Something smells Phishy at Jakes

Psychedelic rock and roll will seamlessly blend with group improvisation to recreate the melodious songs of Phish when Strange Design, a cover band, performs at Jake’s at 8 p.m. tonight.

With diverse musical backgrounds, avid Phish fans Adam Chase (drums), his brother Matt Chase (guitar), Aaron Levy (keys) and Ben Markowitz (bass) formed Strange Design last July, about four years after Phish temporarily disbanded after their summer festival in Coventry, Vt., which had an estimated 80,000 in attendance.

Their goal is to recreate the Phish experience, characterized by improvised songs, extended jams and audience interaction.

“We recreate the exact set lists as well as the particular style of the band from different eras,” Markowitz said. “If it’s a show from the early ’90s, it’s likely to be more high-energy rock, whereas if it’s a show from ’97-’98, it’s going to be funky and sometimes spacey/ambient.”

Although they’ve never played in the Hoosier state, the band said they are looking forward to playing in Bloomington. Markowitz said he expects a great show, especially considering the excitement surrounding Phish’s upcoming reunion tour, which includes a stop at Bonaroo and in other cities in the midwest.

“With all the excitement surrounding Phish’s return, we know the crowd will be expecting good things and we hope to deliver,” Markowitz said. “We love playing to college audiences because they always know how to have a good time.”

Markowitz said he hopes to recreate the loving bond that Phish had with its audience.

“Any moments where the band/audience connection is really strong – whether it be the crowd singing along or dancing to the point of sweaty exhaustion, we have the most fun when the audience is really into it and enjoying themselves,” Markowitz said. “Being big fans ourselves, we’re having a blast getting to perform the music that we love to crowds who feel the same way about it.”

As “big” fans, the members of Strange Design have seen Phish perform live many times before.

“They’re so into Phish and have seen over a hundred shows together,” publicist Dave Weissman said.

For Markowitz, his love for Phish began as a child, when he was exposed to the music at camp.

“My counselors were really into the band and played tapes in our bunk constantly,” Markowitz said. “They even made our bunk cheer the refrain from “Reba,” now one of my favorite Phish songs.”

Following Phish’s disbandment, Markowitz renewed his interest in Phish from an academic standpoint.

“I studied composition in college, and at that point I began to realize how much Trey Anastasio and the other members (of Phish) were influenced by composers like Zappa, Stravinsky, Ligeti, etc., in addition to classic rock like Zeppelin, The Beatles and so forth,” Markowitz said.

Strange Design’s admiration and respect for Phish stays strong, with the band anticipating seeing them perform again. However, the effect of Phish’s reunion on Strange Design as a cover band is unknown.

“As fans, we can’t wait to see the guys play again,” Markowitz said. “In terms of how it will affect the band, only time will tell. But we think their return will be a positive thing for us by giving the music new visibility.”