Trey Anastasio - Plasma May 12, 2003 - The Buffalo News By Jeff Miers Album Review - Plasma When Trey Anastasio stepped outside of the confines of Phish during that band's hiatus, many hardcore fans were aghast. Anastasio assembled a big band - with horns, percussion and keyboards - and released a self-titled solo nod that offered stirring blends of Latin jazz and the progressive roots rock Phish has built a considerable audience upon. Perhaps the music, improvisation heavy but very conscious of the groove, went over Phish-heads' heads. Relix magazine, the bible of the unfortunately named "jam band" scene, even went so far as to name the album one of the biggest disappointments of the year. This is completely baffling, as was the relatively small turnout when Anastasio brought his remarkable band to Darien Lake's Performing Arts Center last summer. "Plasma" documents the solo band's tour, and it serves as an able testament to the magic the ensemble was able to summon nightly. Picture the Santana band of the early '70s being conducted by Frank Zappa and delving into the languid waters of Miles Davis' "In a Silent Way"-period musings. Add a dash of "American Beauty"-era Grateful Dead, and you've got the general idea. The horn arrangements are delicious and rich, employing interesting harmonies and offering unexpected detours. The rhythm section is simply beyond reproach, grooving in such a way as to suggest an inherent connection between deepest Africa and the greenest Vermont. Anastasio the guitarist, though perhaps overanalyzed by the most obsessive of Phish fans, is actually an underrated and understated player. He shines throughout. The track listing on this two-disc set is impressive as well. "Curlew's Call," "Plasma," "Magilla," "Mozambique," "Night Speaks to a Woman" and "Sand" all are tight, taut and truly expressive. Article © 2003 The Buffalo News