In live music communities, you’ll find fans who put their talents to use for the benefit of all, thanks to their love of the music. One of those fans, Justin Treanor, has taken his love for the Disco Biscuits and playing guitar to a new level, with a website full of Biscuits’ guitar tabs, SickBarberLicks.net
Justin Treanor, a 32 year old from Babylon, NY has been a Disco Biscuits fan since 2007. He’s also been playing guitar for 20 years, and the two intertwined in 2016 when he started tabbing out the Disco Biscuits catalog.
“Sick Barber Licks,” named for Jon “The Barber” Gutwillig’s ‘sick’ guitar compositions and improvisation, has been a passion project of Treanor’s, one with a worthy cause and goal – promoting the music of his favorite band so more may learn to play the music of the Biscuits. For the last 5 years, he’s tabbed out all 207 Disco Biscuits songs as well as a handful of covers (“The Safety Dance” and “Run Like Hell” among them). Included in each song are scans of his handwritten tabs, song lyrics and in most cases, a video showing how to play the song.
A self-taught guitarist, Treanor has played in local bands over the years, playing for fun more than anything. He would watch guitar videos and later create his own videos, having tabbed out 207 songs. Treanor has had the benefit of band members supporting his endeavors, with Marc, Jon and Aron all giving him feedback.
The response has been overwhelming from the fans. People tell me they use the site all the time, and the site sees about 250-300 unique visitors a week. It’s truly amazing.
Treanor’s first Biscuits show was on May 25, 2007 at Highline Ballroom in Chelsea. He was hooked instantly, sharing that it was an “insane Mr. Don -> inverted Little Betty Boop they played to start the second set” that hooked him. For Treanor, “the mix of jam music and intense trance hooked me from the first few notes.”
Treanor has also made the most of this past year, adding to his site’s cache of tabs, and expanded to bass tabs with Sick Brownie Bombs (9 songs so far) and friend Justin Highland starting Sick Magner Melodies (2 songs so far).
SickBarberLicks.net is a fan created website featuring tabs for all 207 Disco Biscuits songs. Those looking to support Treanor’s work and help improve the fan-driven site’s continuing effort, can do so here, via Paypal here or Venmo (@treanorjustin88).
On Saturday, June 26, 2021, it was game/set/match with Eggy and Pigeons Playing Ping Pong at Westville Music Bowl.
Eggy came to play, dressed as tennis players who jogged a lap around the floor of the Bowl. Once onstage, the group ripped off their breakaway pants as seen below. For a band from New Haven, this was a huge show for them, especially since Dani Battat (keys/vocals) was brought to Westville to watch tennis matches as a kid,
Pigeons continued their hot streak of live performances, closing their first set with Springsteenâs “Born to Run” inside of “King Kong.” Guitarist and Connecticut local Tim Palmieri joined the band in the second set for a cover of Hendrix’ “Fire.”
Pigeons Playing Ping Pong Setlist
Set 1: Henrietta > Lost In Line, Somethinâ For Ya > Time To Ride, Sorcerer, Poseidon, Sail On, King Kong > Born To Run > King Kong Set 2: In The Bubble, Lowdown, Ocean Flows, Sunny Day, Fire*, Kiwi > Burning Up My Time Encore: Offshoot * w/ Tim Palmieri (Kung Fu , soon to be Lotus) on guitar
As live music returns, archival streams are going the way of the Dodo, at least for now. Phish has announced that their Dinner and a Movie series, which started in April 2020 will go back into the freezer, but not before one more installment, one from 1991 at Arrowhead Ranch in Parksville, NY.
Thus, on Tuesday, June 29 at 8:30 ET, Phish will broadcast their July 20, 1991 concert at New York’s Arrowhead Ranch, featuring The Giant Country Horns: Dave “The Truth” Grippo, Russell “Killer” Remington and Carl “Gears” Gerhard. The show was the second of a two-night stand at Ranch Arrowhead, and all ages shows with Phish and special guests TR3 and The Radiators opening.
Sue Zemanick, owner and James Beard Award-winning chef at Zasu, located in New Orleans’ Mid-City neighborhood provides the final meal for Dinner and a Movie. The name Zasu, derived from Zasa, which means “once again” in Slovak, is inspired by Sue’s Slovak heritage and childhood memories of family bonding in the kitchen. Sue brings a three course dinner of Coconut Curry Corn Soup, Spicy Tofu Larb Lettuce Wraps, and a Blueberry Creme Fraiche Pound Cake. Recipes can be found here.
The beneficiary for this episode is Phans for Racial Equity. PHRE promotes racial equity and respect for difference within the Phish and greater music community and beyond. Striving to make a more welcoming space for people of all races and ethnicities, bearing in mind the many ways in which race/ethnicity intersects with gender, gender identity/expression, sexual orientation, disability, and other identities.
PHRE’s aim is to facilitate education and thoughtful engagement, first and foremost within the Phish community, about race and its intersection with other issues; give people tools to build a more welcoming environment; and activate our community to positively impact racial equity in the U.S. more broadly. More info here, and donate anytime here.
Phish – Arrowhead Ranch, Parksville, NY – July 20, 1991
Set 1: Chalk Dust Torture, Foam, The Squirming Coil > Llama, The Oh Kee Pa Ceremony > Suzy Greenberg[1], The Landlady[2], Bathtub Gin[1], My Sweet One, David Bowie[1]
Set 2: Buried Alive > Reba[3], Caravan[1], Dinner and a Movie[1], Flat Fee[1], Golgi Apparatus[1], Stash[1], The Man Who Stepped Into Yesterday > Avenu Malkenu[1] > The Man Who Stepped Into Yesterday, You Enjoy Myself[4], Rocky Top
Encore: Possum[5]
[1] Giant Country Horns.[2] Giant Country Horns; Rene Lopez on percussion.[3] Carl Gerhard whistled with the band.[4] Giant Country Horns; vocal jam based on burgers.[5] Giant Country Horns; Charlie Chan and Oom Pa Pa signals.
Denver-based guitarist Marcus Rezak just announced an album release tour to celebrate his newest EP, ‘Truth in Sound.’ He will begin the string of performances in New York City at Cafe Wha? and will conclude the tour in South Carolina.
Known as a master of jazz improvisation, Marcus is a frequent preference for bands and musicians looking for an excellent performing guitarist. He has a distinguished guitar style and an admirable stage presence that makes audience members craving an encore. He treats each show as if it were a live recording session, which is apparent because of the euphoric energy he radiates.
Marcus Rezak wrote, recorded, and produced ‘Truth in Sound’ over the course of 2020 in the hopes of healing listeners through music and lyrics. The EP features four epic tracks that showcase his talent as a writer as well as a guitarist. Shred is Dead & members of Mike Gordon, Nth Power, Kung Fu, Raq, and more will join Marcus on his tour. Members of Trey Anastasio Band collaborated with Marcus throughout the process of creating the sophomore EP and are featured on percussion and tabla.
Full Tour Schedule
6/27 – Cafe Wha? – New York, NY
6/30 – 118 North – Philadelphia, PA
7/1 – Cafe 611 – Frederick, MD
7/2 – The Camel – Richmond, VA
7/3 – 5 Points Music Sanctuary – Roanoke, VA
7/4 – Charleston Pour House – Charleston, SC
7/6 – Nectar’s – Burlington, VT
7/7 – Zenbarn – Waterbury, VT
7/8 – Stone Church – Brattleboro, VT
7/9 – T-Rex Theater – Essex, VT
7/15 – Levitt Pavilion Denver – Denver, CO
7/24 – Rancho Relaxo – Austin, TX
7/31 – Empire Control Room – Austin, TX
8/7 – The Lodge at Woods Boss Brewing – Denver, CO
8/13 – La Boca – Middleton, CT
8/14 – The Stone Church Music Club – Newmarket, NH
8/20-8/22 – Summer Camp Music Festival – Chillicothe, IL
9/18 – Deadwood Jam – Deadwood, SC
Tickets for the tour are currently on sale here. Additional dates will be announced throughout the summer. Rezak’s vinyl record via Color Red will be available in the coming weeks. You can pre-order it here.
One of the most raucous shows in Stanley Theatre history has finally gotten an official release. The October 25, 2002 performance of Trey Anastasio Band in Utica, best remembered for fans dancing so intensely that the balcony was visibly bouncing, causing the band to cease amplified performance late in the second set.
On the Osiris Network series ‘Alive Again’, Anastasio recalled in Episode 2 the intensity of that night’s performance, and how he and the band reacted to the balcony visibly bouncing up and down.
The show itself was a true rocker. In addition to the debut of “Perhaps,” the unique opener “Javier Cinakowski” was followed by an 18-minute “Night Speaks to the Woman” which set the tone for the evening. During a late Set 2 “Mr. Completely,” clocking in at 28 minutes, pieces of plaster were falling from the balcony. Unbeknownst to the band at the time, who kept playing and feeding off the energy of the audience, road manager Brad Sands had to go on stage and tell the band to stop playing.
The balcony was going up and down and then these plaster pieces started falling on people’s heads. The balcony was shaking so much that it started breaking the plaster. Everyone’s panicking as people are animalistic dancing..
Trey Anastasio on ‘Alive Again’
For the rest of the evening, songs without amplification were performed as a safety precaution. Prior to the encore, an audience member shouted “Free Bird!,” which prompted Anastasio to share two stories (after declining the request), including Phish offering up an a cappella rendition of “Free Bird” for a Lynyrd Skynyrd tribute album that was ultimately turned down.
Phish would perform their own memorable show at the Utica Aud in October 2010. Download the TAB show from 10/25/02 now at LivePhish.com.
June 19 Setlist: Bad For You, Fortress, Porcupine, Penguins > Funkijam > Groove Is In The Heart > Steal The Shade*, Avalanche, Landing > Jam > Zydeko, Move Like That > Weightless > White Night, Doc, Fade Fast, Horizon > Fool In The Rain^ > Horizon
Encore: Water
* Original debut ^ w/ D’yer Mak’er tease 2.5 hr set, played through setbreak
Trey Anastasio headed south from Saratoga Springs for two nights of shows at the Beacon Theatre on Tuesday, June 22. The performances mimicked his Beacon Jams shows of Fall 2020, but now with the addition of a vaccinated crowd.
With a crowd hanging on every note, Anastasio repeated some songs from the Saratoga Shows, as well as played some tunes for the first time on this run, including “AC/DC Bag.” Highlights from SPAC were found with the Rescue Squad Strings and Jeff Tanski joining for “Fluffhead,” “Mercury,” “The Lizards,” “What’s The Use?,” and “Harry Hood,” among other compositions that left few dry eyes in the house.
Anastasio and crew return to the Upper West Side and the Beacon Theatre for one more show on Wednesday, June 23, with the show starting at 8pm.
Setlist: Trey Anastasio, Beacon Theatre, NYC – June 22, 2021
Set 1: Everything’s Right, AC/DC Bag > Backwards Down the Number Line, Fluffhead*, Brian and Robert*, Stash*, Ghost, Shade#, Mercury*, The Lizards*, Dirt#, Sand#, Wolfman’s Brother*, Blaze On, What’s the Use*, If I Could*, Say It To Me S.A.N.T.O.S.*, Pebbles and Marbles*, Harry Hood*
Encore: More, First Tube*
* – with Rescue Squad Strings and Jeff Tanski # – with Jeff Tanski
For the final performance of this five show run, Anastasio continued to do what he does best, wow audiences with acoustic renditions of classic Phish and TAB hits, with string arrangements. Check out the setlist and photo gallery below! Setlist via Phish.net
Setlist: Trey Anastasio, Beacon Theatre, NYC – June 23, 2021
Set 1: Theme From the Bottom [1], Sample in a Jar[1], Divided Sky [2], I Never Needed You Like This Before [3], Free[1], The Wedge[3], Water in the Sky[2], The Inlaw Josie Wales[2], Twist[1], Bouncing Around the Room[3], Drift While You’re Sleeping[2], 46 Days[1] > Steam[1], A Life Beyond The Dream[2], Split Open and Melt[3], Joy[2], Farmhouse[1], Chalk Dust Torture[1] -> Back on the Train[1] > Chalk Dust Torture[1], Slave to the Traffic Light[2], You Enjoy Myself[2]
[1] Trey on acoustic guitar. [2] Trey on acoustic guitar; with the Rescue Squad Strings and Jeff Tanski on piano. [3] Trey on acoustic guitar; with Jeff Tanski on piano.
The last time Phish would ever play the venue known as the Finger Lakes Performing Arts Center took place 27 years ago today. This performance is also the birthplace of one of the more revered pieces of music in the band’s history. A super extended “Tweezer,” affectionately nicknamed as “Fleezer” due to the locale, highlights a three-song second set and still gets rave reviews to this day. The venue now goes by the name of CMAC Performing Arts Center. But the music Phish played their last time at Finger Lakes will, thankfully, last forever.
A raucous Finger Lakes crowd greets the band and only gets louder when the show starts with “Sample In A Jar” as the opener. Trey Anastasio’s guitar solo in its customary spot ramps up the early show energy even further. Phish sticks with material from Hoist, at this point still their most recent studio album, and follows up “Sample” with “Scent Of A Mule.” Anastasio and Page McConnell engage each other on guitar and piano, respectively, almost right away, leading to a quick but aggressive “Mule Duel” section.
Phish then breaks out the new “Ha Ha Ha,” a short number whose only lyrics also serve as the title which had been debuted barely a month ago. The “Divided Sky” that immediately follows is anything but a laughing matter, however. A rapt Canandaigua crowd soaks in every note of this classic song that’s played to perfection and serves as the first set highlight.
Anastasio and McConnell lock up again in another instrumental duet of sorts in a “Guelah Papyrus” that the entire band seems to toy around with at one point or another before “It’s Ice” gets deployed. Bassist Mike Gordon shines on this one, delivering a myriad of various rhythms and fills throughout. It also features a particularly loose and surprisingly extra spacey section in what’s a sign of things to come.
After slowing things down with the ballad “Strange Design,” Phish ends the opening set at Finger Lakes Performing Arts Center on a high note, beginning with an absolutely frenetic, high intensity “Maze.” And instead of ending the set with “Cavern,” an a capella rendition of “Sweet Adeline” is also thrown in for good measure.
All in all, it’s a fine first set, but kept pretty “close to the vest” in terms of free-form improvisation. Aside from snippets of “Mule” and “It’s Ice,” no song veered too far away from its regular structure. That would all change in a big way in the second set, courtesy of a jam for the ages.
The set starts out innocently enough with the new “Theme From The Bottom,” only the eighth one ever played and the first time it opened a second set. It’s a polished version that sees the full band in synch, creating a powerful sequence of music accentuated by another screaming Anastasio guitar solo. Instead of bringing it to a full stop at its conclusion, a feedback-heavy jam begins to develop.
This goes on for several minutes, with even more loops and audio madness being thrown into the proverbial soup. Drummer Jon Fishman gets prominently involved, varying tempos and styles throughout. All of this results in an early second set Grateful Dead-like “Space” section that sounds like it’s on speed. A familiar guitar riff slowly but steadily emerges as the jam pick up steam and, before long, the opening lyrics to “Tweezer” are ringing loud and true.
For the next 40-plus minutes, Phish treats the Finger Lakes Performing Arts Crowd to a version of this classic song that some still regard as one of the best of all time, hence the “Fleezer” label. Before the jam even ensues, Gordon and Fishman rev up the crowd by hamming up some of the lyrics. The band removes the shackles of any standard-sounding “Tweezer” early on and is soon knee deep in Type II improvisation. The jam goes on to visit a variety of styles and tempos, again thanks to the interplay of Fishman and Gordon. It’s got the band singing “My Generation” lyrics over an infectious, rockabilly portion of the jam (foreshadowing their upcoming Halloween cover of The Who’s Quadrophenia), pure ambience that devolves into more harrowing feedback-fueled chaos, Fishman on the vacuum, and “Rift” teases from Gordon. It’s a monumental piece of music that’s certainly worthy of a catchy nickname and a place in Phish lore.
It’s a “Tweezer” so epic that the only natural follow-up would be a “Reprise” of itself. That’s exactly what Phish does this evening, creating a set for the ages for the Finger Lakes crowd that’s short on song titles but long on jaw dropping rock and improv.
For an encore, the band went acoustic, with each member playing an acoustic guitar for “Acoustic Army,” an event strictly related to 1995 Phish. An electric, both literal and figurative, cover of The Beatles’ “While My Guitar Gently Weeps” then closes out the festivities for the evening, with another chapter of the band’s growing legacy now written.
A sea of joyful color and child-like wonder pulsed through the Goose crowd on June 15 and 16 at Silver Lake Twin Drive-in in Perry, NY. Many families emerged for their first time since shutdown and were welcomed by a space glowing with familial care. Permission was given to be fully present for the music. Hospitality at this venue made all the difference for so many in the last year and a half.
What’s better then 1 Goedde Light Show? 2.
Twenty6 Productions staff were able to touch hands at the end of their huddle. Staff reminisced together about all they had been through with jokes beginning with “back in my day.” Grace Vesneske and Josh Holtzman made their intention clear that they were here to support our whole night.
“We are so stoked to celebrate NYS ban being lifted! To kick it off with a power house like Goose make it even more epic. Thank you Twenty6 productions for making dreams come true.” – Josh Eppinger
Attendees painted the lot with their beautifully unique Blue Sky Tie Dye shirts made by “the guy that makes stuff happen” and local sweetheart Phil Vasile.
Jugglers, hula hoops and dragon kites twirled and swirled. The Haus of Peculiar entertainers snapped their fans with unparalleled sass. The character and the characters blended unexpectedly in order to create an upbeat, family vibe.
Goose fans seasoned and fresh here for the ferocity.
The best anecdote to communicate the mood of the night would be when two and a half year old fan Jonah fell on the ground just as the band came on for the second night. He lifted his head as the crowd began cheering and expression shifted to pure joy because he believed they were cheering for his Tumble.
Deep Goose
Experiencing Technicolor with Goedde Sound & Light
What made the night more special was that despite lifting restrictions, many attendees were doing so virtually and with the highest quality viewing experience. Goedde Sound and Light replicated the mood of “Dark Horse” with lights that behaved as if they were a rain stick or gong.
Crescent moon showing up just in time for the start of “Dark Horse” and its complementary lights.
Sam Bardini’s superb mixing allowed for fan Phil Paquet to experience “some deep Goose” from home and have conversation with those that were in attendance as if he and Mr. McGoose were right up there with Crepes.
Strategically placed plant creating a Peter Gabriel jungle vibe.
Danny McDonald traversed the stage with ease, carefully dodging open thermoses of Hot Tea on the cozy stage in order to share the best angles of Peter Anspach slapping his clavinet.
Trevor casually fire bending.
Marta Goedde knowing how to orchestrate angles and vantages to tell a song’s story in layers that have never been set before.
Adam Berta finding E.T.
Adam Berta, perched on the roof of the bathrooms, looked like a character out of a Spielberg movie where aliens are real and anything is possible. He knew exactly where to be and displayed a great balance between passive ninja and gentle direction in order to get some truly unique moments.
Goedde’s lights inviting all to lay back and enjoy
Deep Stashes And ‘Staches
The crowd shared two nights of pure reflective elation. The band went far into the jams and deep into the archives for a crowd that was not afraid to express how much it meant to them. Goose at Perry felt like an extra-terrestrial dream. Well orchestrated on all fronts, we moved on feeling like the war might actually be all over now, Baby Blue.
Phil Vasile (Right) with children both biological and metaphysical
June 15 Setlist: Turned Clouds, Doc Brown, I’m Alright (Kenny Loggins), Make The Move (Kenny Loggins), Danger Zone (Kenny Loggins), A Western Sun, Echo Of A Rose, Into The Myst, Travelers, Its All Over Now Baby Blue (Bob Dylan), Dark Horse, Empress of Organos
June 16 Setlist: Tumble, Doobie Song, Mississippi Half Step Uptown Toodeloo (The Grateful Dead), Wysteria, Innocent Son (Fleet Foxes), Labyrinth, Hot Tea, Electric Avenue (Eddy Grant), Creatures, This Old Sea, Jive II, Jive Lee
Setlists via “The Playbook” via “Coach” Jon Lombardi Facebook page
For more, show a family member the livestream for “Goosemas 2021” that helped comfort us all and introduce so many to what the Goose team has to offer.
Saratoga Performing Arts Center (SPAC) was alive once again on June 18, as Trey Anastasio kicked off three nights of acoustic shows with some friends along for the ride.
On Friday night, Trey welcomed Beacon Jams stars the Rescue Squad Strings and Jeff Tanski for eleven songs during the show, while performing another eleven solo on acoustic guitar. The songs included Phish numbers, as well as one of Trey’s new quarantine home recordings, “Lost in the Pack.”
Trey told stories during the performance, asking the audience what they’d been up to since Mexico, the last Phish shows held in February 2020. Trey gave nod to HBO’s Succession Season 2 for best viewing this past year, as well as Marc Rebillet’s vaccine song.
The crowd, held to 30% capacity (due to live performance restrictions at the time of announcement) skewed slightly younger, with crowd pleasers “Everything’s Right,” “Turtle in the Clouds” and “Sigma Oasis” elating the audience, the latter especially with the line, “Take off your mask.”
Fans were treated to two lengthy compositions with the Rescue Squad Strings and Tanski with the early composition “Fluffhead” and the more recent “Mercury,” both wowing the crowd, the latter making its acoustic debut along with the Anastasio/Tansky duet of “Split Open and Melt.”
A show closing “First Tube” gave a nod to the late Tony Markellis, as Anastasio said, “With deepest love,” for the former TAB bassist and longtime resident of Saratoga Springs.
Set 1: Wilson [1], Alive Again[1], Stash [2], Water in the Sky[2], Lost in the Pack[1], Back on the Train[1], Sample in a Jar[1], Sigma Oasis[1], Theme From the Bottom[1], Shade [3], Fluffhead[2], Mercury [4], The Inlaw Josie Wales[2], Turtle in the Clouds[1], Maze[1], Snowflakes in the Sand[1], Everything’s Right [5], Split Open and Melt [6], Joy[2], Harry Hood[2]
Encore: More[1], First Tube[4] [1] Trey on acoustic guitar. [2] Trey on acoustic guitar; with the Rescue Squad Strings and Jeff Tanski on piano. [3] Trey on acoustic guitar; with Jeff Tanski on piano. [4] Trey on acoustic guitar; with the Rescue Squad Strings and Jeff Tanski on piano. First acoustic performance. [5] Trey on acoustic guitar. Started and stopped before being played in full. [6] Trey on acoustic guitar; with Jeff Tanski on piano. First acoustic performance.
Saturday night found Trey and a full house at SPAC for round two. Phish bandmate Page McConnell stopped by late in the evening, surprising fans for a few songs.
Just before the encore, Trey thanked the audience, crew and friends and spoke about the late Tony Markellis.
Tony will always be a part of all of our lives. He of course, Saratoga resident and native. Page reminded me backstage of a fact that was quite true that I had forgotten. His absolute favorite song in the repertoire of all of this groups of friends who play together is this next song. He just loved this one. One of Page’s favorites too.
Trey Anastasio
And with that, “Sleeping Monkey” was played by Trey and Page, with the crowd letting out a laugh, and later singing the “home on the train” part in unison. For the final songs of the encore, Trey brought Jeff Tanski and the Rescue Squad Strings as Page stepped off, closing the night with “If I Could” and “Say It To Me S.A.N.T.O.S.”
Set1: Set Your Soul Free, Blaze On, I Never Needed You Like This Before, Esther#, Brian And Robert*, Wolfman’s Brother*, Divided Sky*, Driver, When the Words Go Away, Twist, Foam#, What’s the Use*, Chalk Dust Torture, Sand#, Pebbles and Marbles*, Lifeboy*, Backwards Down the Number Line, Limb By Limb, Mountains in the Mist^, Sleep^, Waste^, Sleeping Monkey^
Encore: If I Could$, Say It To Me S.A.N.T.O.S.
* – with Rescue Squad Strings + Jeff Tanski # – with Jeff Tanski ^ – with Page McConnell $ – with Rescue Squad Strings + Page McConnell
For the third and final night of acoustic performance at SPAC, Anastasio spent the longest day of the year focusing intently on playing and less time sharing stories. On the 17 year anniversary of one of Phish’s most notable SPAC performances, Anastasio gave the date fresh significance as acoustic debuts of “Reba,” “Drift While You’re Sleeping,” “You Enjoy Myself” and “Tweezer Reprise” were the specials of the day.
With the mantra of ‘Never Miss a Sunday’ show holding true through a pandemic, Trey kicked off the show with an unexpected Father’s Day opener in “Carini,” noting afterwards this was a Father’s Day song with the lyrics “he went across the street and called his dad,” the ends seemingly justifying the means.
A spirited acoustic version of “Stealing Time From the Faulty Plan” had a nice jam at end that worked its way into “Free” which had cheers throughout for “I feel the feeling I forgot.”
For the first acoustic debut of the night, “Reba” featured a duet with Jeff Tanski on piano, who added in a little ragtime style in the first third of the composition. The incredibly intricate song, one that Anastasio recently mentioned on Alive Again (Osiris Network) took the pair on a complex journey through one of Phish’s oldest fan-favorites. Anastasio noted afterwards that it was Tanski who helped him through the pandemic by playing together for 4-5 hours daily in a small practice space in New York City.
Welcoming back The Rescue Squad Strings – Katie Kresek and Maxim Moston on violin, Rachel Golub on viola, Anja Wood on cello – Anastasio dove into “Strange Design” and the debut of “Drift While You’re Sleeping,” the crowd moved by lyrics “It’s love, it’s love, it always was. And it is and it always will be love.”
Trey went solo for “Ghost” and “Farmhouse” before welcoming back Tanski for “Ghosts of the Forest” with aquarium-hued lighting and Anastasio hanging on the lyric “I’m drowning in my own mind” to the song’s morendo. The Strings returned for “Light” which used the blank canvas behind the stage to simulate a sunrise growing brighter as the song built towards climax.
“Bathtub Gin” and “NICU” had the audience singing along once again, followed by Tansky returning for two somber numbers in “Dirt” and “Miss You.” The Strings then came back again for the at-home composition from April 2020, “Till We Meet Again.” If there was any point of the evening where there was an interlude in the music, it was these previous few tunes, as the crowd would soon find out.
A solo version of “Tube” brought out big cheers for science, and with Tansky and the string section, fans were wowed with “The Lizards.” Debuting during the Beacon Jams in Fall 2020, the addition of strings to the fan-favorite had the song hitting a little different this evening. Paired with the “Slave to the Traffic Light” that followed, fans were blessed with two classic Phish songs plus strings in as intimate a setting as 30% capacity at SPAC could allow.
After a solo version of “Possum,” Trey read a sign saying “Play what makes you happy.” He obliged, playing “a little ditty that makes me happy,” that being “You Enjoy Myself.” The vocal jam afterwards was reminiscent of past performances with orchestras, such as at Carnegie Hall in 2009, with Anastasio standing in front of the canvas backdrop, his silhouette visible against orange and then blue light.
For the encore, Trey thanked everyone for three great nights, introduced the string section and Tansky, and moved into the Ghosts of the Forest ballad “Life Beyond a Dream.” The addition of strings to emotionally powerful songs from across his decades of performance stood out tonight, but the show closer, “Tweezer Reprise,” would be the icing on the evening as the first ever version with a string section, with Anastasio smiling ear to ear as the typical finale of Phish shows reigned supreme once again in the halls of SPAC.
Anastasio will perform two nights at The Beacon Theatre, June 22 and 23, the first shows with an audience at the famed venue since March 2020.
Set 1: Carini [1], Stealing Time From the Faulty Plan[1], Free[1], Reba [2], Strange Design [3], Drift While You’re Sleeping [4], Ghost[1], Farmhouse[1], Ghosts of the Forest [5], Light[3], Bathtub Gin[1], NICU[1], Dirt[5], Miss You[5], Till We Meet Again[3], Tube[1], The Lizards[3], Slave to the Traffic Light[3], Possum[1], You Enjoy Myself[4]
Encore: A Life Beyond The Dream[3], Tweezer Reprise[4] [1] Trey on acoustic guitar. [2] Trey on acoustic guitar; with Jeff Tanski on piano. First acoustic performance. No whistling. [3] Trey on acoustic guitar; with the Rescue Squad Strings and Jeff Tanski on piano. [4] Trey on acoustic guitar; with the Rescue Squad Strings and Jeff Tanski on piano. First acoustic performance. [5] Trey on acoustic guitar; with Jeff Tanski on piano.
