| « Preview: Calexico @ Lincoln Hall 10/15 | ICE's Claire Chase recipient of 2012 MacArthur Fellowship grant » |
Concert Wed Oct 10 2012
Trey Anastasio Hits Chicago Solo (Plus, a Contest)
Chicago-area Phish phans may still be coming down off from what was widely heralded as their best tour in at least a decade, but for devotees of the jam juggernauts, there is no respite in the month of October. For followers of the band and frontman Trey Anastasio the next couple of weeks should prove productive, to say the least.
First, local landmark and former hole-in-the-wall dive Tuman's is one of eight locations chosen nationally to host a listening party for the debut of lead guitarist and singer Anastasio's solo album Traveler, which drops October 16th. In addition to an ATO records supported listening opportunity, fans will be able to take in an optional parking-lot-food-inspired tasting menu served up by head chef, and noted local Phish enthusiast, Jim Day.
Second, a mere three days after the release of the album on October 16th, Anastasio brings the circus to town for a solo show at the historic Chicago Theatre. Attendees can expect a show heavy with tracks off the new album, which ventures further into modern pop than many of Anastasio's previous efforts.
Aided by production from Peter Katis (The National, Jonsi, Interpol) and featuring interesting excursions such as a solid cover of Gorillaz hit "Clint Eastwood," Traveler is certainly something of a departure. Finally utilizing the top-notch band he's had backing him for years, Anastasio manages to put together an album of extremely experimental goodness that befits his status as one of rocks best guitarists. Truly minimally jammy, this album borrows more from classic Chicago indie than Phish's jam-band progeny, and sends the listener on an almost inspired journey cataloging many of the last 20 or 30 years worth of top-notch experimental and prog music. The lyrics are at times somewhat banal (which should be of no consequence to Phish fans), but it's impossible to argue with the solid song construction and impeccable execution.
For fans of what is surely the dominant existent jam band touring today, the next couple of weeks provide ample opportunity to reap the bounty.
The listening party for Anastasio's Traveler is at Tuman's on Thursday, October 11 at 2159 W. Chicago Ave. The Trey Anastasio Band plays live at the Chicago Theatre on Friday, October 19, though tickets are sold out.
Luckily, we happen to have a pair of tickets to the Chicago Theatre show to give away to one lucky reader. Email us at contests@gapersblock.com with the subject line "Traveler" by 5pm Thursday, when we'll select a lucky fan who, along with a friend, will get to see Trey's sold out show on October 19th for free. [Update: We have our winner! Congrats to Aaron!]
