Amfibian
Encyclopedia
Amfibian is an American musical project led by Phish
lyricist Tom Marshall
.
, after which Marshall (on vocals and keyboards) officially formed Amfibian as a proper band. The group initially included guitarists Scott Metzger
and Andrew Southern, bassist Matt Kohut (formerly of Ween
), and drummers Pete Cottone and JP Wasicko. The group played a series of concerts in 2001, including a benefit for murdered Phish
fan Kristin Laurite at the Stone Pony in Asbury Park, New Jersey
. The show, hosted by Kevin Cassels of The Pharmer's Almanac
, was to be released as a live album, but Marshall temporarily retired Amfibian at the end of the year.
Three years later in 2004, Marshall reformed a completely new Amfibian with guitarist/vocalist/keyboardist Chris Metaxas and released the band's first studio album, From the Ether
, in the spring. The band went their separate ways after a few select concert appearances.
In the fall of 2006, Marshall and Anthony Krizan returned with three new members for Skip The Goodbyes
, released on Relix
Records in June 2007. The album features Phish
leader Trey Anastasio
, as well as contributions from former Amfibian members Chris Metaxas, Benjamin Clapp
, Mark Varga, and Thorp Rivingston.
Tragically, the son of keyboardist John Korba died in a car accident in November 2007. This and other circumstances have caused Amfibian to take hiatus of indefinite length. Tom Marshall spent much of Spring (2008) in collaborative writing sessions with longtime friend and partner Trey Anastasio
at Anastasio's studio in upstate New York, partially in preparation for Phish's Summer 2009 album release.
Phish
Phish is an American rock band noted for its musical improvisation, extended jams, and exploration of music across genres. Formed at the University of Vermont in 1983 , the band's four members – Trey Anastasio , Mike Gordon , Jon Fishman , and Page McConnell Phish is an American rock band...
lyricist Tom Marshall
Tom Marshall (singer)
Tom Marshall is a lyricist, keyboardist and singer/songwriter best known for his association with Trey Anastasio and the rock band Phish...
.
History
Future members of the band appeared on Marshall's 2000 solo album Amfibian TalesAmfibian Tales
Amfibian Tales is the only solo album released by Phish lyricist Tom Marshall, who also handles lead vocals and keyboards on the album. Officially billed under "Tom Marshall and Co.," the disc includes a number of special guests, including Matt Kohut , Scott Metzger, old friend Pete Cottone...
, after which Marshall (on vocals and keyboards) officially formed Amfibian as a proper band. The group initially included guitarists Scott Metzger
Scott Metzger
Scott Metzger is an American guitarist.-Biography:Scott Metzger is a Brooklyn, New York based guitarist...
and Andrew Southern, bassist Matt Kohut (formerly of Ween
Ween
Ween is an American alternative rock group. They formed in 1984 in New Hope, Pennsylvania when central members Aaron Freeman and Mickey Melchiondo met in an eighth grade typing class. Ween has a large cult underground fanbase despite being generally unknown in American pop music...
), and drummers Pete Cottone and JP Wasicko. The group played a series of concerts in 2001, including a benefit for murdered Phish
Phish
Phish is an American rock band noted for its musical improvisation, extended jams, and exploration of music across genres. Formed at the University of Vermont in 1983 , the band's four members – Trey Anastasio , Mike Gordon , Jon Fishman , and Page McConnell Phish is an American rock band...
fan Kristin Laurite at the Stone Pony in Asbury Park, New Jersey
Asbury Park, New Jersey
Asbury Park is a city in Monmouth County, New Jersey, United States, located on the Jersey Shore and part of the New York City Metropolitan Area. As of the 2010 United States Census, the city population was 16,116. The city is known for its rich musical history, including its association with...
. The show, hosted by Kevin Cassels of The Pharmer's Almanac
The Pharmer's Almanac
The Pharmer's Almanac was the first printed compendium of information about the rock band Phish, put together as a fun business venture by a small group of fans who solicited help from hundreds of contributors...
, was to be released as a live album, but Marshall temporarily retired Amfibian at the end of the year.
Three years later in 2004, Marshall reformed a completely new Amfibian with guitarist/vocalist/keyboardist Chris Metaxas and released the band's first studio album, From the Ether
From the Ether
From the Ether is the debut album from Amfibian, led by Phish lyricist Tom Marshall and guitarist Chris Metaxas. Marshall released a solo album in 2000 entitled Amfibian Tales, and later formed an official band based around the songs and other original compositions...
, in the spring. The band went their separate ways after a few select concert appearances.
In the fall of 2006, Marshall and Anthony Krizan returned with three new members for Skip The Goodbyes
Skip the Goodbyes
Skip the Goodbyes is the second album from Amfibian, led by Phish lyricist Tom Marshall and guitarist Anthony Krizan. Marshall and Krizan are the only surviving members from the last album From the Ether Phish leader Trey Anastasio plays lead guitar on the title track.Former Amfibian member Chris...
, released on Relix
Relix
Relix magazine was launched in 1974 as newsletter devoted to connecting people who recorded Grateful Dead concerts. It rapidly expanded into a music magazine covering a wide amount of artists...
Records in June 2007. The album features Phish
Phish
Phish is an American rock band noted for its musical improvisation, extended jams, and exploration of music across genres. Formed at the University of Vermont in 1983 , the band's four members – Trey Anastasio , Mike Gordon , Jon Fishman , and Page McConnell Phish is an American rock band...
leader Trey Anastasio
Trey Anastasio
Trey Anastasio is an American guitarist, composer, and vocalist most noted for his work with the rock band Phish...
, as well as contributions from former Amfibian members Chris Metaxas, Benjamin Clapp
Benjamin Clapp
Benjamin Clapp is an American musician from Boise, Idaho. He has performed, composed, and recorded music with numerous artists, most notably Jim Breuer, Jesse Blaze Snider and Baptized By Fire, Tom Marshall and Amfibian, Kronos Quartet, Erik Sanko and Skeleton Key, Dee Snider , David Peel , and...
, Mark Varga, and Thorp Rivingston.
Tragically, the son of keyboardist John Korba died in a car accident in November 2007. This and other circumstances have caused Amfibian to take hiatus of indefinite length. Tom Marshall spent much of Spring (2008) in collaborative writing sessions with longtime friend and partner Trey Anastasio
Trey Anastasio
Trey Anastasio is an American guitarist, composer, and vocalist most noted for his work with the rock band Phish...
at Anastasio's studio in upstate New York, partially in preparation for Phish's Summer 2009 album release.