NYS Music 20​19

Tag: Trey Anastasio

  • In Focus: Nothing Finer Than Phish In Carolina

    Phish fired on all cylinders at North Charleston Coliseum, making their seventh visit to the South Carolina venue deliciously-memorable for the sold-out crowd. Bust-out covers, banter, and barely played original tunes elevated the already enticing jam tapestry that this band is known for.

    Page McConnell, Jon Fishman and Trey Anastasio sing “Carolina”

    The band began the three night run with an acapella “Carolina,” which was last played on 12/30/2016 at Madison Square Garden. “Carolina” was followed by the crowd hyping Phish original, “Party Time.” The bust-outs continued with “Strawberry Letter 23” by Shuggie Otis, marking the fourth time that the band has played this beloved cover. During the second set, the audience was treated to Led Zeppelin’s “No Quarter,” last played 12/29/2018 at Madison Square Garden.

    Trey Anastasio was all smiles at North Charleston Coliseum

    “I Been Around,” last played at MGM Grand on 11/1/2018, made an appearance, complete with humorous lead in pun. Trey said: “Hey Page, I’ve been wondering. Where have you been anyways?” Page cleverly replied “I’ve been around,” which lead into the song.

    Two barely played original tunes graced the set list, including “Destiny Unbound,” last played on 2/23/2019. The encore included an even more rare “Bittersweet Motel,” last played on 7/6/2016.

    Phish certainly gave their dedicated fans a reason to travel to the Palmetto State. They are back in action the next two nights at North Charleston Coliseum. Both nights are understandably sold out, however Phish is offering a live webcast of the event. Visit Live Phish to prevent further FOMO on this already legendary run.

    Setlist courtesy of phish.net

    Friday, December 6

    Set One: Carolina, Party Time, Strawberry Letter 23 > Undermind, I Been Around > Divided Sky, The Sloth, Destiny Unbound, We Are Come to Outlive Our Brains > My Friend, My Friend[1] > About to Run, The Horse > Silent in the Morning, David Bowie

    Set Two: Axilla > Scents and Subtle Sounds > No Quarter > Your Pet Cat, Mercury > Saw It Again > Limb By Limb[2] > The Lizards, Suzy Greenberg

    Encore: Bittersweet Motel[3] > Death Don’t Hurt Very Long > Loving Cup

    [1] No “Myfe” ending.
    [2] Unfinished.
    [3] Lyrics changed to “halfway from Charleston to Pittsburgh.”

    Page McConnell got funky at North Charleston Coliseum

    Saturday, December 7

    Set One: Fluffhead > Ocelot, Nellie Kane > The Dogs > Reba, Halfway to the Moon > Train Song > Guyute, Strange Design, Moonage Daydream

    Set Two: The Connection, Mr. Completely > Crosseyed and Painless > Dirt, Cool Amber and Mercury > Split Open and Melt > Crosseyed and Painless > Split Open and Melt, A Life Beyond The Dream > Wilson > The Squirming Coil

    Encore: Grind, Frankenstein

  • Tanglewood Reveals Summer Lineup – Trey Anastasio to Team up with Keith Lockhart and the Boston Pops

    The Tanglewood 2020 season has been announced with a range of festival favorites and brand new faces. The 12 programs start on June 19 and run through the entire summer, wrapping up on Aug. 30.

    The BSO’s $25 tickets for attendees under 40 will be available during the 2020 Tanglewood season for select performances; these tickets are available starting at the end of May on a first-come, first-served basis through www.tanglewood.org 

    Each program is made up of multiple acts that take place over multiple days. Some of the incredible acts to catch at Tanglewood summer of 2020 include Ringo Starr and his All Starr Band,  Boston Symphony Orchestra, Judy Collins, Arlo Guthrie, Brian Wilson performing Pet Sounds, Trey Anastasio with the Boston Pops and other Tanglewood favorites like Emanuel Ax, Susan Graham, and Yo-Yo Ma. 

    Tanglewood is nestled in the hills of the Berkshires of Lenox and Stockbridge, MA and has been the home of the Boston Symphony Orchestra since 1937. The festival was founded and created by Serge Koussevitzky (BSO Music Director 1924-1949) and is not only a place for music but for a variety of performances and multidisciplinary activities from dance troupes to trivia nights. It’s got a little bit of everything. 

     Year-round Berkshire County residents of Massachusetts may purchase a Berkshire Resident Season Lawn Pass priced at $100. Local residents must show a valid Massachusetts license which is required to obtain a photo ID pass.

    There is also an array of choruses and orchestras to catch of course playing everything from classical to pop culture recreations. With acts like Andris Nelsons-led program with Augustin Hadelich performing Beethoven’s Romance No. 1 and Dutilleux’s L’Arbre des songs to Two Boston Pops concerts led by Keith Lockhart: a film presentation of Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back, with the orchestra performing the score on August 21st Tanglewood covers all the orchestra bases.

    There is also ‘Wait Wait…Don’t Tell Me!’ NPR’s weekly news quiz hosted by Peter Sagal with judge and scorekeeper, Bill Kurtis, and the annual John Williams’ Film Night is coming back hosted by Mr. William’s himself. There’s definitely a little something for every music lover out there even if it’s not just music.

    Tickets go on sale Sunday, Feb. 9, at 10 a.m and regular-season ticket prices range from $12-$132 on average. For tickets and more information visit Tanglewood’s website or call 888-266-1200.

  • Carnegie Hall crowd treated to acoustic Phish from Trey Anastasio

    From perhaps the world’s most storied concert hall, Trey Anastasio, a storyteller of the highest order, delivered a homecoming performance for the ages. As he mentioned during story time between songs, it was good to be back in New York, in his very own UWS neighborhood no less, “like a hobbit come home” after a national tour, including stops in Minneapolis and Milwaukee among others. Tuesday, October 29 was the penultimate performance of his solo tour, the first of two at Carnegie Hall.

    Carnegie Hall Trey Anastasio

    After a welcoming roar, the crowd was completely still for the opening “Theme From the Bottom,” actively silent and attentive while offering the occasional whistle and woot. “Ghosts of the Forest” played beautifully in the pristine gilded white room, was followed by “Sample in a Jar” with the crowd singing along, which seemed to really please Trey who smiled and nodded appreciatively with every nuance of the crowd. 

    Carnegie Hall Trey Anastasio

    Trey, so alone and vulnerable (if that’s possible in the face of his adoring phans) has found his stories becoming the best part of these shows. “I want to try this out real quick to establish the rules. Let’s see how ya do,” before he began the opening notes of “Limb By Limb” to a scream, to which he retorted, “I guess you can handle this,” before continuing another of the night’s epic singalongs. Then he recounted a story of playing the same room with the New York Philharmonic and explained the difference between a conductor and a concertmaster (the strongest and most confident member of an orchestra who everyone looks to for guidance), and shouted out Sheryl Staples, whom he played with in September 2009, before saying Phish could use a concertmaster at times, someone to snap them back to attention.

    Carnegie Hall Trey Anastasio

    “I think my mom likes this song… this one is for you,” and launched into “If I Could” which he dedicated to her, seated 6th row center, before the incredibly moving “Brian and Robert.” Long a personal favorite, especially this version, and rearranged to fit a solo performance, “Wolfman’s Brother” was next, with an acoustic telephone ringing, hysterical solo fills, and a great back and forth with the crowd. “The Inlaw Josie Wales,” a gorgeous instrumental very suited for the room, was followed by “Shade” which preceded “Blaze On,” a song long acknowledged by Trey, and received by the crowd, as a personal favorite.

    Carnegie Hall Trey Anastasio

    Another funny story followed, this one at a urinal with Tom Marshall and Steven Wright, coming before a “Strange Design,” “Rise/Come Together,” “Back on the Train,” “AC/DC Bag” combo that had many dancing in their seats. The beautiful “Snowflakes in the Sand” showed off Trey’s finger picking skills before another story and dedication, this one to his namesake and grandpa. “That’s why I’m Trey, because we all had the same name and I’m the third, … I think he’d like this,” as he played “Till We Meet Again” which sounded like a wordless Italian love ballad. The crowd enjoyed “Turtle in the Clouds,” even as its lyrics seemed incongruous with the pristine room.

    Trey’s playing, his banter, his whole essence, dripped with passion and love and humility all night. The “prince of music” played a gorgeous “Winterqueen,” another choice befitting the great stage upon which he sat. Perhaps the most poignant story of the night, Trey told of his deference for the hall and all the storied greats who came before him. He then mentioned Bach and how he used to write “For the Grace of God” on his compositions, and his feeling that his role in life is to be a vessel for this music, until he dies, and someone else will come along to do His work. Trey said he wants to play in his 80s, and Phish joked about playing a show in their 90s. “Everything’s Right.” Indeed. The first musical segue of the night saw Trey go right into “The Wedge” which had some furious acoustic solos.

    Most of Trey’s playing was stripped down, just as he and his wooden chair sat exposed and vulnerable, amidst a backdrop of kaleidoscopic colors on the cavernous stage. “Sand,” a masterclass in looping, reminded the audience just how raw and stripped down the rest of his performance had been. “Say It to Me S.A.N.T.O.S.” closed the set and prompted us all to remember where we were for a night never to be forgotten. 

    After a short break, “Driver,” “Summer of ‘89,” and “Wilson” rounded out this first of two historic nights. Trey’s solo tour concludes tonight.

    Setlist via Phish.net

    Set 1: Theme From the Bottom, Water in the Sky, Ghosts of the Forest, Sample in a Jar, Limb By Limb, Brian and Robert, If I Could, Wolfman’s Brother, The Inlaw Josie Wales, Shade, Mountains in the Mist, Blaze On, Strange Design, Rise/Come Together, Back on the Train, AC/DC Bag, Snowflakes in the Sand, Till We Meet Again, Turtle in the Clouds, Sunset Days, Winterqueen, Everything’s Right > The Wedge, Backwards Down the Number Line > Sand, Say It To Me S.A.N.T.O.S.

    ENCORE: Driver, Summer of ’89, Wilson

  • Along Comes Mr.Oysterhead – Supergroup Announces Two Colorado Dates for February

    Rumors of a possible Oysterhead reunion ramped up over the weekend when mysterious Instagram and Twitter accounts appeared using the @oysterhead and @realoysterhead tags.

    The supergroup, which included Trey Anastasio of Phish, Les Claypool of Primus and Stewart Copeland of the Police last performed in 2006 at both Bonnaroo and the Allgood Festival.

    On Tuesday, the band announced two dates for 2020 in Colorado. The band will play Feb. 14 and 15 at 1STBANK Center in Broomfield, CO. The ticket request period is open now and runs until Thursday, Oct. 17 at 9:00 a.m. MDT. General on-sale will begin Saturday, Oct. 19 at 10:00 a.m. MDT.

    The band came together originally as a one-off for the 2000 New Orleans Jazz Fest when Claypool was tasked by promoters to assemble a band. Claypool contacted Anastasio and the two agreed to ask Copeland to join them to complete the power trio.

    They recorded one studio album, The Grand Pecking Order and embarked on a supporting tour in 2001.

  • Live from Here welcomes New York’s Phinest

    As Live From Here continues its fall run from their new home at The Town Hall in New York City, fans were treated to another glorious episode (with slightly more than the usual phanfare) due to one particular name on the guest list. Being a live air show with a strictly dicatated schedule, 6:00:00 PM sharp brought on the opening notes of “Fugue State,” a Vulfpeck tune in its second year as the LFH theme song. After a mulit-faceted and highly layered “C Q,” this week’s song of the week (yes, Chris Thile writes a song every week!), which sounded somewhat like a venue appropriate mini Broadway musical, Thile announced this week’s first guest.

    Live from Here
    Photo courtesy of Live From Here

    Trey Anastasio entered to thunderous applause as there were many Phish fans in attendance who probably saw their first and only episode of LFH last night. “Theme From the Bottom” was Trey’s first offering, rearranged to play alongside the house band of Chris Thile (mandolin), Mike Elizondo (musical director/bassist), Chris “Critter” Eldridge (guitar), Kush Abadey (drums), Brett Williams (keys), Brittany Haas (fiddle) and guest Sarah Jarosz (vocals, banjo, mandolin, guitar). “If I Could” was Trey’s next choice, and if you didn’t know better you might think it was a duet written specifically for he and Sarah Jarosz. Trey really opened up a beautifully composed solo for this one, his tone so clean as he played out of a very stripped down set up and not his usual Phish rig. 

    Photo courtesy of Live From Here

    Tom Papa left the audience in stitches with his Out in America segment, followed by a jazzy house band number and then Sarah Jarosz covering Joanna Newsom’s “Book of Right-On.” Edward Norton was next up, explaining how he got hooked up with Thom Yorke and guest Wynton Marsalis for music for his new movie premiering November 1, Motherless Brooklyn, a 1999 book by Jonanthan Lethem from which he read like the world class actor that he is. 

    Live from Here

    The Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis quietly assembled on stage during Ed Norton’s segment and wowed the crowd with two numbers, the second of which saw them joined by Chris Thile. Fifteen members strong with twelve horns, an upright bass, baby grand piano and drums, Wynton immediately distinguished himself from the rest of the similarly clad ensemble, treating the room full of Phish phans to a heavy dose of culture from one of New York’s finest professional jazz outfits.
    The birthday segment was next, where Thile recognizes musician’s birthdays and plays their songs. Sarah Jarosz shined bright again and showed off her range during a cover of Natalie Maines “Cowboy Take Me Away,” followed by Fela Kuti’s resounding protest song “Zombie” and Sweeney Todd’s “A Little Priest,” a nod to Miss Lovett and Angela Lansbury’s birthday. One more birthday for this segment and another opportunity to introduce Trey Anastasio, who quipped, “Everyone who’s ever strapped on a guitar owes a little to Chuck Berry,” before covering “Back in the USA,” again sounding so clean on his minimalist rig.

    Live from Here
    Photo courtesy of Live From Here

    Before Trey’s next selection, Thile asked him just how he chooses only four songs from the mighty catalog at his disposal, “You know, I play in a band that goes on stage without a setlist so a lot of it is just feel and the vibe from…you people {pointing to the audience}. This is just a song I like a lot right now,” as he launched into a chilling “Life Beyond a Dream,” which was a perfect song choice for the setting.

    Live from Here
    Photo courtesy of Live From Here

    Dulce Sloan was next with an outstanding set of stand up comedy as she opened with, “I can’t believe I’m gonna do stand up after the chillest song I’ve ever heard,” and, “did you notice the only black people here are me and the drummer?” A trio of fiddle songs featuring Britanny Haas was next before Tom Papa had a belly-laughing, eyes-tearing reading about parenting. “I used to listen to Phish,” he quipped, “now I do it quietly…in the bathroom.”

    Live from Here
    Photo courtesy of Live From Here

    The Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra played another mind-boggling number (best music city in the world, anyone?), again highlighted by Mr. Marsalis though his company of professional musicians was almost equally impressive, and was soon joined by phan favorite Trey Anastasio, now set up stage left in front of the orchestra, for what would be the On-Air finale of “Blaze On.” Watching these musicians watch and marvel at each other, Thile and Trey at Wynton, Wynton at Trey, along with Thile’s endearing and wild gesticulations, just drove home the fact that the Live From Here faithful (and a roomful of LFH first timers) were treated to something special last night. A final off-air performance of Lester Flatts’ “I’m gonna sleep with one eye open,” with the audience on their feet sent everyone home reeling. 

    Photo courtesy of Live From Here

    The crowd was grateful for the intimate performance, and that New York City is the new home of LFH, along with Trey, Winton, and the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra. Just another ho-hum night in New York of world class music and collaborations.

    https://www.instagram.com/tv/B3k1EvfAiol/?igshid=620a6futyhp

  • ‘Long May They Run’ Podcast Chronicles the Phish Story

    Relix Editor-in-Chief Dean Budnick writes and hosts a new podcast, ‘Long May They Run’ from producer/director C13 Originals chronicling the impact of iconic touring bands on music culture, the industry, fans and more.

    The first season covers the career of Phish, its fans and the impact the band has had on music and arts over the past 30 years. The show is currently in its first season and is available on all podcasting platforms.

    Long May They Run

    Episodes are released each Wednesday. The first two installments take a look at the many Phish festivals and their impact on other festivals. Trey Anastasio and Page McConnell are interviewed, along with first Phish manager John Paluska and “first fan” Amy Skelton. Future episodes feature a discussion of the taping scene surrounding the band and an interview with NYS Music Editor-in-Chief and PhanArt owner Pete Mason, who discusses the community and the art scene that has developed around the band.

    Phans can tune in to “Long May They Run” on Apple Podcasts other podcasting platforms.

  • In Focus: Phish Shines at Mohegan Sun

    Two mid-week shows in Connecticut wrapped up Phish’s east coast portion of their summer tour, before heading west for three nights at Alpine Valley in Wisconsin, and three nights at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park in Commerce City, CO.

    While at Mohegan Sun for their first ever shows at the venue, on Tuesday Phish brought back a cover of Apples in Stereo’s “Energy,” had fun with “Weekapaug Groove” in both sets, and took “Beneath a Sea of Stars Part 1” for a long psychedelic spin. A “Foam” encore, the first ever, was heartily enjoyed by fans chasing it all tour. Wednesday night fans were treated to impressive versions of “Wingsuit” and “David Bowie” as well as more love for Ghosts of the Forest with “Ruby Waves” appearing twice in Set 2.

    A unique encore involving “Kung” and “I Saw it Again” preceded “Slave to the Traffic” light, which bid farewell to the East coast for five or so months.

    Phish Mohegan Sun

    Setlists via Phish.net

    Tuesday July 9, Mohegan Sun Arena

    SET 1: Energy -> Weekapaug Groove, The Moma Dance > Maze -> Lengthwise -> Maze, Petrichor, Things People Do > Sample in a Jar, Bathtub Gin

    SET 2: Soul Planet -> Wider -> Undermind, The Final Hurrah, Beneath a Sea of Stars Part 1, Ghost -> Birds of a Feather, Waste > Golgi Apparatus

    ENCORE: Foam, Contact, More

    This show featured the first Energy since August 4, 2013 (226 shows) and the Phish debut of Wider. Trey and Mike teased A Love Supreme in Beneath a Sea of Stars Part 1. Ghost contained an Under Pressure tease from Trey and a Weekapaug Groove jam with lyrics. Birds of a Feather featured The Birds samples from Page and Third Stone From the Sun teases from Trey. 

    Phish Mohegan Sun

    Wednesday July 10, Mohegan Sun Arena

    SET 1: Buried Alive, Cavern > Dogs Stole Things, Sugar Shack, Stash, Wingsuit, Limb By Limb > Gumbo, Stray Dog, Steam > David Bowie

    SET 2: Party Time, Chalk Dust Torture > Ruby Waves > Seven Below, Stealing Time From the Faulty Plan > Piper ->Ruby Waves > I Always Wanted It This Way > Drift While You’re Sleeping

    ENCORE: Bouncing Around the Room > Saw It Again -> Kung[1] -> Saw It Again > Slave to the Traffic Light

    [1] Sung over Saw It Again music.

  • Phish Blazes On at Merriweather Post Pavilion 2019

    Vermont’s jam loving rock band, Phish, graced the stage of the woodsy meets urban Merriweather Post Pavilion in Columbia, MD, as they blazed on their 2019 summer tour. The June 22, 2019 show included a debut from Trey Anastasio side project, Ghosts of the Forest. Phish consists of Trey Anastasio (guitar), Mike Gordon (bass), Page McConnell (keyboard, organ) and Jon Fishman (drums).

    MPP is located in the heart of Symphony Woods, a woodland preservation designed by famous architects, Frank Gehry and N. David O’Malley in 1967. It was originally built as a summer stage for the National Symphony Orchestra. The venue has won over popular music acts because of its natural surroundings and excellent sound.

    Set one kicked off with “Undermind,” from the album with that name. Two funky fan favorites followed, “Tube,” with a delicious jam from McConnell, and the Son Seals’ cover, “Funky Bitch.” The fire-and-ice jam vehicle “Steam” was up next, followed by phish classics “My Sweet One” and “NICU.”

    Phish slowed the set down with the debut of “Friend,” from Anastasio’s side project Ghosts of the Forest. This band was created to play songs honoring Anastasio’s long time friend, Chris Cottrell, who lost his battle with cancer in 2018. Meaningful lyrics pierce hearts: “why do we have to wait until it’s gone to know what love is?”

    The boys pressed the gas pedal for “No Men in No Man’s Land,” off their album Big Boat. Classics “The Horse” > “Silent in the Morning,” from the album Rift, had the crowd with arms in the air. Jam monster “David Bowie” was played next, and for the first time in 2019. The set closed out with “Squirming Coil,” from Lawnboy as the sun set behind the venue.

    The second set was full of segues and jamming, starting with “Ghost,” from Story of the Ghost. “Ghost” transitioned to the a jam sandwich with high energy “Axilla,” then into new tune, “Set Your Soul Free.” The Pink Floyd-esque “What’s the Use?” and finally “Billy Breathes” followed suit.  

    “Death Don’t Hurt Very Long,” from their new album Kazvot Vox, started the second segue sequence. The next layer in the jam triffle was “Backwards Down the Numberline” from the 2009 release, Joy. The perennial Phish favorite “Harry Hood” was up next, and Anastasio’s on point guitar work had the crowd feeling good. The boys transitioned into “Rise/Come Together,” another new song. The final layer was the classic “Golgi Apparatus,” ironically last played almost one year ago at Merriweather Post Pavilion.

    Phish sent their fans home happy with “Bug”  > “Character Zero,” including an electrified closing jam. Phish fans await what night two has in store for them. Tickets are sold out, but can be obtained through CashorTrade.

    Setlist via Phish.net

    Set 1: Undermind, Tube, Funky Bitch, Steam > My Sweet One > NICU, Friend[1], No Men In No Man’s Land > The Horse > Silent in the Morning, David Bowie, The Squirming Coil.

    Set 2: Ghost > Axilla > Set Your Soul Free > What’s the Use? > Billy Breathes, Death Don’t Hurt Very Long > Backwards Down the Number Line > Harry Hood > Rise/Come Together > Golgi Apparatus.

    Encore: Bug > Character Zero.

    1 – debut

  • Trey Anastasio Documentary ‘Between Me and My Mind’ to Hit Select Theaters July 17

    A Trey Anastasio documentary, Between Me And My Mind is slotted to hit select North American theaters on July 17. The three-year production follows Anastasio through the writing and recording of his recent solo project Ghosts Of The Forest and also features documentation of the tremendous preparations for Phish’s 2017 New Years celebration at Madison Square Garden.

    Premiering at the 2019 Tribeca Film Festival this past spring, the documentary spans 100 minutes with deeply personal footage of the prolific musician, including conversations with his friends, family and bandmates. Delving into the icon’s songwriting process, the film is an exploration of his methods, a nod to his genuine character and a showcase of one of the most talented and revered artists of our time. Watch the official trailer for Between Me And My Mind below.

  • Trey Anastasio to perform two solo acoustic shows at Carnegie Hall

    Trey Anastasio announced today that he will perform two solo acoustic shows at New York City’s legendary Carnegie Hall on Tuesday, October 29 and Wednesday, October 30. Tickets will go on sale on Friday, May 17 at 10am ET.

    The last time Trey performed at Carnegie Hall, he was joined by the New York Philharmonic Orchestra. Watch an orchestral version of Phish’s “You Enjoy Myself.” Read reviews of the 2019 shows here.