Trey Anastasio
Surrender To The Air
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Trey Anastasio
Surrender To The Air
Elektra, 1996
RiYL: Phish, Sun Ra, Aquarium Rescue Unit |
The idea behind this high-profile jam session was to record an experiment in free-form jazz, expounding on the ideas of Ra while contributing the ideas and technology of some of today's great unknowns.
Although the list of names is a virtual "who's-not" checklist of popular music, it's also the roster of a powerhouse jazz team that would make some roots rock fans shake. The recording succeeds in showcasing the capabilities of its crew while hurting the ears of those not fluent in the musical language.
For whatever reason, Anastasio seems uncharacteristically low on the creative totem pole here. Having established himself as a premiere guitar guru via his work in Phish, the red-haired menace is the hardest voice to hear on the CD, drowned out by pre-amp effects.
On the other hand, drummer Jon Fishman is able to eclipse his usual stickwork in Phish, offering strikingly solid contributions to the feel of the songs. At moments, it is obvious Fishman was the key control factor in terms of texture and mood. His transition from the rock and roll gimmickry of Phish to his part in a rather whimsical production is eye-opening.
Other distinct voices on the CD include trombonist James Harvey, trumpeter Michael Ray and former Arkestra saxophonist Marshal Allen. Whether the sax is screaming like a crazed woman, honking violently like a crashed car or merely humming softly, the listener's ear is drawn.
A musician survives amid this type of music if he or she possesses an understanding of a moment, because there are no breaks or uniform patterns to follow. As the listener of Surrender will notice first, there are no parts and there is no verse. Four songs are named "And Furthermore," and there is only one pause on the entire album.
It is this aspect of the music that makes it so hard to listen to. Although the experimentation is bold and the talent broad, the idea of humming one of these tunes in the car is absurd. Inevitably, most listeners will be frustrated and just turn it off.
BEN FRENCH | Ben founded NATN in the winter of 1998-1999 with fellow IU alums Troy Carpenter and Jonathan Cohen. During the day time, he's working for Nielsen Business Media, publisher of Billboard. Ben's favorite acts include Bruce Springsteen, The Clash, Sonic Youth, Elvis Costello, Talking Heads, Rolling Stones, and the Beach Boys.