Seis De Mayo

Personnel includes: Trey Anastasio (acoustic guitar); Laura Markowitz, David Gusakov (violin); Ana Ruesink (viola); John Dunlop (cello); Stacy Brubaker, Karen Kevra (flute); Steve Klimowski (clarinet); Russell Remington (tenor saxophone); Dave Gripps (baritone saxophone); Dale Camara (French horn); Craig Olzenak (bass clarinet); Jon Fishman (drums); Fode Bangoura (djembe); Mike Gordon (bass); Abou Sylla (balafon).
The first all-instrumental solo album from the lead singer, guitar player, and primary songwriter of the uber-jam band Phish, Trey Anastasio's SEIS DE MAYO is a relaxed and thoughtful foray into the world of orchestral music. Kicking off with a brief, jaunty track that prominently features the unusual sounds of the balafon (an African instrument similar to a marimba), the record goes on to tackle a wide range of styles. This broad palette includes everything from full-blown modern orchestral pieces (an arrangement of Phish's "Guyute" is a particular highlight) to delicate acoustic guitar and string quartet vignettes that strongly recall the lovely Robert Kirby-arranged songs on Nick Drake's BRYTER LAYTER. With a distinctive Americana undercurrent that brings to mind the work of classical composer Aaron Copland, SEIS DE MAYO largely eschews Anastasio's improvisational leanings, making it one of the most emotionally resonant works in his extensive catalog.