Not Quite
RP | Seattle | 08/02/2005
(2 out of 5 stars)
"Being a huge Trey fan, I'm sorry to report that this CD is highly disappointing. I would describe this music as "pleasant", at best. After two listens, I'm fully bored.
"Seis" deserves some credit since it's neat to hear orchestral versions of Trey/Phish songs (All Things Reconsidered; Guyute). Inlaw Josie Wales is nice, but can be found on Phish's far-superior "Farmhouse".
Additionally, the 29-minute length (!) makes this CD a rip-off at full price.
If you're just dying to hear Trey in this orchestral format, I'd recommend borrowing "Seis" from the library."
Surprisingly very good
Christopher M. Domico | Elgin, IL USA | 04/14/2004
(4 out of 5 stars)
"I was pretty happy with this CD. I gave it 4 out of 5 stars because I didn't feel that I got enough music for my money (it's a pretty short disc) but the stuff that's on this CD is great. Transcribing something from rock to orchestral is not easy. It usually ends up sounding corny, and doesn't work for many bands. (Pink Floyd, Yes, and Metallica are the few exceptions.) It almost sounds like Trey had orchestra in mind for these compositions back when he wrote them. Guyute is the best example of this.
Trey Anastasio is very versatile. Of course, if you know about this disc, you probably already know that. But this is just another example of his talent and willingness to try new things. He's definitely the driving creative force behind Phish and his solo efforts have proven it."
Symphonic Trey
The Delite Rancher | Phoenix, Arizona | 09/20/2008
(4 out of 5 stars)
"Since the reviews about "Seis de Mayo" have been so mixed, I want to put in my two cents. The album features a balance of Phish songs and new compositions. It's really a beautiful listen, but I think that expectations have a strong influence in how "Seis de Mayo" is appreciated. This is orchestral music. This isn't orchestral music in the sense that much of Trey's post-Phish rock has featured light philharmonic brush strokes. This material is 100% symphonic and instrumental. The release kicks things off with 'Andre the Giant.' The West African balafon makes it clear that this will not be a square classical album. Some of the Phish songs on "Seis de Mayo" capitalize on the rich symphonic potential that had always been in the material. For example, the album version of 'Pebbles and Marbles' featured an introduction that always had an orchestral sensibility. Entitled 'Prologue,' the piece lends itself well to this environment. 'The Inlaw Josie Wales' is given a delicate touch as Trey plays with the Ying String Quartet. While most of the interpretations are smooth, 'All Things Reconsidered' introduces an avant-garde element. 'Coming To' features Trey's favorite trumpet player, Jennifer Harswick. Regardless, it is one of the weaker songs. "Seis de Mayo" is heavy on the strings. All too short, 'Discern' is one of the few pieces to employ a brass section. 'Guyute' is the stunning highlight. The performance expresses the rich orchestral potential that had always been in a song of such complexity. As exciting and well performed as it is, the song is redundant given that phans already had access to a symphonic 'Guyute' as played by the Vermont Youth Orchestra on "Sharin' in the Groove.' In the end, I believe that it's important to enjoy "Seis de Mayo" for what it is; it's all too easy to ruin such an enjoyable listen by over-intellectualizing. Had Trey released a disc of all new philharmonic material, many fans probably would have rejected it as inaccessible and uninteresting. By including Phish material, this has been criticized as self-indulgent and hackneyed. It is a tribute to Trey's talent and risk-taking to step so far out of his element and arrange music of this caliber. Given the half an hour length, one clear drawback to this is the price. Like "The Lucius Beebe" and "18 Steps," this should be thought of as an EP rather than a full-length LP. The retail cost makes this overpriced, but at the time of review, a handful of used copies could be had for less than $5.00. If you like Trey and instrumental orchestral music, buy "Seis de Mayo" and you enjoy yourself."