Reba
Phish, 1990, from Lawn Boy. Solo by Trey Anastasio.
After a tricky composed section, the jam settles into a patient, melodic solo that resolves with calm.
Reba opens with a long, tricky composed section full of stops, shifts and busy unison lines, which makes the jam that follows feel like stepping into open air. Once the band settles, Trey Anastasio plays one of his most patient, melodic solos, building phrases out of simple, singable ideas and letting each one breathe. The harmony stays calm and supportive, so the tension comes from how long he holds back rather than from dissonance. When the jam peaks and resolves, it lands gently rather than with a crash. On the studio version from Lawn Boy, the piece even closes with a whistled coda. Listen for the way Anastasio slowly moves a melodic idea higher on the neck while keeping its shape recognisable throughout.
Reba by Phish is featured in our Jam (#11) list. The solo is played by Trey Anastasio and the song was released in 1990.
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Who played the guitar solo on Reba?
Trey Anastasio played the solo on Phish's Reba (1990).