Posts on the Spam Allstars’ Instagram page have confirmed the revival of Page McConnell (Phish), Oteil Burbridge (Dead & Co, Allman Brothers Band, Aquarium Rescue Unit), and Russell Batiste‘s (The funky Meters) early-2000’s live electronic trio, Vida Blue, nearly 14 years after their last performance together.
Earlier this week, a Facebook post by Miami Afro-Cuban outfit Spam Allstars stoked excitement for the potential return of the group. Vida Blue recorded their sophomore album, The Illustrated Band, with the Spam Allstars in 2003, and toured alongside them throughout 2004 until their final performance at the third annual Bonnaroo Music & Arts Festival on June 11th, 2004.
The initial post was somewhat cryptic. It read: “14 years ago we had the honor to record and perform with Page McConnell’s Vida Blue with Russell Batiste & Oteil Burbridge. Today Spam Allstars are looking forward to getting into the studio again with this crew!! Stay tuned…”
Since then, a series of photos and video clips have appeared on Spam Allstars’ Instagram, confirming that this highly-talented group has not only reconvened but is also recording music at the venerable Criteria Studios in Miami. Criteria has hosted numerous well-known artists over the years. Roughly 250 Gold or Platinum-certified singles and albums have been recorded there, including the Allman Brothers Band‘s Eat A Peach, Derek and the Dominos‘ “Layla”, and James Brown‘s “I Feel Good”.
You can check out various clips and photos from Vida Blue and the Spam Allstars ongoing recording session at Miami’s Criteria Studios below via Spam Allstars Instagram:
Korg VC10 vocoder with lyrics posted on it, including Gary Numan‘s “Cars”, among others:
Russell Batiste warming up in the studio:
Vida Blue and the Spam Allstars back in the studio together for the first time in 15 years!:
We can’t wait to hear what this incredibly talented and creative group is cooking up! Welcome back, Vida Blue!
[Cover photo: Spam Allstars Instagram]