In the summer of 1998, Phish's Trey Anastasio decided to take a break from the band and engage in various other musical side projects. This time off from the band resulted most famously in a side band, the Trey Anastasio Band.
Recently joining the band was trumpeter and vocalist Jen Hartswick, who initially came to the band when it added a horn section. Hartswick has, in her two years in the band, proven to be one of its stars and has been a driving force behind both the band's creative output and its presence on the stage.
That is why many here are excited about Saturday when she will be in town performing with her band at the BEMA Also performing will be Barbary Coast Jazz Ensemble Director Don Glasgo and his band Gusano and Dartmouth's very own Funkamedics, a student band led by Jeff DellaVolpe '04.
Hartswick's addition to Anastasio's group marked a milestone in the band's short history. Ever since her arrival, the quality of the music, both in substance and ability to alter the mood and emotion of the audience has skyrocketed. Before Hartswick, Trey Anastasio Band was a good side band, headed by an amazing musician. With the combination of Hartswick and Anastasio, the group became a psychadelic force in its own right.
Since joining Anastasio, Hartswick has launched her own side projects, including the Jen Hartswick Band. Like any good band, this group has changed styles occasionally, tailoring to Hartswick's versatility as a horn player and singer.
Raised in the classical style, she didn't pick up the trumpet until the age of 10, and soon after joined a jazz band at her high school, in her native Vermont.
This combination of styles has fared well in the Trey Anastasio Band, a group that likes to mix styles and themes from different periods of music. And it has meant that Hartswick has been able to contribute to the band, and control her own personal style to a greater degree.
Bearing all that in mind, concert-goers should be in for an excellent show. The concert will be held this Saturday, October 4, from 2 to 6 p.m. in the BEMA Admission is free.
