Trey Anastasio (band)
Encyclopedia
Since 1998, Trey Anastasio
, best known from Phish
, has toured and recorded with several backup bands, including several side-projects organized and led by the guitarist and composer. While active, his bands did not officially have a name. Fans commonly referred to them as Trey Anastasio Band, or TAB for short or "The Two for Five band". This group should not be confused with the current Trey Anastasio Band, which was renamed in 2006 from its original name 70 Volt Parade
.
Through its brief history, the band continued to add members, starting as a trio and ending as a decet.
nightclub, Higher Ground. On April 17, 1998, for the second show in the club’s existence, Anastasio put together a band of local Vermont
musicians for a one time performance under the name Eight Foot Fluorescent Tubes. Among the five musicians onstage with Trey that evening were drummer Russ Lawton
and bassist Tony Markellis
. They debuted material that night that became part of the repertoire of both Phish and Anastasio’s solo career.
’s 2000 album, Farmhouse
. Absent from the tour were any songs from Trey's first solo album, One Man's Trash
, which was released in late 1998.
went on hiatus in 2000, Anastasio took his project on the road and added a horn section. Saxophonist Dave Grippo, a Burlington
music teacher with a long history with Phish, trombone player Andy Moroz, and trumpet player Jennifer Hartswick joined Trey's band for this and all future tours. These shows, and all to follow had two full sets with the band, and no solo acoustic set.
still inactive, Anastasio booked a summer tour of large amphitheatres where Phish
had regularly performed in recent years. This tour also included some venues that Phish
outgrew like Red Rocks in Colorado
and Jones Beach in Long Island, New York. Two more members were added to Trey's band, tenor saxophonist/flautist Russell Remington and keyboardist Ray Paczkowski
.
, and a summer tour to support it. This tour of amphitheatres was significantly smaller than the 2001 tour. At this time, Anastasio added the final two members to the group, Brazil
ian percussionist Cyro Baptista
and the multitalented Peter Apfelbaum
.
Late in the summer of 2002, Phish
announced their reunion, with their first show slated for New Years Eve. During the fall of 2002, with Anastasio still promoting his second solo album, he took his decet for a tour of smaller venues.
In 2003, with a Phish
summer tour planned, Trey scaled back his touring. He played a brief tour that spring, before spending his first summer in three years with Phish
.
In 2004, Trey played some random dates. He performed at the Easter
jam at Higher Ground, with the other members of Phish
. He then played a surprise birthday party in Stowe, Vermont
.
In May, with Phish
tourdates already booked, Anastasio made the announcement that Phish
would be breaking up and the upcoming summer tour would be their last.
In June, days before Phish
would start its final tour, Trey performed at the Bonnaroo music festival.
On September 18, 2004, about a month after Phish
’s final performance, Trey would play his final performance to date with his horn-based band at the Austin City Limits Music Festival
.
, featuring Paczkowski, Skeeto Valdez on drums, Peter Chwazik on bass, and Les Hall on guitar and keyboards. After only a few months, Anastasio replaced Chwazik with Tony Hall, and added Hartswick and Christina Durfee on backing vocals. Anastasio then replaced Valdez with Raymond Weber. Russell Remington also rejoined Anastasio shortly thereafter. In 2006, Les Hall left the band, and it was renamed Trey Anastasio Band.
06.27.07 - The Horseshoe Curve is released featuring live
songs from 2001-2002 era.....
Trey Anastasio
Trey Anastasio is an American guitarist, composer, and vocalist most noted for his work with the rock band Phish...
, best known from 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...
, has toured and recorded with several backup bands, including several side-projects organized and led by the guitarist and composer. While active, his bands did not officially have a name. Fans commonly referred to them as Trey Anastasio Band, or TAB for short or "The Two for Five band". This group should not be confused with the current Trey Anastasio Band, which was renamed in 2006 from its original name 70 Volt Parade
70 Volt Parade
70 Volt Parade was Trey Anastasio's backing band in 2005, formed after the breakup of Phish in August of the previous year. After writing and recording new material in late 2004 and early 2005, Anastasio began auditioning various musicians for his next project. This band essentially replaced...
.
Through its brief history, the band continued to add members, starting as a trio and ending as a decet.
The beginning
Trey’s band had it roots in his brother-in-law’s VermontVermont
Vermont is a state in the New England region of the northeastern United States of America. The state ranks 43rd in land area, , and 45th in total area. Its population according to the 2010 census, 630,337, is the second smallest in the country, larger only than Wyoming. It is the only New England...
nightclub, Higher Ground. On April 17, 1998, for the second show in the club’s existence, Anastasio put together a band of local Vermont
Vermont
Vermont is a state in the New England region of the northeastern United States of America. The state ranks 43rd in land area, , and 45th in total area. Its population according to the 2010 census, 630,337, is the second smallest in the country, larger only than Wyoming. It is the only New England...
musicians for a one time performance under the name Eight Foot Fluorescent Tubes. Among the five musicians onstage with Trey that evening were drummer Russ Lawton
Russ Lawton
Russ Lawton is a drummer from Vermont. He is best known as the drummer from the solo band of Phish guitarist Trey Anastasio. Lawton also performs with the Vermont jam band Strangefolk and The Chrome Cowboys...
and bassist Tony Markellis
Tony Markellis
Tony Markellis is a bassist and record producer from Helena, Montana, now residing in Saratoga Springs, New York. His career spans nearly forty years, playing blues, folk, jazz, rock and country music with musicians such as Trey Anastasio, Paul Butterfield, The Mamas & the Papas, Johnny Shines,...
. They debuted material that night that became part of the repertoire of both Phish and Anastasio’s solo career.
The trio
Less than a year later, on February 15, 1999, Trey performed a benefit show at Higher Ground for a local arts charity with Lawton and Markellis. Later that spring, the trio (as they are referred to on Anastasio’s website) went on a national tour of clubs and theatres. Most of the shows sold out, which featured a solo acoustic set by Anastasio and an electric set by The Trio. They debuted more new songs, many of them appearing on PhishPhish
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...
’s 2000 album, Farmhouse
Farmhouse (album)
Farmhouse is the eighth official studio album by the American rock band Phish. The tracks were recorded at The Barn, frontman Trey Anastasio's studio in Vermont. The album was released on May 16, 2000, by Elektra Records...
. Absent from the tour were any songs from Trey's first solo album, One Man's Trash
One Man's Trash
One Man's Trash is Trey Anastasio's first solo album apart from Phish, recorded in the Fungus Factory or in The Barn between 1997 and 1998 during breaks of touring and recording with Phish. The release includes early experimental noise explorations, some of which were reincarnated later into his...
, which was released in late 1998.
The sextet
After PhishPhish
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...
went on hiatus in 2000, Anastasio took his project on the road and added a horn section. Saxophonist Dave Grippo, a Burlington
Burlington, Vermont
Burlington is the largest city in the U.S. state of Vermont and the shire town of Chittenden County. Burlington lies south of the U.S.-Canadian border and some south of Montreal....
music teacher with a long history with Phish, trombone player Andy Moroz, and trumpet player Jennifer Hartswick joined Trey's band for this and all future tours. These shows, and all to follow had two full sets with the band, and no solo acoustic set.
The octet
Later in 2001, with PhishPhish
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...
still inactive, Anastasio booked a summer tour of large amphitheatres where 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...
had regularly performed in recent years. This tour also included some venues that 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...
outgrew like Red Rocks in Colorado
Colorado
Colorado is a U.S. state that encompasses much of the Rocky Mountains as well as the northeastern portion of the Colorado Plateau and the western edge of the Great Plains...
and Jones Beach in Long Island, New York. Two more members were added to Trey's band, tenor saxophonist/flautist Russell Remington and keyboardist Ray Paczkowski
Ray Paczkowski
Ray Paczkowski is a keyboardist from Burlington, Vermont. He graduated from high school in the fishing village of Chatham, Massachusetts. A former milkman, Ray is part of the Jazz trio Vorcza, but is best known for playing in various bands with Phish guitarist Trey Anastasio.-Bands:* Vorcza*...
.
The decet
2002 saw the release of Trey's self-titled second albumTrey Anastasio (album)
Trey Anastasio is a self-titled album by the guitarist and composer Trey Anastasio. It was released on April 30, 2002 by Elektra Records and recorded by Trey at The Barn, his studio in Vermont. Some of the songs included are evolved, but much less experimental versions of tracks on Trey's first...
, and a summer tour to support it. This tour of amphitheatres was significantly smaller than the 2001 tour. At this time, Anastasio added the final two members to the group, Brazil
Brazil
Brazil , officially the Federative Republic of Brazil , is the largest country in South America. It is the world's fifth largest country, both by geographical area and by population with over 192 million people...
ian percussionist Cyro Baptista
Cyro Baptista
Cyro Baptista is a Brazilian musician, teacher, and recording artist specializing in percussion in the genres of jazz and world music....
and the multitalented Peter Apfelbaum
Peter Apfelbaum
Peter Apfelbaum is an American avant-garde jazz pianist, tenor saxophonist, drummer and composer born in Berkeley, California. He first emerged on the jazz scene in the late 1970s, performing with Carla Bley from 1978–1982 and touring with Warren Smith and Karl Berger. Around this time Apfelbaum...
.
Late in the summer of 2002, 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...
announced their reunion, with their first show slated for New Years Eve. During the fall of 2002, with Anastasio still promoting his second solo album, he took his decet for a tour of smaller venues.
In 2003, with a 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...
summer tour planned, Trey scaled back his touring. He played a brief tour that spring, before spending his first summer in three years with 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...
.
In 2004, Trey played some random dates. He performed at the Easter
Easter
Easter is the central feast in the Christian liturgical year. According to the Canonical gospels, Jesus rose from the dead on the third day after his crucifixion. His resurrection is celebrated on Easter Day or Easter Sunday...
jam at Higher Ground, with the other members of 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...
. He then played a surprise birthday party in Stowe, Vermont
Stowe, Vermont
Stowe is a town in Lamoille County, Vermont, United States. The population was 4,339 at the 2000 census. Tourism is a significant industry.-Geography:...
.
In May, with 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...
tourdates already booked, Anastasio made the announcement that 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...
would be breaking up and the upcoming summer tour would be their last.
In June, days before 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...
would start its final tour, Trey performed at the Bonnaroo music festival.
On September 18, 2004, about a month after 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...
’s final performance, Trey would play his final performance to date with his horn-based band at the Austin City Limits Music Festival
Austin City Limits Music Festival
The Austin City Limits Music Festival is an annual three-day American music festival that takes place in Austin, Texas at the city's central public park, Zilker Park...
.
Subsequent solo bands
In the spring of 2005, Anastasio introduced a new backing band, 70 Volt Parade70 Volt Parade
70 Volt Parade was Trey Anastasio's backing band in 2005, formed after the breakup of Phish in August of the previous year. After writing and recording new material in late 2004 and early 2005, Anastasio began auditioning various musicians for his next project. This band essentially replaced...
, featuring Paczkowski, Skeeto Valdez on drums, Peter Chwazik on bass, and Les Hall on guitar and keyboards. After only a few months, Anastasio replaced Chwazik with Tony Hall, and added Hartswick and Christina Durfee on backing vocals. Anastasio then replaced Valdez with Raymond Weber. Russell Remington also rejoined Anastasio shortly thereafter. In 2006, Les Hall left the band, and it was renamed Trey Anastasio Band.
Fall 2008 tour
In October 2008, Anastasio set out on a short tour billed as "Trey Anastasio & Classic TAB". This quartet featured Anastasio on guitar, Tony Markellis on bass, Russ Lawton on drums, and Ray Paczkowski on keyboards.06.27.07 - The Horseshoe Curve is released featuring live
songs from 2001-2002 era.....