Last fall, jam band and indie-rock worlds collided at New York’s Beacon Theater when Trey Anastasio joined the National on stage for “Bloodbuzz Ohio.” Then, soon after that one-off gig, word came that more extensive collaborations between the Phish guitarist and the National members were going on behind the scenes for a solo studio LP co-produced by Peter Katis at his Tarquin Studios in Bridgeport, CT. Anastasio announced the album today along with more details on the set’s guests.
Titled Traveler, Trey’s “cinematic” effort attempts to use “the studio as an instrument.” Guest performers include Kori Gardner of Mates of State, as well as the National drummer Bryan Devendorf and frontman Matt Berninger. While earlier interviews have suggested the National’s Dessner brothers were actually the bigger Phish fans in the group, enlisting their lead singer seems like a wise choice for Anastasio, who’s always stood out especially in the 6-string and instrumental department. In jam band-related news, Devendorf’s brother Scott revealed last year that the band were plotting a Grateful Dead tribute album.
Traveler will arrive on October 16th, followed by a string of fall tour dates from Anastasio’s band. The first single, “Scabbard,” hits next week. Here’s the live itinerary:
Trey Anastasio Band October 2012 Tour Dates
18 Detroit, MI | The Fillmore
19 Chicago, IL | Chicago Theatre
20 Columbus, OH | LC Pavilion
22 Stroudsburg, PA | Sherman Theater
23 Richmond, VA | The National
24 Silver Springs, MD | The Fillmore Silver Spring
26 New York, NY | Beacon Theatre
27 Boston, MA | Orpheum Theatre
28 Port Chester, NY | Capitol Theatre