In your study of this band, was there a prevailing genre or style the structure and composition of the songs most often fit, like jazz or classical?

I don’t think that’s an easy question to answer. I think the reason they are so interesting, why they captivate us, is because they don’t really fit (exclusively) in any of those genres.

Were there patterns or things like contrapuntal sections that you saw recurring across different songs?

There are so many things like that sprinkled all over the place.

But no dominant sound?

I think they sound like them. They are a very original band. That is for sure.

You obviously had an impressive skill-set in order to undertake this project. Have you seen improvements in your playing related to this project?

It’s definitely improved my skill-set. It’s interesting learning on the piano some of Trey’s guitar solos because they clearly are not built for the piano. They can turn into some pretty difficult technical figures on the piano. The biggest thing, though, has been rhythmically; trying to learn Mike’s bass line and Trey’s melody line at the same time and be able to play those simultaneously took a lot of practice. And, still does. That independence carries over into some of my other playing.

What’s been the most challenging or difficult song or part to translate to solo piano?

The middle section of the Tahoe “Tweezer,” where time kind of stops and the meter falls apart and all the structure is gone for a minute. It’s pretty ethereal, right about halfway through. That was, by far, the hardest part to learn. I never thought it would be so hard to just write down what you’re hearing when the meter has fallen away. I struggled with that minute of music more than other part of that jam. I just learned “It’s Ice,” and that was, by far, the hardest Phish song I’ve learned.

What about “It’s Ice” is especially challenging?

Trey and Mike have pretty soft, intricate melodies at the beginning. It’s sort of contrapuntal, like playing a fugue. There are no parts chasing each other, but two melody lines going at once, rather than melody and accompaniment. It took a lot of slow practice, thousands of times, over and over again. I really love that song and was determined to learn it.

Have you gotten any reaction form the band, whether they have listened to the album?

I haven’t heard anything from the band at all. Mike Gordon stopped by one of my shows in Philadelphia, which was a total surprise and very much an honor. He stayed and heard the Tahoe “Tweezer,” and I gave him a copy of the album. I sure hope they like it. This whole thing was done out of a deep love for what they do musically, and with a tremendous amount of respect. I was in touch with the Phish office, to get permission, and they were absolutely wonderful to work with.

If you were given the opportunity to sit-in with Phish, would you be trying to remember all that you have done?

No, I would need to forget some things. (Laughs). I would definitely not want to be stepping on someone’s toes.

I would imagine you’ve at least played along with the music when you were learning it.

I never play along with recordings. I like to hear it as it is.

You never played along to the music, even for fun?

Honestly, not even once.

I would never have guessed that.

I guess I do that in my head a little bit.

What’s the response been to your live performances, and will that determine how long you continue to perform Phish music?

The response has been incredibly positive so far. I’m sure the response will dictate whether I’m doing it at home in my living room for kicks or in front of an audience. I love Phish’s music. That’s a guarantee right there that I will continue to play their music. Do I see myself doing what I going now five years from now? Probably not. I don’t really like to do the same thing for years and years in any capacity in my life, but it will always be a part of the equation.

What’s been the best part of this process, aside from the personal accomplishment of it?

It opens up doors for people to Phish’s music that might not have been open otherwise. It lets people see it in a different light. That part, for me, is really gratifying and interesting.

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