Anastasio shows there's more on his plate than Phish March 4, 2001 - The State (Columbia, SC) by Christina Lee Knauss Whatever you do, do not call the music Trey Anastasio and his band make "hippie" rock. Or "jam" rock. No matter how many people in the audience are wearing tie-dyes or patchwork skirts or Birkenstocks. On his first solo tour since his band Phish went on extended hiatus, gifted guitarist/singer/songwriter Anastasio is leading a group of musicians who are talented enough to turn their hands to genres ranging from jazz to funk to reggae and even jump-swing. Anastasio and company charmed a sold-out crowd at the Township Auditorium Saturday night with both deft melodies and extended, creative jams. The improvisation that has come to characterize jam bands like Phish is present in his solo work, sure. But the songs Anastasio is serving up these days explore a wide range of styles. The result is that his band's music is (--) happily (--) undefinable. Anastasio's unassuming stage presence made the soaring strength of some of his guitar solos all the more effective. During much of the show, Anastasio seemed content to let the band take much of the spotlight, but when he let go on solos, they were masterworks of intricate fingering and creative flair. By far, one of the highlights of the evening was Anastasio's horn section, especially the saxophone work of David Grippo. Grippo, along with trombone player Andy Moroz and trumpeter Jennifer Hartswick, served up soaring solos and memorable jazz stylings. During one tune, the horn section took up a role reminiscent of the Big Band era. They parted from their hornwork for a moment to shout the chorus "Don't do it!," while Anastasio responded with the playful "Done done it!" One standout was the instrumental "Mozambique," which occasionally took on the steamy but elegant flavors of some of Duke Ellington's early club music. Another creative touch was the Dixieland-style horn work on the playful song "In the Night." Anastasio and company also served up an assortment of Phish standards as well as some cover tunes, including a soulful version of The Band's "It Makes No Difference." This was not the place to be for the kind of rock fan who likes to sit quietly and ponder the music. About 95 percent of the audience was on its feet and dancing for every part of every song, even the slow ones. The rain had not kept the more flamboyant Anastasio-followers at bay, either. A few people in the audience wore holographic, glittering shirts and vests, while one man walked around with a bright purple velvet cape draped over his clothes.