The Trey Anastasio Band, led by Phish guitarist Trey Anastasio, took the stage at the beautiful Wiltern in Los Angeles on the night of Saturday, January 17th for their second show of a two-night run. As always, Trey brought the thunder as his collective brought the lightening, while a happy crowd stayed starry-eyed all night long.
TAB debuted a never-been-heard original “All Pretending” and a gorgeous a capella version of “Somewhere Over The Rainbow” during the encore. It was an evening glittered with surprises and classics. As I dance-walked through the sea of friendly faces during the classic “Blaze On” opener, you could feel that “life blaze” come up and it was the perfect thrill. Trombonist Natalie Cressman shone brightly during “Mozambique”, which followed. The floor was shaking during “My Problem Right There”, when everyone stomped blissfully along belting the classic.
I always love the vibe in The Wiltern and the jam scene, but Saturday had that extra special effect.
The first set also included brilliantly, funky moments during “Cayman Review” and “Camel Walk” for saxophonist James Casey, who later completely blew off socks during “Burlap Sack and Pumps” followed by a “Gotta Jibboo” in the second set. A long and groovy “Set Your Soul Free” brought us to an end of the first set in flying form, with everyone eager to see what venture Trey would be taking us on for the second half of the night.
I always love the vibe in The Wiltern and the jam scene, but Saturday had that extra special effect. The set break was contagiously fun. Smiles, hugs and charming chats about our favorite moments, covers and chords from shows past rang through the air pleasantly. I used to get nervous going to gigs alone, but here, everyone felt like a friend.
When Trey and the gang opened up the second set with “Sightless Escape” — another Anastasio side project Ghosts Of The Forest single — followed by whipping and whomping “Sand”, we were off to a psychedelic welcome back and they put it on strong. Then, the players somehow flowed effortlessly into a dirty jazz rendition of “Burlap Sacks and Pumps” and “Jibboo” again, before winding graceful into a personal favorite ballad of mine, “Shade”.
Hand in hand, we grooved from there with a “Show Of Life” and finally “Push On Till’ the Day” pushed a lot of happy hippies out the door.
A teasing, but still notable “Plasma” quickly followed by the treasured number “First Tube” closed out the second set. Like any good jam, it felt like Anastasio was the puppeteer and he had made us all his puppets. His fancy string work kept us swaying and jiving in perfect time with one another and the music.
The encore began with a mesmerizing and heartfelt a capella version of “Somewhere Over The Rainbow” sung by Anastasio, Jennifer Hartswick, James Casey and Natalie Cressman. Hand in hand, we grooved from there with a “Show Of Life” and finally “Push On Till’ the Day” pushed a lot of happy hippies out the door. Till next time, Trey. Be sure to catch TAB on the rest of their tour if you need to get your boogie fix — and then some! For tickets and more information, click here.
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