Phish: Sound Familiar? August 5, 1993 - Rochester City Newspaper by Staff Maybe they love Upstate so much, they can't bear to be away for more than a few months. But regardless of their feelings toward the Empire State, they play here so often because they play everywhere so often. Phish is a band that tours. And then they tour some more. And when they're done, they tour some more. The result: a lot of worn-out bus tires and a band with exceptional abilities for live performance. Guitarist Trey Anastasio, pianist Page McConnell, bassist Mike Gordon, and drummer Jon Fishman wander through material from their four records, stylized covers, and esoteric jams in a way that seems effortless but is difficult for even the finest players. Their music is like an engine. It runs along smoothly when each tiny element works together with the others. Each piece is dependent on the others to function. After years of fine-tuning, the engine runs well, indeed. Phish is graced with a complement of fans who follow them from show to show, make bootleg recordings nightly, and revel in extended jams and musical experimentation. Sound familiar? One not-so-diehard fan once described Phish to me as "something to do when the Dead aren't touring." But Phish is more than just a group of Haight-Ashbury minor leaguers. Phish is big league material -- accomplished musicians who love their art form and challenge themselves and their audiences. Their fame and recognition have grown gradually. Phish is not destined for multi-platnum rock 'n roll superstardom. Rather, they exist for those who appreciate talented performers and thoughtful songwriting. They'll never be an overnight success, but they'll never be a fad. Phish will likely be around for a while, no doubt playing live at a venue near you.