listening to this CD, for me, was like listening to Brittany Spears sing and dance to the John Coltrane Trio. It's that bad.

McConnell is so totally outclassed writing-wise, singing-wise, and playing-wise, I wonder why he even bothered recording any of the tunes on this CD. Others may disagree, but I found this music silly, lifeless, and insultingly stupid.

Also, McConnell called this group "Vida Blue," which, in my opinion, is a completely non-sensical name. The real Vida Blue was an all-star baseball pitcher who played from 1969-1986 for the A's, Royals, and Giants. Why not just call the group "Roger Clemens" or "Lance Armstrong"? How about "Karl Malone," or even "Brett Favre"? Naming the group "Vida Blue" for no apparent reason other than McConnell's geeky pleasure is just wack. I can think of about fifty names off the top of my head that would've been more creative and suitable than "Vida Blue." Give me a break.

As much as I wanted to dig this CD, I thought it was a silly, wasted effort.

Page Steals the Show.......2003-07-06

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.

Great Stuff.......2002-12-03

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.

Cool, damn cool........2002-09-06

After hearing Page McConnell's accompanying keyboarding on Gov't Mule's "The Deep End" (as well as Mike Gordon's basswork), I knew that I couldn't wait to get my hands on a copy of Vida Blue's first release. I was always hearing about them playing live in the area, but never went down to see them. After hearing this release, I am going to make sure to get some tickets next time they are in town. Vida Blue's songs can only really fall into a genre that isn't really defined- jam. Page's keying is beyond his usual standards as he is forced to take on a more versatile role in a three piece band where he provides the main melody. Instead of stepping up occasionally for a solo in between Trey's work, he headlines the whole album, making his talent even more visible. This album also would serve as a great companion to the Disco Biscuit's "They Missed The Perfume."

Tracks:

THE ILLUSTRATED BAND (THE ESSENCE OF AMERICANISM)
CHARMPIT (TRAD YORUBA CHANTING)
YOU DON'T KNOW (I FELL IN LOVE WITH A PROSTITUTE)
LITTLE MIAMI (MY MAN! WILD MAN!/ PREACH ON SISTER, PREACH ON/ LA ULTIMA FAMILIA)

Amazon.com

What a difference a year makes. Page McConnell has revamped the direction of his extra-curricular band, Vida Blue--named after the Cy Young award-winning pitcher--nudging them more in a traditional jazz direction and leaving all the obeisance to rock posturing of the first record far behind. On this second outing the Phish keyboardist doesn't sing a single note, but instead employs what seems to be snippets of training films to provide some kind of quasi-political cohesive narrative arc on the title track "Illustrated Band," adding the shrill squawks of tropical birds, and oddly a sample of LaWanda Page, who you might remember as Aunt Esther from the seventies TV show "Sanford and Son"--again displaying McConnell's fascination with the pop culture of his childhood. A trip to Miami introduced him to the Afro-Cuban rhythms of the Spam Allstars, who provide a saucy Latin exuberance to the disc's four tracks; their feral and dangerous rhythms and witchy incantations grounded by Otiel Burnbridge's solid and steady basswork, and the Meter's Russell Baptiste's graceful and deft drumming. --Jaan Uhelszki

Customer Reviews:

What's the use.......2005-02-07

I am not a phan of this cd. It seems a little drawn out and the jams really never go any where.

Surprise!.......2003-10-17

Of all the Phish spinoff projects, the one I enjoyed the most was the first Vida Blue disc. Like most really good music, it didn't sit well with me at first because it defied my expectation that it would contain a lot of Page's wonderful Piano noodling. Still, it grew on me rather quickly and I have been really looking forward to this new release.

If you are expecting more of the same from "Illustrated", you're going to be disappointed. Page is frequently mixed into inaudibility and the "beat-centric" performances leave little room for the sort of rambling yet melodic atmosphere that made the debut so strong.

But don't give up too easily. After three or four times through, Page is more easily heard than on the first listening. Oteil get's a lot more use - to good effect - kinda makes one wonder where they were keeping him on the first release. The songs are long, wonderful run-on sentences; and the horns contributed by SPAM are an emphatic punctuation mark.

Tracks:

Tango: La Cumparsita - Orch Ens/Lalo Schifrin
Jealousy - Stanley Black And His Orch
Tango: El Choclo - Orch Ens/Lalo Schifrin
Caminito - Placido Domingo
Blue Tango - Mantovani And His Orch
Besame Mucho - Mantovani And His Orch
Volver - Placido Domingo
Tango: Calambre - Orch Ens/Lalo Schifrin
Tango: Tango Del Atardecer - Orch Ens/Lalo Schifrin
Nostalgias - Placido Domingo
Dark Eyes - Stanley Black And His Orch
Green Eyes - Frank Chacksfield And His Orch
A Media Luz - Placido Domingo
Mi Buenos Aires Querido - Placido Domingo
Adios Muchachos - Mantovani And His Orch
Tango: Recuerdo - Orch Ens/Lalo Schifrin
Vida Mia - Placido Domingo
El Dia Que Me Quieras - Placido Domingo

Customer Reviews:

Tango's for gringos.......2003-04-20

If you like Argentine style tango you won't like this cd, but if you are like me and like tango played romanticly, and with lush stringed arraingements, instead of the harsh icy sound of the argentine way, then you will love this recording, I only wish that the original albums from which this cd was compiled were available in their entirety.

Big disappointment for Tango fans.......2001-04-24

I purchased this CD with great expectations which were completely dashed. I have always wished that Placido Domingo would record a CD of Argentine tango, since he has the voice and sense of drama to do justice to the art of tango. So when I saw this CD, I thought, "Wow!"

However, this CD is a crime commited against tango. The arrangements are not traditional Argentine tango, but the most saccharine gringo tango. I wish that Domingo had recorded with a real tango orchestra like Color Tango or the orchestra from Forever Tango.

Tracks:

The Star-Spangled Banner
Dixie & The Bonnie Blue Flag
Honor To Our Soldiers
Salutation To America Grand Polka
Lustspiel Overture
My Heart's With My Nora
Meridian Waltz
O Ye Tears
Holiday Polka
Polonaise
Wrecker's Daughter Quickstep
Selections From 'Rigoletto'
Polka Mazurka
Maud Schottisch
Vida Galop
Wood Up Quickstep
Vergistmeinieht
Ninetta Polka
Sextet & Cavatina From 'Lucia Di Lammermoor'
Juanita
Martha Quickstep
Home Again
Louisa Polka
Light Cavalry Overture

Customer Reviews:

enjoyable to listen to over and over.......1999-08-10

I already had the soundtrack to the PBS Civil War series but wanted something with period music that did not mainly consist of marches and specifically war-related ballads and battle hymns. I was happily surprised to find _Honor to Our Soldiers_, which consists largely of dance music with some war- and opera-related music, played on mellow-sounding brass instruments, with informative liner notes. The music is very enjoyable, and even though played on the sort of instruments you would expect to find in a military band, you won't feel as if you should be marching up and down the room while listening to it.