Trey Anastasio
“Trey Anastasio”
Grade: B+

Anastasio enthusiasts will likely prefer the live to the studio, but for those who want to get to know the songs without traveling to a show, the disc may be worth the dough.

While Phish remains on vacation, guitarist Trey Anastasio continues to develop his solo career.

In addition to touring throughout the country, Anastasio and his ever-growing band of fellow Vermont musicians recently recorded Anastasio’s debut solo album, aptly titled “Trey Anastasio.”

The disc’s 60 minutes of music are a combination of studio and live material from tours in the spring and summer of 2001.

While Anastasio is the primary composer and his distinct guitar tone and style permeate the entire album, Phish fans should not expect another Phish album from this release.

It is obvious that this album is Anastasio’s effort to combine composition with improvisation using new instrumentation. The album includes a four-piece horn section, a three-piece rhythm section and various guests ranging from additional horn players to string players and percussionists.

Anastasio’s recent compositions range in style from Latin to funk to pop-driven ballads.

“Alive Again,” Anastasio’s first single, features heavily Latin-influenced rhythm and horn sections. Though the track has a catchy chorus, the song is in no way the strength of the album.

A better candidate for the single would be “Drifting,” a mid-tempo pop ballad featuring memorable background vocals and a simple, yet attractive, progression.

Though the song suffers from juvenile lyrics, such as “The storm is lifted/We got the moon and the stars above,” “Drifting” will appeal to jam, and pop fans alike.

“Push On ‘Til The Day” and “Last Tube,” both of which are groove-oriented songs similar to Phish’s “Moma Dance” and “First Tube,” are reminiscent of James Brown’s music.

– David Kross