Slave to the Traffic Light

Phish, 1995, from A Live One. Solo by Trey Anastasio.

A slow-building release jam where Anastasio's sustained notes rise to a climactic close.

Slave to the Traffic Light is built almost entirely around one long release, and the A Live One version shows why fans wait for it. The jam starts soft and spacious, with Trey Anastasio playing sustained notes and gentle figures over a slow, circling progression. As the band gradually lifts the volume and density, his notes stretch longer and climb higher, relying on sustain and feedback-edged tone rather than fast runs. The peak arrives as a wash of held, soaring lines before the song settles back down. It is a clear example of Phish's instinct for the long build. Listen for how Anastasio lets single notes ring across chord changes, so the harmony shifts beneath a line that stays suspended in place.

Slave to the Traffic Light by Phish is featured in our Jam (#16) list. The solo is played by Trey Anastasio and the song was released in 1995.

In our lists

• The 25 Greatest Jam Band Guitar Solos — #16
• Greatest Live Solos — #25
• The Best Phish Guitar Solos — #2

Sources