Alumni Blues: Decoding the Phish Song and Its Cultural Significance
"Alumni Blues" is more than just a song in Phish's extensive catalog; it's a time capsule, a nod to their early days, and a reflection of the band's evolution. Woven within its structure is a tribute to a rock legend and a connection to a Vermont college that played a pivotal role in the band's formation. Understanding the meaning and context of "Alumni Blues" requires exploring its history, musical components, and the cultural backdrop against which it emerged.
Genesis and Early Performances
The song "Alumni Blues" emerged around 1985, a time when Trey Anastasio wasn't yet an alumnus of any college, save high school. It quickly became a signature tune for Phish during their formative years, frequently appearing in setlists through 1989. The song's playful lyrics and boogie-infused blues break made it a fan favorite, embodying the band's early energy and lightheartedness.
"Letter to Jimmy Page": An Homage Within a Song
A key element of "Alumni Blues" is its incorporation of "Letter to Jimmy Page," a metal ditty composed by Trey Anastasio as an homage to Led Zeppelin guitarist Jimmy Page. Trey, then a precocious 21-year-old, aimed to capture the spirit of Jimmy Page, who was, at the time, recording music with The Firm. "Letter to Jimmy Page" typically appeared as a bridge within "Alumni Blues" in live performances, creating a unique and dynamic musical experience. Trey wrote and recorded “Jimmy Page,” playing all the instruments himself.
The Evolution of "Alumni Blues" and its Rarity
As Phish evolved, the frequency of "Alumni Blues" performances declined. After Jeff Holdsworth's departure as the second guitarist, "Alumni" gradually went in its own direction, eventually losing "Letter" in the process. The song's appearances became sporadic, marked by occasional teases and rare full performances.
One notable re-emergence occurred on 7/5/94 in Ottawa, after a hiatus of 357 shows. Word has it that the tune was performed that night due to news of the upcoming release of the Page and Plant reunion album No Quarter, but "Letter to Jimmy Page" had been gone from the stage for so long, that most fans didn’t even recognize the song or make the connection. After a second reemergence on 7/15/94, “Letter to Jimmy Page” fans would have to wait nearly sixteen years for "LTJP" to return. Another memorable performance took place on 7/11/88, which was performed to commemorate Trey’s graduation from Goddard.
Read also: Legacy of Fordham University
Goddard College: A Hub for Phish's Development
Goddard College, a Vermont institution known for its progressive education, played a significant role in Phish's history. In 1985, the band was booked to play a spring concert by Page McConnell, then a Goddard student. Page soon began sitting in with the band and eventually became a full-time member later that year.
To combat dwindling enrollment, Goddard offered current students $50 for each new student they recruited. Page capitalized on this opportunity, enticing Trey Anastasio and Jon Fishman to transfer to Goddard in mid-1986, while Mike Gordon remained at the University of Vermont (UVM).
Trey's senior study at Goddard, "The Man Who Stepped Into Yesterday," completed in 1988, became a foundational element in Phish's canon. The songs and the fantasy world of "Gamehendge" introduced in that project have remained integral to the band's identity.
Thematic Resonance and Lyrical Content
"Alumni Blues" is characterized by its lighthearted and self-effacing lyrics, often delivered with Trey's signature humor. The line "I'm alright, you're alright, everybody’s alright" encapsulates the song's optimistic and carefree spirit. The song also contains the line (“It’s alright…..cause I got a degree!”).
Musical Style and Influences
"Alumni Blues" is rooted in blues and rock, with a boogie-infused rhythm that encourages dancing and enjoyment. The inclusion of "Letter to Jimmy Page" adds a metal edge to the song, showcasing Phish's diverse musical influences and ability to blend genres.
Read also: Baylor's Notable Alumni
Notable Performances and Moments
Throughout Phish's career, "Alumni Blues" has been a source of memorable moments and unexpected twists. The 7/11/88 version, performed on Trey's graduation day, stands out as a celebratory rendition. The 4/15/94 show featured a single verse of the tune emanating from "Wolfman's" into "I Wanna Be Like You," while the 4/4/94 "Wolfman's" contained an "Alumni" jam. The 12/3/94 San Jose show included an "Alumni" jam, albeit without lyrics. On 5/8/99, during Trey's solo tour stop in Madison, the song was performed as a dedication to student friends of Trey's brother-in-law.
"Alumni Blues" in the Context of Phish's Broader Blues Repertoire
While not strictly a blues song, "Alumni Blues" fits into Phish's larger engagement with the genre. The band has incorporated blues elements into their music in various ways, covering classic blues songs and infusing their original compositions with blues influences. Other examples of blues in Phish's repertoire include:
- "My Soul" - A relative newcomer to the Phish blues repertoire, this song first popped up in London on 2/13/97 and has since appeared some 77 times and is always a crowd favorite.
- "Crossroads" - Played only 9 times in their career (and not since 1998), Trey tears this one apart as well as anyone ever has.
- "Jesus Just Left Chicago" - Phish has played this song 73 times, mostly between 1987 and 1999 (only random appearances of the good lord lately).
- "Whipping Post" - Phish does tension and release better than anyone, ever, so this one is a natural blend of heady Vermont goodness and deep south badness.
- "Funky Bitch" - Phish tells the same tale, but tells it with a smile on their collective face. And because it’s funky, it’s a standard in the Phish setlist, coming it a whopping 198 appearances.
The Closure of Goddard College and its Impact
In a poignant turn of events, Goddard College announced its closure in 2024 due to declining enrollment and financial challenges. The closure marks a significant loss for students seeking alternative, progressive higher education. However, Goddard has partnered with Prescott College to ensure that its students can continue their education and complete their degrees.
Read also: Columbia University Legacy
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