Meaning: This quote is from Mike Gordon, the bassist and co-founder of the band Phish. In this quote, Gordon is reflecting on his approach to playing music with his bandmates, particularly Trey Anastasio, the lead guitarist and vocalist of Phish. He expresses a desire to be grounded and connected with the other members of the band, particularly through his musical interactions with Trey during improvisational jams.

Gordon's mention of being "grounded with Fish" likely refers to the importance of establishing a strong rhythmic and harmonic foundation with the drummer, Jon Fishman, in the band's musical arrangements. As the bassist, Gordon plays a crucial role in providing the rhythmic and harmonic underpinning for the band's music, and his connection with the drummer is essential for maintaining the overall groove and feel of their performances.

However, Gordon also highlights the unique dynamics that occur within the band, particularly when he interacts with Trey Anastasio. He describes playing off Trey for a while, indicating that their musical exchange and interplay can lead to unexpected and spontaneous developments in their music. This reflects the improvisational nature of Phish's performances, where the band often engages in extended jams and musical explorations, allowing for creative and unpredictable musical interactions to take place.

Gordon's statement that he doesn't usually have a plan when they start playing a jam further emphasizes the band's commitment to spontaneity and musical experimentation. This approach aligns with Phish's reputation for creating unique and unpredictable live performances, where the band members feed off each other's energy and musical ideas to shape the direction of their improvisations in real time.

Overall, Gordon's quote provides insight into the collaborative and improvisational nature of Phish's music-making process. It underscores the importance of musical connectivity and spontaneity within the band, as well as the dynamic interplay between the individual members during live performances. This approach has been a defining characteristic of Phish's music and has contributed to their dedicated fan base and reputation for delivering memorable and distinctive live concert experiences.

In summary, Mike Gordon's reflection on his musical interactions within Phish offers a glimpse into the band's collaborative and improvisational ethos. His emphasis on being grounded with the drummer while also playing off the guitarist underscores the importance of musical connectivity and spontaneous creativity within the band's dynamic performances. This quote provides valuable insight into the unique dynamics and improvisational spirit that have defined Phish's music and live concerts throughout their career.