Billy Strings welcomed Phish guitarist Trey Anastasio to sit-in on the final six songs of his Wednesday night concert in New York City. Trey played a mix of Phish songs, choice covers and a Strings original at Pier 17 last night with Billy and an expanded version of his band featuring fiddler Alex Hargreaves.
Anastasio emerged with acoustic guitar in hand towards the middle of Strings’ second set in NYC after rumors circulated for hours before the guest spot and just days after he performed with Goose at Radio City Music Hall. The summit featuring two generations of acclaimed guitarists began with “Back On The Train,” a song from Phish’s Farmhouse album that Billy has played regularly dating back to 2017. Strings and Anastasio shared vocal duties and traded angular licks throughout with big smiles all around. Next came the gorgeous “Love & Regret” from Billy’s Grammy-nominated 2021 LP, Renewal. Trey delivered tasteful licks and then Billy took an emotional solo of his own.
The collaboration continued with a cover of Bill Monroe’s “I’m Blue, I’m Lonesome.” Phish first performed the song on November 16, 1994 and covered the tune a number of times through June 22, 2000. More recently, Anastasio played “I’m Blue, I’m Lonesome” with Del McCoury and members of his band at DelFest in 2013 and 2017. Last night’s version saw Trey handle the low end vocals before Strings sang the high parts. The ensuing take on John Hartford’s “All Fall Down” was the improvisational highlight of the guest spot. Anastasio was clearly comfortable during a 12-minute version in which the musicians painted outside the lines.
After “All Fall Down,” Strings noted the curfew was approaching and that the musicians would play right up until the end. “You and your music sir have sure done a lot for us and a lot of people,” Billy said in a touching moment adding, “We love and appreciate you.” Anastasio responded with, “I think your has done a lot for everyone” and thanked the crowd. The pair along with Hargreaves, Walker, banjoist Billy Failing and bassist Royal Masat then treated fans to a beautiful rendition of Eric Von Schmidt’s “My Love Come Rolling Down,” a song recorded by Doc Watson in 1978.
The memorable concert came to a close with another Farmhouse number, “Gotta Jibboo.” Strings debuted his “Gotta Jibboo” cover on January 20, 2018 and three additional versions came before last night’s take. Billy and Trey both sang the song and dug hard on their axes making use of every second up until the 10 p.m. curfew. Watch fan-shot video footage of Anastasio’s guest spot below:
Trey’s appearance came at the end of an impressive night for Strings and his band with Hargreaves. The group kicked off the evening with Renewal standout “Red Daisy” and then worked “End Of The Rainbow” into “Running The Route” before following “Hellbender” with an expansive “Dust In A Baggie” that gave way to “Dealing Despair.” Next, “Watch It Fall” off 2019’s Home led into the fitting choice given the locale of John Hartford’s “In Tall Buildings.” Then, after the title track from Home and a breathtaking rendition of Pink Floyd’s “Fearless,” Strings sang an improvised a capella ode to the rooftop venue.
Last night’s second set began with Strings and company pairing the traditional “Sally Goodwin” and Home cut “Must Be Seven.” The five musicians went on to play jam vehicle “Meet Me At The Creek” before Hargreaves showed off his fiddle skills on “16/16” by David Grisman and Bill Monroe’s “Close By.” It was then time for the Trey Anastasio guest spot. Billy Strings takes the stage later today at The Peach Music Festival in Scranton, Pennsylvania.
https://www.instagram.com/p/Cfad3YEOg9k/?hl=en
Setlist (via BillyBase)
Set One: Red Daisy, End Of The Rainbow > Running The Route, Hellbender, Dust In A Baggie > Dealing Despair, Watch It Fall, In Tall Buildings, Home, Fearless, Rooftop Rag [1], Turmoil & Tinfoil
Set Two: Sally Goodin > Must Be Seven, Meet Me At The Creek, 16/16, Close By, Back On The Train [2], Love & Regret [2], I’m Blue, I’m Lonesome [2], All Fall Down [2], My Love Come Rolling Down [2], Gotta Jibboo [2]
- [1] – First Time Played – Billy Strings A Capella
- [2] – With Trey Anastasio
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