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September 18, 2008At the Newport Folk Festival, former Phish guitarist Trey Anastasio took the "folk challenge" and went completely solo for one of the first times in his career. He played songs from both his solo albums and Phish's long discography to an ecstatic audience.

In Phish, Anastasio devoted his musicianship to long-form rock-based improvisation. Using the same approach as its most apparent influence, The Grateful Dead, Phish focused on extensive live tours rather than the studio. As a result, Phish was one of the most popular bands of the '90s without receiving much mainstream airplay.

Anastasio recorded a few solo albums during his time with Phish, but when the group disbanded in 2004, a more pop-friendly effort appeared as Shine. It's helped Anastasio gain an audience outside jam-band obsessives, and demonstrated that he's been an adept songwriter all along.

Originally recorded Aug. 3, 2008.

Hear more concerts from the Newport Folk Festival.