In a new interview with JamBase published today, Phish guitarist Trey Anastasio talks extensively about Trey Anastasio Band, their upcoming busy run of theater and festival dates, the ways he met and connected with the various members of that ensemble, the ad-hoc way he plans their setlists, and the ways that songs jump back and forth between the TAB and Phish canon. He also references his recent three-show solo acoustic run, which saw him play “incredible rooms” in Northampton, MA (Academy of Music), Troy, NY (Troy Savings Bank Music Hall), and Portsmouth, NH (Portsmouth Music Hall). The run allowed Anastasio ample time to tell old stories and “revisit all those songs alone with an acoustic guitar, which is how virtually all of them were actually written, in my living room, on a chair.”
Trey also explains that he doesn’t plan to deal with the logistical details of starting any new projects any time soon, but still has some musical itches he wouldn’t be opposed to scratching given the right circumstances, explaining, “When I was in high school I always liked playing in bands with two guitars. Like, two guitars, bass and drums. Four-piece…So, sometimes I kind of imagine doing that one more time in this lifetime. You know, making some noise. Derek [Trucks]? You interested? James Hetfield? Want to check out my barn? Flea? You busy? Joe Dart? You free for a weekend?”
In perhaps the most intriguing portion of the JamBase conversation, Trey opens up about his “other” band–Phish–and his expectations for their upcoming 13-night “Baker’s Dozen” residency at Madison Square Garden. Regarding the unprecedented run, the guitarist explains, “I guess I’ll give away a little secret I’m carrying around in my heart here. A big part of the reason that I’m so excited to do something like a 13-night residency in one venue is that staying in one place contributes to a looseness in the atmosphere that we may not have felt since Nectar’s, which was for all intents and purposes, a big giant residency.” He continues by explaining that the members of the band are focused on music and practicing for the upcoming shows, but not necessarily on what will be played. They plan to capitalize on that “loose” atmosphere and see where it takes them.
You can read the full interview here.
Needless to say, this gets us even more excited for Trey Anastasio Band tour (which kicks off this weekend at the Capitol Theatre) and Phish’s upcoming “Baker’s Dozen” residency!
[h/t – JamBase]
[Cover photo via Kristine Condon Photography]