Reimagining the music of Phish is no easy feat, requiring to not only understand the band’s complex music but to reinterpret it within the realms of instrumental jazz. Through careful composition, Jazz Is PHSH takes this challenge head on. Naturally, only the finest musicians have performed with the band, honing their talents in some true jazz fusion.
Jazz Is PHSH is set to begin their fall tour tomorrow night, November 26th, with back to back performances at The Cutting Room in New York, NY (more info here). With members of Dave Matthews Band, Rubblebucket, Snarky Puppy and more, these intimate shows are sure to capture the music of Phish in new and exciting ways. In preparation for the upcoming show, we sat down with saxophonist Chris Bullock to talk about what makes his time in Jazz is PHSH so special.
L4LM: What attracted you to being a part of Jazz Is PHSH?
CB: The prospect of the various musicians involved.
L4LM: Were you a Phish fan before this project?
CB: I didn’t really listen to their music very much. I had friends when I was younger that were way into them so heard the music indirectly. I did own their album “Hoist” on cassette tape in high school. That album was the extent of my direct listening to their music.
L4LM: Has being a part of Jazz Is PHSH changed how you feel about Phish’s music?
CB: I wouldn’t say it has changed any feelings I hold. It has allowed me to check out a lot more of it that I have never heard and find some new ways to reinterpret it.
L4LM: What should potential fans know about how the music has been rearranged?
CB: A good portion of the tunes have been put through our own individual musical filters. We have altered them to fit the instrumentation and styles of the musicians within the band.
L4LM: What is your favorite Jazz Is PHSH arrangement? What makes it so good?
CB: I enjoy playing the tune “Carini.” We’ve arranged the tune in a way to highlight closely-voiced horns with a driving groove throughout.
L4LM: We read that you are featured on woodwinds on the new Phish album, “Big Boat”. What was it like working with Phish?
CB: I performed clarinet, bass clarinet, flute, and alto flute on the last track on the album, “Petrichor.” It was a lot of fun and cool opportunity for me. I spent a day in the studio with Trey Anastasio checking out the woodwinds parts he had written and got to collaborate and add to his arrangement. The following day I returned and spent the day with him and the legendary engineer, Elliot Scheiner, to track all of the woodwinds.
L4LM: What was the first Phish song you ever heard? Did you like it?
CB: Hmm, I honestly can’t remember. It was probably a tune off of “Hoist.”
L4LM: What else is on the horizon for Chris Bullock?
CB: I’ve got a bit of a break from touring with Snarky Puppy at the moment. I’m focusing most of my free time to writing and have begun recording my first solo record that I plan to release in 2017. The music is a blend of woodwind chamber music paired with electronic beats and synths. I’m augmenting the electronic environment with analog instruments and live musicians as well.
I’m also enjoying immersing myself into the NYC music scene after spending a majority of the past two years on tour and away from this vibrant city.
L4LM: In case any fans want to buy you a drink at an upcoming show, what is your favorite cocktail?
CB: I always enjoy a mezcal negroni.
You can be sure to grab a drink for Chris Bullock tomorrow night, November 26th, when he performs with Jazz Is PHSH for back-to-back shows at The Cutting Room in New York. Tickets are on-sale now. See below for some additional info from the venue:
If you are purchasing tickets to the 8pm show, you will be able to stay for the 11pm show. VIP ticket holders for the early show will be GA ticket holders for the late show.
If you are purchasing tickets to the 11pm show, you can come early for the 8pm show as well. VIP ticket holders for the late show will be GA ticket holders for the early show.