Page McConnell - Gramercy Theater 04.04.07

He's known by some as the chairman Of the Boards. On 12.18.99, he was Bob Mayonnaise. When he's Leo, he likes to play it. He is Page McConnell.

The former Phish keyboardist extraordinaire returned to NYC Wednesday in support of his upcoming self-titled solo effort, due out April 17th on Legacy Records. If you have ever read my "about" page then you know as much as I dig the indie rock, Phish IS my phavorite band. Fact.

I haven't seen Page perform in person since 8.12.04 in Camden and via a movie theater during the band's last performance at Coventry, Vermont. Needless to say, I was ecstatic to be in attendance at one of NYC's newest venues (and my local 'hood venue) the Gramercy Theater; which by the way, is an excellent new space to see live music. This was the second official show for Page and his band (the first was a live performance on XPN which you can stream here).

I'm biased, but some would say that Page's weakness is in his voice. Last night Page proved that he knows his range and can utilize his sound effectively over his music. He's sincere, emotional, and very believable as a front man.

The new sound is actually very similar to his work with Phish (score one for old school fans)...the closest out of all the post Coventry outfits from each of the four members to what the group sounded like. Page brings plenty of improv to the live show as well (score!).

"Strange Design", one of the few Phish songs Page wrote, is an easy pic for the night's highlight. Off the new album "Maid Marian" and "Beauty of A Broken Heart" were standouts in a two-hour set.

A few Phish phamily members were in attendance including Manager Brad Sands and the GREATEST. LIGHTING DIRECTOR. EVER. Chris Kuroda, who rocked the audience with his visions all night.

Page is about to head out on Tour to support his album. I'd recommend a show or three.

View the rest of my pics here

Comments

[Rupert]

Nice review & glad to hear Page's band is worth exploring. Wasn't a huge fan of Vida, but looking forward to checking em out.

[James Schneider]

I made it to the show at Pantages in the twin cities and was a little dissapointed. They had an average performance, songs from his album, a steeler's wheel rift, and "Cars trucks and busses". What really suprised me was the audience. Some of my most memorable Phish experiances were in the Target center a block away. I expected the same type of atmosphere but was extreemly dissapointed. I highly doubt there were even 150 people in attendance. And those who were, were less than enthusiastic. It was sad to see him playing to a non-existant audiance, and i hope shows like that don't discourage him from his work.

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I like the indie rock music, that originated in the United Kingdom and one of my favorites is Smith Westerns and I'm agree with you Phish is a really good band!

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I was looking information about this guy and is really impressive what he does is just incredible he has so much talent and the art on his blood doesn't stop for anything.