Trey Anastasio Joins Billy Strings On Acoustic For Smokin’ Second Set at Pier 17

Billy Strings was joined by Phish guitarist Trey Anastasio on Wednesday night at New York’s relatively-new rooftop venue, Pier 17, to help close out a rousing performance with a diverse selection of songs that mixed Strings’ original material with some bluegrass standards as well as a pair of Phish classics.

Prior to Anastasio’s appearance, Strings led his group through an energetic opening set, featuring a typically diverse collection of material, including Pink Floyd’s “Fearless” and John Hartford’s “In Tall Buildings” as well as beloved originals such as “Dust in a Baggie”, “Watch it Fall” and a jaw-dropping “Turmoil & Tinfoil” set closer. 

The second set began on an equally spirited note with the traditional fiddle tune “Sally Goodin”, a performance that was bolstered by guest fiddler Alex Hargreaves’ remarkable instrumental prowess, before a pair of fan-favorite originals, “Must Be Seven” & “Meet Me at the Creek”, as well as stirring versions of David Grisman’s “16/16” and Bill Monroe’s “Close By.”

After a genuinely heartwarming moment of watching Strings introduce one of his musical heroes, Anastasio quickly found his niche among the talented ensemble – consisting of Jarrod Walker (mandolin), Royal Masat (bass), Billy Failing (banjo) – comfortably trading acoustic licks with the young virtuoso, and even sharing lead vocal duties with Strings on a few songs.

Seemingly inspired by his surprise guest appearance with jam band phenoms Goose at Radio City Music Hall this past Saturday night, Anastasio delivered his second strong guest appearance in less than a week, starting off with Phish’s “Get Back on the Train”, a regular in Strings’ setlists, that saw both guitarists singing lead vocals before Strings’ tender “Love & Regret” and Bill Monroe’s “I’m Blue, I’m Lonesome”, which was a staple of Phish’s legendary acoustic performances in 1994-1995. 

The set came to a triumphant conclusion with a wildly psychedelic version of Hartford’s “All Fall Down” that featured Trey & Billy trading licks in increasingly compelling fashion, as well as Doc Watson’s “My Love Comes Rolling Down,” before wrapping things up with Phish’s “Gotta Jibboo” although originally a Trey Anastasio Band piece.

Billy Strings Setlist The Rooftop at Pier 17, New York, NY, USA, Summer Tour 2022

 

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