Trey Anastasio: NPR Music Tiny Desk Concert

He came so humble, holding his acoustic guitar and wearing his heart on his sleeve. Trey Anastasio isn't new to NPR: Concerts of his have even included "All Things Reconsidered," a variation on the All Things Considered theme.

Anastasio was in town to perform a concert with his big band of brass and brawn, but this selection of Phish and solo tunes felt more personal. "Summer of '89" is about his wife, Sue, while "Backwards Down the Number Line" reflects on his bandmates and friends. He opened this set with "Sleep Again," a song that looks to a better and brighter future. It's a treat to catch such an intimate glimpse of someone often seen in arenas, steeped in collaboration.

Set List
" Sleep Again" (0:00)
" Summer Of '89" (4:09)
" Backwards Down The Number Line" (9:10)

Credits
Producers: Bob Boilen, Maggie Starbard; Audio Engineer: Kevin Wait; Videographers: Susan Hale Thomas, Maggie Starbard; Assistant Producer: Claire Eggers; photo by Susan Hale Thomas/NPR

[JK_Mutualist]

He might not be everybody's idea of 'the best singer', but this guy has brought a lot of joy and happiness to a lot people for a lot of years. 

[JacobTell]

How Trey (& Phish) is omitted from just about every "top guitarist", "top rocker", "top songwriter" list is beyond me. He is one of the most prolific writers & genuine performers, blending so many genres and styles into a truly unique sound that resonates with my soul like no other frequencies. Follow his chord progressions, melodies and harmonics from Gamehendge into the Ghosts of the Forest and tell me you didn't find new pieces of you along the way. 

Conjuring profound curiosity, adventure, soul-seeking journeys, playfulness and above all love, Trey's themes continue coming full circle layering back moments, memories and provoking dreams that don't exist.

[Gadzooki]

This man has bought to me some of the happiest moments of my life. Thank you Trey, you are just wonderful.

[bezzarguy]

Trey is an excellent guitarist and a fine song writer. A true American treasure.

[Goblin]

Who doesn't love this guy? Seems like such a kind person.

[BillieBreathes]

Summer of 89 has always got me right in the heart. It's a beauty.

[MG-relw]

It might be because I've been listening to Trey for so long but, I think he has a beautiful voice- full of emotion and warmth, especially in an intimate setting such as this.

[ryanteti]

It's actually crazy how you can just see his happiness flowing out of his smile. He plays like it's his first and last time playing a song. It actually makes me melancholy how happy he

[colors_in_the_void]

The amount of joy this man has brought me, my friends and countless others is immeasurable. Eternally grateful for the music Trey has poured out of his soul to us. So lucky we are.

[DRRADSTONE]

Everytime I hear Backwards Fown the Number Line I am transported to a different place. Everything bad and sad goes away and Im just filled with love and smiles. Thank you Big Red for being such a big part of many, many phans lives and making us a little happier every single day. (Except for when you play More during a Phish show)

[deadtimber]

Trey, I'm an older music head. My first concert was the Doors & Jefferson Airplane out on the football field at my H.S. in '67 and I've seen everyone on the roster of rock and jazz worlds in the intervening years, many of them many times. Your the real deal, and people like me love your creations and performances. (P.S. My kids grew in the Santa Cruz mountains in the 80s, similar to your Vermont story.) Thanks for this.

[TheBrettja]

This seemed pretty emotional for him. That's refreshing. Nice to see an artist you care about care about what they're performing.

[tydyvision]

Man. Summer of '89. As much as that song maybe didn't hit home for me on stage with the Phish, gets me right in the feels here. Beautiful.

[rockguitarist]

What a genuine dude. He plays his heart out no matter what he's doing, and you can tell he really cares about his music. He doesn't take success for granted at all and I am really glad I've seen Phish three times in concert.

[vincethompson]

I recently saw the best Backwards Down The Number Line on 10/28/21 in Vegas. The Numbers Show. Trey and Phish are my crutch when I feel down. Truly an American treasure.

[cl]

His singing kinda reminds me of Clapton, never realized it until he stripped down like this. Phish never did anything for me personality but have and always will be grateful for the positivity they share with this world

[taylormartyn]

I was at a little party during the summer of 94' when a guy put the album "Rift" on the CD player. It was the first time I had ever heard Phish. Though I don't remember the guys name, or even what he looked like, I can remember the first time I heard the band. I became and ardent fan. I would listen to them compulsively for the next 6 years, seeing them in 95 and 96 in Vancouver and then 5 times in short succession on the 1998 European tour (2 shows in Prague and 3 in Barcelona). The last show I ever saw was July 10, 1998 @ the Zeleste nightclub in Barcelona. Like Trey I am continually influenced and interested in new things. I listen to Phish for about 3 hours a YEAR now. I rarely focus my attention to one band for any length of time, rather always seeking out new sounds. That said, I do listen to a lot of Louis Armstrong. Seems like I always have, and always will. I am reminded of Phish this week as I was spending time with them during this time 17 years ago. This is a wonderful video and it is a joy to see Trey sharing himself with us. I will always be grateful for Trey and the rest of the band sharing their music with me.

[jamisgood]

as i sit here and listen to this amazing man play and sing so wonderfully i am completely baffled to see that 21 people disliked this! How is that possible?!?! What is there to possibly dislike about this?

[goldensleeves]

What a legend.  Beautiful person.  Such a great soul.

[noahfriedman]

I first found this when my friend Patrick sent me the link. We lost Pat a year ago this past Sunday. I needed this this week. I love Trey. I love Patrick. God Rest your soul, Pat.