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— by Robin A. Rothman
Phish hardly had to rely on being a successor to be a success.
By the time Jerry Garcia died in 1995, Phish were already packing arenas. Still, the band's fanbase experienced an undeniable boost when the Grateful Dead were laid to rest, as the culture surrounding the patron saints of jam attached itself to the nearest, closest equivalent. Nearly 10 years later, with a 21-year career under their belts and an almost-unparalled ability to draw crowds (the band has attracted more than 80,000 fans upon several occasions), Phish have decided to call it quits. The news came as a surprise to fans who, having endured a two-year hiatus between 2001 and 2003, were just beginning to think the band was getting its groove back.
The group will play a two-day farewell festival in its home state of Vermont this weekend. And with Phish's last splash fast approaching, it's only natural to wonder: Who will be the next Phish?
Circumstances are very different from what they were two decades ago. As Phish have grown in popularity, so has the scene that spawned them. For better or for worse, a once-intimate collective of like-minded bands has exploded into a bona fide jam-band community — one with more artists, more fans and more musical styles than anyone could accurately count. It's a scene so diverse and so complex that no one artist or band seems likely (or able) to take Phish's place single-handedly.
After all, those who enjoy Phish do so for so many reasons: Some dig the occasional funk forays. Others prefer the bluegrass benders, or the trancey tangents, or the one-of-a-kind light shows. For each of these aspects of Phish's eclectic personality, there is another band that shares that trait, albeit in its own individual way.
That said, here are some of the bands — from the members' own side projects, to a revived Dead, to far-fetched fringe acts — who may, therefore, benefit from the breakup.
The Phamily: Phish Offshoots
Trey Anastasio Band
Recommended listening: "Push on 'Til the Day," "Last Tube" "Guyute"
What began as frontman Trey Anastasio's half-acoustic solo/half-electric trio tour in 2001 expanded into a horned-up sextet tour in 2002. Next thing ya know, Red's fronting a 10-piece band. His pseudo-funky, white-boy rhythms and congested horn charts have given way lately to Phish tunes converted into classical pieces intended for orchestras and symphonies. It's not yet clear where freedom from a full-time band will lead him, but his creative energy is irrefutably high. With numerous solo albums under his belt and a side-group he's toured with significantly over the last few years, Anastasio will offer fans plenty of opportunities to spend time with him, and some of their favorite Phish tunes, after the split.
Vida Blue
Recommended songs: "Most Events Aren't Planned," "Electraglide," "Little Miami (Reputation)"
Vida Blue were originally a trio project concocted by keyboardist Page McConnell during Phish's hiatus. Joining with Allman Brothers Band bassist Oteil Burbridge and Funky Meters drummer Russell Batiste, McConnell turned largely improvised studio jams into a full-fledged record release, which then turned into a hectic touring schedule. In doing so, he established himself as a capable frontman. And, once the hiatus ended, he further proved himself as a far more aggressive contributor to Phish's collective sound. Since then, Vida Blue have released a second album and have expanded their lineup to include Miami-based Afro-beat band the Spam Allstars.
Dave Matthews & Trey Anastasio
Recommended songs:"Waste," "Bathtub Gin"
First, Anastasio was spotted anonymously playing guitar with Matthews on "Saturday Night Live." The two have since shared a headlining slot at Bonnaroo 2004 and toured extensively
together as Dave Matthews & Friends, performing a mix-and-match set of Matthews songs, Phish tunes and covers. The pair even made it all the way to Senegal, where they performed with the West African band Orchestra Baobab. The excursion, which was filmed and subsequently aired on VH1, was an obvious learning experience for Anastasio, one that is likely to be evidenced in his future work.
Jazz Mandolin Project (JMP)
Recommended songs: "Barber's Hint," "Chapeau"
Drummer Jon Fishman's dress-wearing, vacuum-sucking and cover-song-butchering antics have been known to overshadow his skilled drumming techniques when he performs with Phish. Led by experimental mandolinist Jamie Masefield, a fellow Vermont resident, Jazz Mandolin Project's rotating lineup has served as an occasional quiet haven where Fishman could demonstrate his more subdued, jazzy side.
Pork Tornado
Recommended songs: "Kiss My Black Ass," "Fellini"
A funk-infused collective led by Fishman, Pork Tornado play fun-loving though infrequent gigs, offering such light-hearted fare as "Kiss My Black Ass" and "When I Get Drunk." But lest we not take the group seriously, its 2002 record release proves that the group's got chops to match the cheesiness.
Mike Gordon
Recommended film: "Rising Low"
Recommended song: "Soulfood Man"
When he's not touring with Phish, this former film major can often be found blending in with the audience of a New York club, in the recording studio or behind a camera. His semi-documentary film "Rising Low" followed Gov't Mule as some of the world's greatest bass players (including Gordon) gathered to record two tribute albums to the group's late bass player, Allen Woody. Like his earlier experimental movie "Outside Out," the companion album, Inside In, reveals Gordon's famously eccentric personality. Musicians who participated include several of Phish's musical friends (TAB drummer Russ Lawton, banjo player Bela Fleck). Jon Fishman also appears on a couple of tunes.
Mike Gordon & Leo Kottke
Recommended songs: "Clone," "From Pizza Towers to Defeat"
This pairing between Phish's quirky bassist and the even quirkier acoustic-guitar virtuoso Leo Kottke was, like McConnell's emergence, an unexpected but pleasant surprise. The album was truly collaborative, an inventive and perky effort with alternating vocal responsibilities and subtly overlapping country, bluegrass, folk and psychedelic influences. The live shows that followed were equally enjoyable, sparking lively and humorous banter between the two artists. Should the two reconnect for another tour, it's a sure bet tickets will sell out in no time.
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Photo: Elektra
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