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Trey Anastasio Band, or TAB, is an American rock band led by singer-songwriter and guitarist Trey Anastasio of Phish. The band has existed in several permutations since 1998. Versions of the band have had different members, and briefly used the names Eight Foot Fluorescent Tubes and 70 Volt Parade. The current lineup consists of Anastasio (vocals, guitar), Russ Lawton (drums), Ray Paczkowski (keyboards), Cyro Baptista (percussion), Dezron Douglas (bass), Natalie Cressman (trombone, vocals), Jennifer Hartswick (trumpet, vocals), and Kenneth Whalum (saxophone, vocals).[1] Anastasio and Lawton are the only remaining members from the band's original 1998 formation. Musicians from TAB have accompanied Anastasio on several of his solo studio albums.

Key Information

The beginning

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Trey's band had its roots in his brother-in-law's Vermont nightclub, Higher Ground. On April 17, 1998, for the second show in the club's existence, Anastasio put together a band of local Vermont musicians for a one time performance under the name Eight Foot Fluorescent Tubes. Among the five musicians onstage with Trey that evening were drummer Russ Lawton and bassist Tony Markellis. They debuted material that night that became part of the repertoire of both Phish and Anastasio's solo career.

The trio

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Less than a year later, on February 15, 1999, Trey performed a benefit show at Higher Ground for a local arts charity with Lawton and Markellis. Later that spring, the trio (as they are referred to on Anastasio's website) went on a national tour of clubs and theatres. Most of the shows sold out, which featured a solo acoustic set by Anastasio and an electric set by The Trio. They debuted more new songs, many of them appearing on Phish’s 2000 album, Farmhouse. Absent from the tour were any songs from Trey's first solo album, One Man's Trash, which was released in late 1998.

In Spring 2018, Trey toured again as a trio alongside Lawton and Markellis. The tour began on April 17, 2018—on the 20 year anniversary of Trey's first solo show, Eight Foot Fluorescent Tubes.

The sextet

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After Phish went on hiatus in 2000, Anastasio took his project on the road and added a horn section. Saxophonist Dave Grippo, a Burlington music teacher with a long history with Phish, trombone player Andy Moroz, and trumpet player Jennifer Hartswick joined Trey's band for this and all future tours. These shows, and all to follow had two full sets with the band, and no solo acoustic set.

The octet

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Later in 2001, with Phish still inactive, Anastasio booked a summer tour of large amphitheatres where Phish had regularly performed in recent years. This tour also included some venues that Phish hadn't played in years like Red Rocks in Colorado and Jones Beach in Long Island, New York. In the fall, two more members were added to Trey's band, tenor saxophonist/flautist Russell Remington and keyboardist Ray Paczkowski.

The dectet

[edit]

2002 saw the release of Trey's self-titled second album, and a summer tour to support it. This tour of amphitheatres was significantly smaller than the 2001 tour. At this time, Anastasio added the final two members to the group, Brazilian percussionist Cyro Baptista and the multitalented Peter Apfelbaum.

Late in the summer of 2002, Phish announced their reunion, with their first show slated for New Year's Eve. During the fall of 2002, with Anastasio still promoting his second solo album, he took his dectet for a tour of smaller venues.

In 2003, with a Phish summer tour planned, Trey scaled back his touring. He played a brief tour that spring, before spending his first summer in three years with Phish.

In 2004, Trey played some random dates. He performed at the Easter jam at Higher Ground, with the other members of Phish. He then played a surprise birthday party in Stowe, Vermont.

In May, with Phish tour dates already booked, Anastasio made the announcement that Phish would be breaking up and the upcoming summer tour would be their last.

In June, days before Phish would start its final tour, Trey performed at the Bonnaroo music festival.

On September 18, 2004, about a month after what was then Phish's final performance, Trey would play his final performance to date with the dectet, and his last show with Russ Lawton and Tony Markellis until 2008 at the Austin City Limits Music Festival.

Subsequent solo bands

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In the spring of 2005, Anastasio introduced a new backing band, 70 Volt Parade, featuring Paczkowski, Skeeto Valdez on drums, Peter Chwazik on bass, and Les Hall on guitar and keyboards. After only a few months, Anastasio replaced Chwazik with Tony Hall of Ivan Neville's Dumpstaphunk, and added Hartswick and Christina Durfee on backing vocals. Anastasio then replaced Valdez with Raymond Weber. Russell Remington also rejoined Anastasio shortly thereafter. In 2006, Les Hall left the band, and it was renamed Trey Anastasio Band. Although Anastasio's solo band was unofficially called Trey Anastasio Band since it started in 1998, this was the first time his band officially called itself under that name. Jeff Cressman and Jeff Sipe, who replaced Weber, toured with the project in 2006 and 2007.[2]

Fall 2008 tour to 2020

[edit]

In October 2008, Anastasio set out on a short tour billed as "Trey Anastasio & Classic TAB". This quartet featured Anastasio on guitar, Tony Markellis on bass, Russ Lawton on drums, and Ray Paczkowski on keyboards. In 2010, Jennifer Hartswick officially rejoined the project, renamed Trey Anastasio Band, and has remained with the group ever since.[3] At the same time, Anastasio welcomed back Russ Remington [4] and introduced Natalie Cressman,[5] whose father Jeff was a member of TAB in 2006 and 2007. Remington left TAB at the end of 2011 and was replaced by James Casey in 2012.[6] Cressman remains in TAB to this day.

2021 and onward

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Markellis died on April 29, 2021.[7] Later, bassist Dezron Douglas was announced as the band’s new bass player.[8] In September 2021, James Casey announced he had cancer and would not be taking part in the fall tour. Cochemea Gastelum filled James’ role in the group during the tour.[9] During TAB's 2021 fall tour, both Hartswick and Lawton tested positive for COVID-19, leaving a stripped-down lineup with no horn section and Phish drummer Jon Fishman taking over for Lawton.[10][11] In 2022, the band resumed touring with its standard lineup including Casey, Lawton and the horn section.[12] Casey died of colon cancer on August 28, 2023, at the age of 40.[13]. The tenor saxophone player is now Kenneth Whalum.

Album appearances and discography

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Studio albums

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The Trey Anastasio Band appears on the following Anastasio solo albums:

Live albums

[edit]

References

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[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Trey Anastasio Band

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The , commonly abbreviated as TAB, is an American rock band formed in 1998 and led by guitarist, singer, and songwriter , best known as the lead guitarist and co-founder of the jam band . The band originated as a trio featuring Anastasio alongside drummer Russ Lawton and bassist Tony Markellis, serving as a platform for Anastasio's solo explorations outside of . Over its history, TAB has undergone multiple lineup changes and expansions, growing into an octet with the addition of musicians such as keyboardist Ray Paczkowski, percussionist Cyro Baptista, trumpeter and vocalist Jennifer Hartswick, trombonist and vocalist Natalie Cressman, tenor saxophonist and vocalist Kenneth Whalum, and bassist in more recent iterations. TAB is renowned for its improvisational live performances that fuse Anastasio's original compositions, selections from the Phish catalog, and covers of classic rock and jazz tunes, often incorporating the horn section for a fuller, more dynamic sound. The band has maintained an active touring schedule since its inception, including headlining tours across the , and has contributed to several of Anastasio's solo recordings, such as the live album TAB at the Tab (2010). Recent activity includes a 2024 tour and performances into 2025, underscoring its enduring role in Anastasio's multifaceted career alongside and other projects.

Origins and Early Development

Formation in 1998

The Trey Anastasio Band originated in 1998 as the guitarist's inaugural major solo endeavor separate from his primary group, , which remained actively touring and recording during this period. Anastasio sought an outlet to explore and debut compositions that diverged from Phish's established sound, drawing on influences from and while incorporating local musicians he had encountered in the Burlington scene. This initiative allowed him to test new material in a more flexible, non-Phish context without disrupting the band's commitments. The project's debut occurred on April 17, 1998, at Higher Ground in , billed under the temporary name Eight Foot Fluorescent Tubes to evoke the performance's innovative lighting setup featuring actual fluorescent tubes suspended onstage. The show served as a celebratory event for the venue's opening week and marked the public premiere of several original songs, including "First Tube," "Sand," and "Mozambique," which Anastasio had developed independently. Accompanied by theatrical elements like costumed dancers, the performance highlighted the ensemble's blend of improvisation and structured arrangements. For this inaugural outing, the performance featured Anastasio on guitar and vocals, accompanied by the core rhythm section of Russ Lawton on drums and Tony Markellis on bass, with guest horn players Dave Grippo on saxophone and on trombone joining for the second set. Lawton and Markellis, both fixtures in the regional music community, provided a rhythmic foundation that would endure in future iterations, while the guest horns added a layer of jazz-inflected texture to the framework. This configuration underscored Anastasio's vision for a collaborative, horn-driven vehicle to expand beyond Phish's guitar-led jams. Following the one-off debut, the project shed the Eight Foot Fluorescent Tubes moniker and evolved into what would become known as the Trey Anastasio Band, reflecting its ongoing focus on fusion-oriented exploration. This shift laid the groundwork for subsequent expansions, though the core emphasis remained on Anastasio's non-Phish songbook.

The trio era (1999)

In 1999, the Trey Anastasio Band reduced its configuration to a lineup featuring on guitar and vocals, Russ Lawton on drums, and Tony Markellis on bass, which emphasized a stripped-down, raw rock energy without the from prior outings. This setup allowed for a more direct, guitar-driven sound centered on Anastasio's compositions and improvisational interplay among the three members. The trio launched its first major national tour in spring 1999, spanning 12 shows across U.S. clubs and theaters, including stops at the in on May 6, the 9:30 Club in on May 11, and the Auditorium in on May 19. Many performances began with an acoustic solo set by Anastasio before transitioning to the electric trio format, fostering an intimate yet energetic atmosphere in smaller venues. Setlists during this tour blended Anastasio's emerging solo material—such as "Back on the Train," "Farmhouse," and "Gotta Jibboo"—with Phish covers like "Wolfman's Brother," "Runaway Jim," and "Chalk Dust Torture," often extended into lengthy improvisational jams that highlighted the trio's rhythmic synergy and Anastasio's guitar exploration. These shows showcased a balance of structured songs and free-form excursions, including covers like "O-o-h Child" and "Voodoo Child (Slight Return)," underscoring the band's rock roots and jam-oriented ethos. Live recordings from the 1999 trio era circulated widely as fan bootlegs, capturing the dynamic performances; notable examples include audience and soundboard tapes from the Riviera Theatre and Fillmore shows, now archived and streamable on platforms like Relisten.net. These unofficial releases preserved the raw intensity of the trio's early outings, influencing later perceptions of Anastasio's solo work.

Expansion to sextet and octet (2000–2001)

Following Phish's announcement of an indefinite hiatus after their final show on October 7, 2000, Trey Anastasio expanded his solo project into a configuration, augmenting the core of Russ Lawton and Tony Markellis with a three-piece comprising saxophonist Dave Grippo, trombonist Andy Moroz, and trumpeter Jennifer Hartswick. This lineup debuted on February 21, 2001, at Boston's Orpheum Theatre, coinciding with the introduction of new material like "Burlap Sack and Pumps," which highlighted the horns' role in layered, improvisational arrangements. The addition enabled Anastasio to develop a fuller, more orchestral sound rooted in his compositional style, moving beyond the trio's stripped-down setup. The sextet's spring 2001 road tour, spanning February through May, played larger theaters and halls such as New York's Roseland Ballroom and the Tower Theater in Upper Darby, Pennsylvania, accommodating crowds of up to 2,000 and emphasizing horn-driven grooves that infused Anastasio's songs with jazz-inflected energy. Venues shifted from intimate club spaces to more expansive settings, reflecting the band's growing ambition during Phish's absence and allowing for extended jams that showcased the interplay between Anastasio's guitar work and the brass elements. This period marked a pivotal transition, with the tour serving as a platform for rehearsed yet spontaneous performances drawn from Anastasio's recent solo recordings. In mid-2001, the band evolved into an octet with the additions of saxophonist and flautist Russell Remington and keyboardist Ray Paczkowski, enhancing harmonic depth and rhythmic complexity to reach eight members total. This expanded ensemble launched a summer amphitheater tour in July, hitting major outdoor venues including two nights at Colorado's on July 17–18, Missouri's Riverport Amphitheatre on July 20, and New York's Jones Beach on August 3. The shows blended sensibilities with grooves and Anastasio's burgeoning solo repertoire, such as "Money, Love and Change" and "First Tube," fostering immersive sets that averaged over two hours and drew on the octet's ability to sustain dynamic, textural explorations.

Advanced Configurations and Transitions

The dectet (2002)

In 2002, the Trey Anastasio Band expanded to its largest configuration, known as the dectet, by incorporating percussionist Cyro Baptista and multi-instrumentalist Peter Apfelbaum (saxophone, keyboards, and other instruments) into the existing octet lineup. This ten-member ensemble included Anastasio on guitar and vocals, Russ Lawton on drums, Tony Markellis on bass, Ray Paczkowski on keyboards, Jennifer Hartswick on trumpet, Dave Grippo on , Andy Moroz on , and Russell Remington on and . Building on the horn and keyboard foundations established in the 2001 octet, the dectet emphasized richer, more layered arrangements that blended , and improvisational elements. The dectet undertook a summer tour from May to June 2002, performing at smaller amphitheaters and theaters across , such as , , and . These venues allowed for an intimate yet expansive sound, with sets often exceeding two hours and featuring extended jams that showcased orchestral swells and dynamic interplay among the members. The tour highlighted influences, particularly through Baptista's Brazilian and global percussion techniques, which added rhythmic complexity and spontaneity to tracks like "Cayman Review" and "." Anastasio described the setup as akin to a "human four-track machine," where the large group created a "big joyous noise" through collective rather than rigid structures. During this period, the band contributed to the recording and promotion of Anastasio's debut solo studio album, , released in April 2002 on , with live performances from the tour later captured on the 2003 double live album Plasma. While the studio album was primarily tracked earlier at in with a core group augmented by session musicians, the dectet's full ensemble brought fresh energy to material like "Push On 'Til the Day" and "Alive Again" during tour renditions, influencing subsequent releases. The scale of the dectet presented logistical challenges, including coordinating ten musicians on the road and balancing leadership duties with performance; Anastasio noted in interviews that cueing the during shows sometimes caused him to "forget to play," requiring intensive eight-day rehearsals to foster cohesion without over-directing the group.

Classic TAB and subsequent variations (2003–2007)

Following the expansive dectet configuration of , the Trey Anastasio Band contracted to a core quartet in 2003–2004, comprising Anastasio on guitar and vocals, Russ Lawton on drums, Tony Markellis on bass, and Ray Paczkowski on keyboards, augmented by occasional horns such as those from Andy Moroz and Dave Grippo for select performances. This streamlined setup allowed for greater focus on Anastasio's songwriting and while retaining rhythmic and textural depth from the core , which had been staples since the band's early years. Tours during this period, including dates at venues like the , emphasized a balance of Phish-era material and new compositions, with the quartet providing a more intimate dynamic compared to prior large-ensemble outings. In 2005, Anastasio assembled the 70 Volt Parade as a distinct backing band for tours promoting his album Shine, blending rock foundations with influences through expanded instrumentation including electronic elements and additional percussion from Cyro Baptista in select performances. This project featured keyboardist Ray Paczkowski from TAB along with new musicians such as Les Hall on guitar and keyboards, and horns like Jennifer Hartswick on trumpet and Russell Remington on saxophone added later in the year, enabling extended jams that fused Anastasio's guitar work with synthesized textures and brass-driven grooves, as heard in performances at . The Shine material, including tracks like "Shine" and "," dominated setlists, marking a phase of experimentation that distinguished these tours from TAB's rock-centric roots. The year 2007 saw the release of the instrumental album The Horseshoe Curve on July 24, which revisited Afro-Cuban and horn-heavy arrangements reminiscent of earlier ensemble work, featuring contributions from core members Lawton and Markellis alongside guests like Cyro Baptista. Supporting tours incorporated variations such as added guest musicians for specific shows, including percussionists and additional brass to enhance the album's compositional layers, as in appearances at the Langerado Music Festival. These performances highlighted Anastasio's growing interest in orchestral elements without a full return to the dectet scale. During this era, Anastasio introduced side projects like the 70 Volt Parade as distinct endeavors from main TAB activities, with its electronica-infused approach revived in select 2005–2006 outings to explore electronic production separate from the band's traditional live format. The dectet's influence briefly echoed in Anastasio's compositional style, informing the horn arrangements on The Horseshoe Curve.

Evolution of solo bands (2008–2020)

In the fall of 2008, revived the "Classic TAB" configuration for an eight-show U.S. tour, featuring the original lineup of Anastasio on guitar and vocals, Ray Paczkowski on keyboards, Russ Lawton on drums, and Tony Markellis on bass. This return to the foundational , which had been established during the 2003–2007 period, emphasized Anastasio's core songwriting and improvisational style without the larger ensemble's orchestral elements. By 2010, the band expanded to a configuration, incorporating horn players Jennifer Hartswick on and Russ Remington on alongside the , enhancing the group's jazz-infused rock sound for subsequent tours. During the 2010–2015 era, further refinements included the addition of trombonist Natalie Cressman in 2010, who brought a fresh dynamic to the as an 18-year-old recruit from the , and saxophonist and James Casey in 2012, replacing Remington to support evolving arrangements. These personnel changes aligned with Anastasio's solo releases, including the 2012 album Traveler, which featured TAB members in its production and touring promotion, and the 2015 album Paper Wheels, recorded at Anastasio's Barn studio with contributions from the expanded ensemble. The band maintained a consistent schedule of annual U.S. tours throughout this period, delivering extended improvisational sets that blended Anastasio's Phish-era compositions with new material, often stretching songs into expansive jams. A notable example was the 2015 fall tour, which included performances at New York City's Beacon Theatre, where the sextet showcased intricate horn interplay and rhythmic exploration in front of intimate audiences. In , to commemorate the 20th anniversary of Anastasio's first performance with Lawton and Markellis on April 17, 1998, the band reverted to a format for select spring tour dates, stripping down to Anastasio, Lawton, and Markellis while Paczkowski recovered from health issues, allowing for raw, high-energy interpretations of classics. This temporary shift highlighted the trio's enduring chemistry before returning to the fuller lineup later in the year.

Recent History and Current Status

Challenges and changes in 2021

The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic significantly disrupted Trey Anastasio Band's planned activities in 2021, enforcing strict health protocols for their fall tour, including requirements for proof of full vaccination or a negative test for all ticket holders. These measures, combined with positive tests among personnel, complicated the tour's execution and necessitated last-minute adjustments, such as an impromptu solo acoustic performance by Anastasio on September 29 in Pittsburgh after drummer Russ Lawton tested positive. While earlier virtual residencies like the 2020 Beacon Jams had sustained fan engagement during lockdowns, 2021 shifted focus to limited live returns amid these health constraints. The band faced profound personal losses that year, most notably the death of longtime bassist Tony Markellis on April 29, 2021, at age 68. Markellis, a cornerstone of TAB since its , had been part of the lineup that defined the group's sound throughout the . His passing prompted immediate lineup changes for the upcoming tour, with bassist stepping in as replacement, bringing a fresh dynamic informed by his prior collaborations with Anastasio. Further challenges arose during the tour's preparation when saxophonist James Casey announced his stage-three colon cancer on September 15, 2021, requiring him to undergo and step away from performances. Cochemea "Cheme" Gastelum substituted for Casey on for the fall dates, though Gastelum himself tested positive for shortly before the show. These events underscored the band's resilience as they resumed touring in September 2021, adapting to both health crises and the persistent pandemic.

Tours and activities 2022–2025

Following the substitutions implemented during Trey Anastasio Band's challenges in 2021, the group resumed touring in spring 2022 with an adjusted lineup featuring drummer Russ Lawton, bassist Dezron Douglas, keyboardist Ray Paczkowski, and the horn section including saxophonist James Casey. This return included a series of performances to promote Anastasio's solo acoustic album Mercy, released on March 11, 2022, with shows at venues such as Boston's Roadrunner on May 7–8 and Red Rocks Amphitheatre on May 22. A fall tour followed in September–October, covering western U.S. stops like Kettlehouse Amphitheater in Bonner, Montana, on September 23 and the Hollywood Palladium in Los Angeles on October 1, emphasizing the band's octet configuration. The band's momentum continued into 2023 until the sudden passing of saxophonist James Casey on August 28, after a two-year battle with colon cancer. TAB's first performance following Casey's death occurred on September 30 at Seaside Park in , where vocalist and saxophonist Jo Lampert joined as a guest to fill the horn role during sets featuring tracks like "Blaze On" and "Burlap Sack and Pumps." Subsequent shows maintained this approach, with guest musicians supporting the core rhythm section through the end of the year, including a November 6 benefit concert at in New York to celebrate Casey's life. In 2024, TAB focused on selective performances in intimate venues, aligning with the release of Anastasio's instrumental guitar album Atriums on September 20, which featured ambient compositions originally created for Phish's residency. The year's activities included May dates at in on May 14 and Agora Theatre in on May 15, followed by an October 5 appearance at Radians Amphitheater in Memphis as a without horns, highlighting improvisational sets with tracks like "Hoist." Guest support continued sparingly, preserving the band's continuity amid ongoing transitions. On August 19, 2025, TAB announced a full-band U.S. tour marking their first extended octet run since 2023, commencing November 14 with two nights at Denver's and concluding November 30 at New York City's Beacon Theatre. The 12-date itinerary includes stops at The Astro Theater in La Vista, , on November 17; Val Air Ballroom in , on November 18; and The Capitol Theatre in , on November 28, reuniting the complete lineup of Lawton, Paczkowski, on bass, percussionist Cyro Baptista, and the horn section. The tour commenced as planned on November 14–15 at Denver's , where the band debuted two new songs, followed by a November 17 performance at The Astro Theater in La Vista, , affirming the reunion of the full octet lineup.

Current lineup

As of 2025, the Trey Anastasio Band operates as an eight-piece ensemble, blending rock, jazz, and improvisational elements through its core rhythm section and expansive horn lineup. The band is led by Trey Anastasio on guitar and lead vocals, providing the foundational songwriting and improvisational drive that defines its sound. Supporting him are longtime drummer Russ Lawton, whose steady grooves anchor the band's rhythmic complexity, and keyboardist Ray Paczkowski, whose atmospheric and melodic contributions enhance the jazz-rock fusion texture. Percussionist Cyro Baptista adds global rhythms and textural depth, drawing from Brazilian and world music influences to expand the ensemble's percussive palette. The bass position is held by Dezron Douglas, who joined in 2021 following the death of original bassist Tony Markellis, bringing a jazz pedigree as a classically trained double-bassist proficient in both electric and upright styles. Douglas's versatility shines in acoustic-oriented sets, where his upright bass work introduces warmer, more intimate tones suited to the band's exploratory jams. The horn section, a staple since the band's expansion in the early 2000s, consists of Jennifer Hartswick on trumpet and vocals, Natalie Cressman on trombone and vocals—who first joined during the 2008–2020 era—and tenor saxophonist Kenneth Whalum on saxophone and vocals, whose recent integration in 2025 adds fresh harmonic layers and improvisational flair. This configuration, solidified post-2021 challenges, emphasizes the band's evolution into a versatile jazz-rock fusion outfit capable of seamless shifts between high-energy anthems and intricate, horn-driven arrangements. Hartswick's vocal performances, including soulful leads on recent live renditions of tracks like covers, provide dynamic counterpoints to Anastasio's phrasing, while the full horn team's interplay fosters extended improvisations central to the modern TAB experience.

Discography

Studio albums

The Trey Anastasio Band (TAB) has released four studio albums, each reflecting evolving ensemble configurations and Anastasio's compositional style blending rock, jazz, , and orchestral elements. These recordings capture the band's core sound while incorporating specific instrumentation tied to their touring lineups. The debut album, (2002), was recorded at Anastasio's studio, The Barn, and features the 10-piece dectet lineup that toured that year, including horn players like on , Rob Volo on , and on , alongside staples Tony Markellis on bass and Russ Lawton on . This configuration supported the album's afro-cuban grooves and marked an early exploration of orchestral arrangements by conductor Peters of the Youth Orchestra. Key tracks include the intricate "," a math-inspired instrumental showcasing layered horns and strings, and "Push On 'Til the Day," which highlights Anastasio's melodic guitar work over rhythmic percussion. The Horseshoe Curve (2007), released via Anastasio's Rubber Jungle Records, is an all-instrumental affair produced by Bryce Goggin and recorded primarily at The Barn with additional sessions in Brooklyn. While drawing from the dectet era's horn-heavy palette—including saxophonists Dave Grippo, Peter Apfelbaum, and Russell Remington; trumpeter Jen Hartswick; and trombonist Andy Moroz—it focuses on a streamlined quartet core of Anastasio, Markellis, Lawton, and keyboardist Ray Paczkowski for several tracks, emphasizing experimental jams and afro-cuban rhythms. Standout experimental pieces include "Noodle Rave," a swirling, percussion-driven groove with multiple drummers like Cyro Baptista, and the title track, a live capture from a 2002 Pittsburgh show incorporating ambient train sounds for atmospheric depth. Traveler (2012), co-produced by Anastasio and at Tarquin Studios in , reunites the sextet TAB formation with guests like Mates of State's Kori Gardner on vocals and The National's on drums, blending rock structures with jazz-inflected horns from Hartswick and Natalie Cressman. The album incorporates electronic elements, such as whirring synths in "" and funky, processed bass lines evoking modern influences. Notable tracks feature the opener "Corona," a shimmering ode contrasting love and apocalypse themes, and the Gorillaz cover "," reimagined with soulful, zonked-out horns. Paper Wheels (2015), also produced by Goggin and mixed by Elliot Scheiner, was captured live-in-the-studio at to evoke a raw, immediate TAB sound with the , including prominent horn sections from Hartswick, Cressman, and saxophonist . This release highlights the band's modern evolution through upbeat, horn-driven compositions inspired by Stax soul and '70s pop. Key examples include "Bounce," an infectious, multi-part track building from vocal chants to energetic brass swells that command listener engagement, and "The Song," which layers intricate guitar lines over rhythmic horn punctuations.

Live albums

The Trey Anastasio Band's live albums document the group's signature improvisational style, capturing extended jams and spontaneous interplay from key tours across various lineups, from the expansive dectet to more streamlined ensembles. Plasma (2003), the band's inaugural live release, is a two-disc compilation drawn from nine shows on the 2002 dectet tour, featuring the 10-piece ensemble's orchestral arrangements and jazz-fusion explorations. Tracks like the 23-minute "Night Speaks to a Woman" exemplify the album's emphasis on unscripted, genre-blending energy, drawing from Anastasio's evolving compositional approach during this period. Trey Anastasio with Special Guest (2004) captures a collaborative performance recorded on May 31, 2003, at the in , blending TAB's octet with Santana's guitar on extended jams like "Oye Como Va" and "Soul Sacrifice," highlighting cross-genre fusion. Live in New York City 12-31-05 (2006), a promotional EP, features selections from TAB's opening set for at , including high-energy renditions of "Sand" and "Plasma" that showcase the octet's dynamic interplay amid the festive atmosphere. The EP (2007), a five-track live mini-album offered as a bonus for , draws from various octet and undectet shows, emphasizing instrumental explorations in tracks like "Burlap Sack and Pumps" and "Coming To." Original Style (2008) preserves a complete concert by the Undectet— an 11-member iteration of TAB—at the in Atlantic City on February 9, 2007, highlighting the large group's rhythmic complexity and horn-driven grooves in songs such as "Cayman Review" and "Push on 'til the Day." Released on Anastasio's Rubber Jungle Records, it underscores the transitional phase between octet and larger configurations. TAB at the Tab (2010), recorded at Atlanta's Tabernacle on February 27, 2010, showcases the octet's polished yet adventurous sound over two sets, with standout improvisations in "Sand" and "Words to Wanda." This release reflects the band's peak touring form in the late , blending Anastasio's originals with reimagined material. TAB at the Fox Theater (Live) (2019) documents performances on November 3 and 4, 2017, at the Fox Theater in Oakland by the septet lineup, emphasizing fluid transitions between structured songs and free-form jams in pieces like "Drifting" and "Magilla." It captures the refined chemistry developed through consistent touring in the 2010s. Burn It Down (2020), culled from the January 2020 winter tour across multiple venues, features high-octane renditions of staples including "Camel Walk" and "Set Your Soul Free," serving as a vibrant snapshot of the band's momentum just before global tour disruptions. Released digitally in September 2020, it provided fans access to the improvisational vitality amid postponed live events. The Beacon Jams (2022) is a remixing 18 tracks from TAB's 2020 Beacon Theatre residency in New York, featuring the septet in intimate settings with improvisational takes on originals like "Corona" and Phish covers such as "The Moma Dance," reflecting adaptations during the era. Notable among unofficial recordings is the 2003 Red Rocks Amphitheatre show, a fan-circulated bootleg from the dectet era prized for its pristine soundboard audio and epic jams, though never formally issued.

Other appearances

The Trey Anastasio Band provided backing elements on Trey Anastasio's orchestral album Seis de Mayo, incorporating octet and dectet horn sections from the band's early configurations on select tracks such as "Discern," featuring trumpet by Jennifer Hartswick, by Peter Apfelbaum, by Dave Grippo, and by Russell Remington. These contributions blended the band's jazz-inflected brass with Anastasio's composed arrangements, adding rhythmic and melodic layers to the album's predominantly string-based . On Anastasio's 2005 solo Shine, the band offered limited support through a core quartet setup augmented by guest musicians, contributing to electronic-rock hybrid tracks that emphasized layered guitars and keyboards over traditional horn sections. Brendan O'Brien handled much of the instrumentation, but TAB's involvement helped shape the 's polished, radio-friendly sound with subtle rhythmic foundations from Russ Lawton on several cuts. The band's core members featured prominently on Anastasio's 2020 pandemic-era album Lonely Trip, providing instrumental support on introspective tracks like "Death Don't Worry," where keyboardist Ray Paczkowski and bassist Tony Markellis added depth to the otherwise sparse, home-recorded arrangements amid restrictions. This collaboration marked a return to collaborative recording after Anastasio's solo song debuts, with TAB elements enhancing the album's themes of isolation and resilience. TAB members also appeared as guests in Anastasio's 2019 project Ghosts of the Forest, contributing to select tracks on the album and live performances; Jennifer Hartswick on trumpet and vocals, Tony Markellis on bass, and Ray Paczkowski on keyboards joined Anastasio, , and Celisse Henderson for the band's emotionally charged, tribute-inspired sound. This short-lived ensemble drew from TAB's established lineup during the 2008–2020 evolutions, blending horns and keys into explorations.

References

  1. https://trey.com/projects/tab/
  2. https://first-avenue.com/performer/trey-anastasio-band/
  3. https://www.allmusic.com/album/tab-at-the-tab-mw0002033054
  4. https://phish.net/setlist/trey-anastasio-band-august-01-2025-the-bellwether-los-angeles-ca-usa.html
  5. https://relix.com/articles/detail/rise_come_together_russ_lawton_on_20_years_of_tab/
  6. https://phish.net/setlist/trey-anastasio-april-17-1998-higher-ground-winooski-vt-usa.html
  7. https://www.jambase.com/article/trey-anastasio-debuts-8-foot-fluorescent-tubes-in-1998
  8. https://phish.net/setlists/trey/?year=1999
  9. https://glidemagazine.com/51795/b-list-10-things-you-might-not-remember-about-trey-anastasios-first-solo-tour/
  10. https://trey.com/tour/5699-riviera-theatre/
  11. https://www.setlist.fm/stats/trey-anastasio-band-53d6d729.html?year=1999
  12. https://relisten.net/trey/1999
  13. https://phish.net/song/burlap-sack-and-pumps/history
  14. https://relix.com/articles/detail/trey_anastasio_finding_perspective_relix_revisited_august_2001/
  15. https://phish.net/setlists/trey/?year=2001
  16. https://nysmusic.com/2021/08/03/20-years-later-tab-2001-octet-formation-rolls-through-ny/
  17. https://phish.com/news/trey-anastasio-to-tour-summer-2001/
  18. https://phish.net/setlist/trey-anastasio-may-29-2002-greek-theatre-los-angeles-ca-usa.html
  19. https://www.jambase.com/article/new-youtube-pro-shot-trey-anastasio-band-first-bonnaroo-2002
  20. https://phish.net/tour/?tourid=156
  21. https://jambands.com/reviews/shows/2002/06/19/trey-anastasio-amphitheatre-station-square-pittsburgh-pa-6-11/
  22. https://jambands.com/uncategorized/2014/09/30/trey-anastasio-the-jambands-com-reader-interview-from-the-archives-2002/2/
  23. https://trey.com/albums/trey-anastasio/
  24. https://phish.com/release/trey-anastasio-trey-anastasio/
  25. https://phish.net/setlist/trey-anastasio-june-05-2003-chicago-theatre-chicago-il-usa.html
  26. https://phish.net/setlist/trey-anastasio-june-04-2003-chicago-theatre-chicago-il-usa.html
  27. https://trey.com/albums/shine/
  28. https://trey.com/albums/the-horseshoe-curve/
  29. https://www.setlist.fm/setlist/trey-anastasio-band/2007/markham-park-sunrise-fl-43ce1f53.html
  30. https://jambands.com/news/2005/06/17/anastasio-70-volt-parade-plugs-back-in-for-summer-tour/
  31. https://phish.com/release/the-horseshoe-curve-trey-anastasio/
  32. https://trey.com/trey-embarks-on-fall-tour-with-classic-tab/
  33. https://jambands.com/reviews/shows/2008/10/30/trey-anastasio-and-classic-tab-palace-theatre-albany-ny-10-18/
  34. https://www.allaboutjazz.com/news/trey-anastasio-fall-tab-tour/
  35. https://trey.com/trey-talks-tab/
  36. https://www.antimusic.com/news/10/jan/06Trey_Anastasio_Hitting_The_Road_With_Classic_Tab.shtml
  37. https://www.nataliecressman.com/bio
  38. https://relix.com/news/detail/trey-anastasio-band-expands/
  39. https://trey.com/albums/paper-wheels/
  40. https://www.concertarchives.org/bands/trey-anastasio-band
  41. https://relix.com/news/detail/trey_anastasio_band_confirm_tour_new_album/
  42. https://glidemagazine.com/125027/trey-anastasio-band-announces-fall-tour-new-album/
  43. https://trey.com/trey-anastasio-trio/
  44. https://www.jambase.com/article/trey-anastasio-tour-trey-anastasio-trio-spring-dates
  45. https://www.jambase.com/article/trey-anastasio-band-covid-19-protocols
  46. https://www.theaquarian.com/2021/10/13/the-trey-anastasio-band-at-radio-city-music-hall-october-2-2021/
  47. https://jambands.com/news/2020/05/12/trey-anastasio-reschedules-symphony-shows-to-2021/
  48. https://trey.com/tony/
  49. https://www.burlingtonfreepress.com/story/entertainment/2021/05/03/phish-trey-anastasio-band-tony-markellis-dies/4922399001/
  50. https://liveforlivemusic.com/news/trey-anastasio-band-2021-fall-tour-new-bassist-dezron-douglas/
  51. https://liveforlivemusic.com/news/james-casey-colon-cancer-diagnosis-trey-anastasio-band-tour-2021/
  52. https://www.jambase.com/article/trey-anastasio-band-james-casey-jon-fishman-radio-city-music-hall
  53. https://liveforlivemusic.com/news/jon-fishman-trey-anastasio-band-fall-tour-dates-2021/
  54. https://jambands.com/news/2022/02/07/trey-anastasio-band-announce-spring-2022-tour/
  55. https://phish.com/news/trey-anastasio-band-fall-tour-2022/
  56. https://liveforlivemusic.com/news/trey-anastasio-band-spring-2022-tour/
  57. https://www.redrocksonline.com/events/trey-anastasio-band-425696/
  58. https://news.pollstar.com/2022/07/21/trey-anastasio-band-books-fall-us-tour/
  59. https://relix.com/news/detail/r-i-p-james-casey-dead-at-40-after-extended-battle-with-colon-cancer/
  60. https://jambands.com/news/2023/10/02/trey-anastasio-band-perform-first-show-since-death-of-james-casey-welcome-guest-jo-lampert/
  61. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=24hEp20hw4s
  62. https://liveforlivemusic.com/news/trey-anastasio-james-casey-express-yourself-memorial-concert/
  63. https://www.jambase.com/article/trey-anastasio-atriums-album
  64. https://trey.com/tour/?t=2024
  65. https://phish.net/setlist/trey-anastasio-band-october-05-2024-radians-amphitheater-at-memphis-botanic-garden-memphis-tn-usa.html
  66. https://news.pollstar.com/2025/08/19/trey-anastasio-band-announces-u-s-headline-tour/
  67. https://trey.com/tour/
  68. https://www.jambase.com/band/trey-anastasio
  69. https://jambands.com/news/2025/11/15/trey-anastasio-band-debut-two-new-songs-at-denver-tour-opener/
  70. https://www.jambase.com/article/trey-anastasio-band-bellwether-los-angeles-setlist-photos
  71. https://www.thefactorystl.com/event/trey-anastasio-band/
  72. https://relix.com/news/detail/trey-anastasio-band-welcome-new-bassist-dezron-douglas-announce-september-and-october-tour-dates/
  73. https://rockcellarmagazine.com/trey-anastasio-band-tour-dates-fall-2025-phish/
  74. https://liveforlivemusic.com/news/trey-anastasio-band-saxophonist-kenneth-whalum-sabrina-carpenter-snl/
  75. https://jambands.com/news/2025/08/19/trey-anastasio-band-announce-november-tour/
  76. https://www.discogs.com/release/3320073-Trey-Anastasio-Trey-Anastasio
  77. https://trey.com/albums/traveler/
  78. https://atorecords.com/news/new-trey-anastasio-album-paper-wheels-out-october-30-on-tour-now/
  79. https://atorecords.com/featured/trey-anastasios-paper-wheels-out-now/
  80. https://phish.net/song/plasma/history
  81. https://www.allmusic.com/album/trey-anastasio-with-special-guest-carlos-santana-mw0000315147
  82. https://www.discogs.com/release/9381958-Trey-Anastasio-Live-In-New-York-City-123105
  83. https://www.discogs.com/release/4253610-Trey-Anastasio-The-Lucius-Beebe-EP
  84. https://trey.com/albums/original-boardwalk-style/
  85. https://trey.com/albums/tab-at-the-tab/
  86. https://trey.com/albums/tab-at-the-fox-theater-live/
  87. https://phish.net/album/burn-it-down
  88. https://trey.com/albums/the-beacon-jams/
  89. https://phish.com/release/seis-de-mayo-trey-anastasio/
  90. https://homegrownmusic.net/product-reviews/trey-anastasio-seis-de-mayo
  91. https://jambands.com/reviews/cds/2004/03/30/seis-de-mayo-trey-anastasio/
  92. https://www.allmusic.com/album/shine-mw0000703143
  93. https://www.discogs.com/release/23298221-Trey-Anastasio-Shine
  94. https://trey.com/albums/lonely-trip/
  95. https://relix.com/reviews/detail/trey-anastasio-lonely-trip/
  96. https://trey.com/ghosts-of-the-forest/
  97. https://relix.com/news/detail/trey-anastasio-announces-new-side-project-ghosts-of-the-forest-with-jon-fishman-jen-hartswick-ray-paczkowski-and-others/
  98. https://liveforlivemusic.com/news/trey-anastasio-ghosts-of-the-forest/
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