Jon Fishman's Daughter Ella Fishman Covers Phish On Debut Album, 'Good Years' [Listen]

Ella Fishman, daughter of Phish drummer Jon Fishman, has released her debut album, Good Years, under the name Cynthia Ruth. The 11-track collection features contributions from her father on drums as well as a cover of Phish’s “Wading in the Velvet Sea”.

Good Years showcases Ella’s hauntingly beautiful voice and deeply personal songwriting. The mostly acoustic album features impressive production courtesy of Carter Sanders and was recorded with guitarist Daniel Yoong and bassist Colin Dinnie. Jon Fishman provides complementary percussion on several songs, adding tasteful grooves to his daughter’s indie-folk compositions.

“My dad is the world’s greatest drummer, the world’s greatest drummer is my dad,” Ella said in a social media post about the album.

Ella’s debut drew high praise from Phish guitarist Trey Anastasio. “Absolutely stunning. A work of art,” he said, adding, “Ella, I am so indescribably proud of you. Your lyrics, your melodies, your fearlessness, your honesty. Incredible.”

Read Ella’s full post about Good Years and listen to the album below.

In my mind, this record takes place at a visually appealing but otherwise upsetting carnival. Lethal doses of nostalgia around every corner, spun-sugar nausea in the funhouse mirror reflection hall. There are pixelated home movies projected on every peeling paint wall. The dart toss prizes are your lost childhood toys. The thrill rides are rickety and you might die.

I’m legitimately a little sick of this place. But I’m not sick of the songs. I’m very excited for them to be out in the world. I’m excited for the landscape to take on new forms.

I was stupidly lucky to work with incredibly talented and kind people, who each helped to bring these songs out of their primitive demo forms and into more than I was capable of imagining them to be. I’m so grateful to @danielyjk on guitar, Colin Dinnie on bass, @cartersandersmusic on guitar and shakers and keys and mixing and all excellent ideas, Mike at @plaiddogrec for mastering, and to daddio for the drums. My dad is the world’s greatest drummer, the world’s greatest drummer is my dad.

Good Years is out now wherever you get your tunes, under Cynthia Ruth. Welcome to the carnival. I hope it makes you feel anything at all. 💋🎟️💫

Cynthia Ruth – Good Years