Helping Friendly Podcast Episode Summary Date of Release: January 13, 2025
Episode Title: 4/11/94 w/ Scott Chasolen of REPRISE
Host/Author: Osiris Media

Introduction

In this episode of the Helping Friendly Podcast (HFPod), hosted by Osiris Media, the conversation delves deep into a specific Phish concert from April 11, 1994, featuring special guest Scott Chasolen of the band Reprise. The episode offers an insightful exploration of Phish's spring 1994 tour, the band's musical evolution during that period, and the intricate process of recreating a classic Phish show years later.

Guest Introduction

The episode kicks off with host Brian Brinkman welcoming listeners and introducing Scott Chasolen. Scott, a longtime musician and a previous guest on HFPod, brings firsthand experience from witnessing Phish's intense 1994 touring schedule.

Scott Chasolen's 1994 Phish Tour Experiences

Tour Schedule and Attendance

Scott recounts attending approximately eight shows during Phish's spring 1994 tour, emphasizing the grueling nature of their schedule:

"I saw the Binghamton show on 4/9, the Buffalo show on 4/10... I saw the Beacon run after that, which was three nights in New York, and then three or four shows after that." ([05:44])

Trey Anastasio's Ankle Injury

A pivotal moment discussed is Trey Anastasio's ankle injury, which significantly impacted the Buffalo show:

"The night before this New Hampshire show on April 10th in Buffalo, Trey broke his ankle... he was sitting on a stool for most of that Buffalo show. And at the end, he just kicked the stool away. It was like, fuck it. I can't sit here anymore." ([06:39]-[07:00])

The injury led to unexpected on-stage antics, such as Trey reading the newspaper while fellow musician Brad Sands entertained the crowd on a trampoline:

"During you Enjoy Myself, Trey sat in a chair and read the newspaper while Brad Sands jumped on the trampoline." ([07:00]-[07:20])

Coping with Physical Injuries on Stage

Scott shares his own experiences with stage-related injuries, illustrating the challenges musicians face:

"I have to play with one hand for a while until it healed enough that I could play with my left hand again." ([10:23]-[11:13])

The Puking Incident Backstage

One of the most vivid stories is Scott's personal mishap during a performance:

"We were about to start the show, and I just was totally puking backstage. The first song opened with a Clavinet part that I'm supposed to play and I'm not there... I kept throwing up behind Leslie... It was the most horrifying experience." ([12:00]-[13:24])

Musical Evolution of Phish in 1994

Growth and Freedom in Musical Expression

Scott observes significant growth in Phish's music throughout 1994, highlighting their embrace of musical freedom and experimentation:

"They would take all risk, any risk. There was basically no boundaries for where they would go musically." ([14:07])

This period marked a transition towards more fearless jamming and improvisation, setting the stage for some of Phish's most iconic performances.

Incorporation of Jazz and Bluegrass Influences

Phish's foray into jazz and bluegrass is a recurring theme:

"Trey and Fishman were really into playing jazz, and they actually had a band called Bad Hat... jazz was on the radar for Fish at that point." ([09:50]-[10:01])

Scott underscores the band's openness to diverse musical styles, which enriched their live performances:

"Bad Hat... They just played locally in Burlington. So jazz was on the radar for Fish at that point." ([09:50]-[10:01])

Recreating the 4/11/94 Show with Reprise

Rehearsal Process and Setlist Preparation

Scott details the meticulous process of preparing for the recreation of the April 11, 1994, show:

"We start with the material that we haven't played before... Then reviewing the complex songs that we've already played." ([16:54]-[17:37])

The band prioritizes mastering new material before delving into improvisation, ensuring both technical proficiency and creative spontaneity.

Challenges in Recreating Iconic Performances

Recreating specific Phish shows poses unique challenges, particularly in balancing authenticity with the band's own artistic expression:

"Sometimes that can actually inhibit us from playing and being ourselves." ([48:56]-[49:29])

Scott emphasizes the importance of remaining true to their own musical identity while honoring the original performance.

Specific Song Insights

"Caravan" and Jazz Influences

"Caravan" serves as a prime example of Phish's jazz-inspired repertoire:

"Caravan... it's a Duke Ellington song, and Fish kind of made it into, like, this cool, groovy rock version of the jazz tune." ([07:48]-[08:00])

The song's placement as an opener highlights Phish's inclination towards blending genres seamlessly:

"The first time since 1991 where horns are a major part of a Fish show... It's a really cool addition." ([33:12]-[33:52])

"Foam" and Technical Mastery

Scott expresses particular enthusiasm for the song "Foam," noting the complexities involved in its performance:

"Divided Sky is very hard... Foam is very difficult. I love Foam. It's one of my favorite ones to play." ([20:00]-[20:23])

He anticipates exciting renditions and highlights the intricate solos that make "Foam" a standout piece.

The Big Ball Jam

A contentious yet iconic part of the 4/11/94 show is the "Big Ball Jam," which sparks debate among fans:

"It's just as brutal in the room. I'm glad I could provide that for you." ([25:20]-[25:55])

The hosts and Scott share differing opinions on the jam's execution, reflecting the diverse perspectives within the Phish community.

Phish Setlist and Musical Improvisation Techniques

Balancing Structure and Spontaneity

Scott discusses Phish's approach to setlists, emphasizing the balance between structured compositions and spontaneous improvisation:

"You just listen to everybody else on stage and you respond to what everybody's playing... there's kind of no limit to where you can go." ([39:30]-[40:10])

This philosophy fosters a telepathic connection among band members, enabling fluid and unpredictable performances.

Charting and Memorization for Complex Jams

To handle intricate jams like "Tweezer," Scott explains the use of charting to maintain the flow without stifling creativity:

"I wrote it out, and we had it on stage so that it wouldn't require us to remember things." ([50:21]-[51:19])

This method allows the band to navigate complex structures while preserving the essence of improvisation.

Favorite Phish Songs to Play

When asked about favorite songs to perform, Scott reveals his current preference:

"I really love playing Foam. That might be my favorite right now." ([53:47]-[54:10])

He expresses eagerness to perfect their rendition, showcasing his dedication to delivering an authentic and polished performance.

Host and Guest Banter and Community Engagement

Throughout the episode, lighthearted banter among hosts and Scott adds a personal touch. Topics range from draft victories and favorite shows to playful teasing about stage antics. This camaraderie underscores the tight-knit nature of the Phish fan community and HFPod's role in fostering these connections.

Conclusion and Upcoming Shows

As the episode wraps up, the hosts and Scott discuss upcoming Reprise shows and future podcast plans. They emphasize the importance of balancing Phish-focused content with new projects, ensuring continued engagement for listeners. Scott thanks the hosts and listeners for their support, highlighting the meaningful impact of reconnecting with past experiences through music.

Notable Quotes:

• "The only way to find out what happened at the show was to wait until the next day." – Scott Chasolen ([02:00]-[03:00])

• "They arrived at a place of absolute freedom... something insane was happening every single night." – Scott Chasolen ([14:07])

• "You just listen to everybody else on stage and you respond to what everybody's playing." – Scott Chasolen ([39:30]-[40:10])

• "I'm looking forward to getting another chance at Foam." – Scott Chasolen ([54:10])

Final Thoughts

This episode of HFPod provides an in-depth look into a transformative period in Phish's history, enriched by Scott Chasolen's personal anecdotes and professional insights. Listeners gain a nuanced understanding of the band's evolution, the complexities of live performances, and the enduring passion that fuels the Phish fan community.