Seis De Mayo: Not Typical Trey Anastasio

Trey Anastasio has made a niche for himself. He became famous as the lead singer and guitarist of Phish. After Phish broke up, Trey produced a great debut solo album that proved that if Phish was no more, Trey was here to stay.

“Seis De Mayo” is the follow on to the debut album. This album is very different however. Much of Trey's other material is almost "pop" sounding. Songs from other CDs like “Push on to the Day,” “Shine” and “Night Speaks to a Woman” sound as though they could be playing on any popular radio station. Mr. Anastasio left the popular groove sound behind for this CD. “Seis De Mayo” is a fully instrumental and orchestral album.

The track list is:
1. Andre the Giant
2. Prologue
3. The Inlaw Josie Wales
4. All things Reconsidered
5. Coming To
6. Discern (intro)
7. Guyute (orchestral)

“Andre the Giant” opens the CD with a groovy African sounding piece. It contains djembes and a balafon. The rhythms are full and interesting. Mike Gorman (the bass player from Phish) plays on this track.

“The Inlaw Josie Wales” is a popular song that Trey introduced to Phish fans long before it appeared on any album. It has undergone many different versions and musical genres. It has wonderful acoustic guitar playing and great string playing by the Ying Quartet. Hearing this version of this song makes one wonder what version did Trey have in mind when he wrote this piece? How did he expect the song to sound in it's final version?

Perhaps the brightest star of this CD is the orchestral version of Phish's “Guyute.” This peace sounds so good in orchestra form it sounds like it was written by one of the orchestral masters. The piece has many highs and lows and tempo changes that the 12 minute piece never bores and always moves.

This experimental album by Trey Anastasio is not for the beginning Phish fan or for those just opening up to Trey. It is a master piece of music and it clearly displays the music genius that Trey Anastasio is. However, it may produce the wrong impression to the listener that want to hear what Trey and Phish usually sound like.