Phish Leader's Solo Debut May 3, 2002 - Winston-Salem Journal By Staff Album Review - Trey Anastasio ..has some nice grooves, but breaks little new ground Phish fans would probably follow bandleader Trey Anastasio anywhere - after all, they went for last year's messy experiments with his Oysterhead collaboration with Les Claypool and Stewart Copeland. He takes them to a few new places on this solo debut, breaking from his regular band's rock-quartet format by employing a horn section, some Afro-Caribbean rhythms and full orchestrations in a few places. With the African percolation of the 11-minute workout "Last Tube," he transcends the basic jam formula with a solid groove, although he's no Paul Simon or David Byrne, let alone Fela Kuti. On another front, two instrumentals showcase his guitarist and arranger skills; the lovely "At the Gazebo" is the highlight, milking genteel Southern brass for an idyllic chamber vibe. Still, the album is marked throughout by familiar Phish characteristics: breezy whimsy in words and melodies, unassuming but not commanding singing, and organic ensemble playing featuring Anastasio's fluid guitar solos. Such songs as the opening "Alive Again" merely sound like Phish with horns, while the tropical-flavored "Cayman Review" could almost pass for a Glenn Frey frat-party tune. Faring better are "Mr. Completely," mixing punchy playing and a sunny, psychedelic aura, and the low-key ballads "Flock of Words" and "Ray Dawn Balloon." All in all, this should satisfy Phish fans looking for a fix during the band's current hiatus - if a second set of six full Phish concert recordings also being released now isn't enough. But the new tricks aren't likely to make any converts.