Trey Anastasio has released a rehearsal version of “If Again”, featuring Jeff Tanski, from his Ghosts of the Forest album.
The song comes during a period of prolific output for Trey, with his stream of new songs from quarantine in addition to Phish‘s new album, Sigma Oasis. This demo recording of the instrumental “If Again” shows a much less polished version than what was debuted just over a year ago at the State Theatre in Portland, ME on April 4th, 2019.
The rehearsal rendition finds just Trey and Jeff playing together, versus the sextet that Trey would eventually record with and take on tour. This version highlights the interplay between the piano and Trey’s guitar, which is notably electrified versus the acoustic instrument in the final cut. All of the other elements drop away, such as the drums and backing vocals from Jennifer Hartswick and Celisse Henderson, allowing the narrative to play out between the two remaining instruments. In the polished studio version of the song, Ray Paczkowski‘s keyboards become much more of a focal point, while Jeff’s playing in the rehearsal recording mainly serves as the bedrock for the guitar’s movements. In the post’s caption, Trey says of Tanski,
Jeff and I have worked together many times, dating back to Hands on a Hardbody which is where I met him. Jeff helped me prep the charts for the Ghosts tour, and even added some effects secretly offstage as our man behind the curtain. His nickname on tour was “the great and powerful Jeff Tanski”
Listen to the rehearsal version of “If Again” from Trey Anastasio and Jeff Tanski.
Trey Anastasio, Jeff Tanski – “If Again” (Rehearsal)
While self-quarantines in response to COVID-19 drag on, Trey and Phish continue to roll out content for house-ridden fans. Tuesday, April 6th will see the band host the third installment of the Dinner and a Movie webcast series, this time airing a concert from the “Jam-Filled” night four of the Baker’s Dozen at Madison Square Garden on July 25th, 2017. Head to LivePhish Tuesday at 8:30 p.m. ET to tune in.