Twenty Years Later: Phish's "Waste" by Jeff Austin Band

Following last year’s successful Songs Of Their Own video series of artists covering songs by the Grateful Dead, the Twenty Years Later video series features some of JamBase’s favorite musicians recording songs released in 1996. Looking back, the music released 20 years ago proved to be critical in both rock ‘n’ roll history and particularly within the jam band scene. The year 1996 saw seminal albums released by Phish, Dave Matthews Band, Bela Fleck and The Flecktones, moe., The String Cheese Incident, the Disco Biscuits, Keller Williams, Galactic, Medeski Martin & Wood, God Street Wine, Strangefolk and The Slip, helping to solidify the maturing jam scene.
There were also influential records issued in 1996 by the likes of artists as diverse as Beck, Jamiroquai, Modest Mouse, Rage Against The Machine, Johnny Cash, Pearl Jam, Sting, Tool, 2Pac and many others. The Twenty Years Later video series takes a look back at those releases, with participating artists covering songs from albums turning 20 this year. For this installment, Jeff Austin Band saw their way through Phish’s “Waste.”
Making its live debut on June 6, 1996 at the unannounced “Third Ball” show at Joyous Lake in Woodstock, New York, the Trey Anastasio/Tom Marshall ballad was included on Phish’s 1996 LP Billy Breathes. Initially played acoustic on the mini stage that frequented shows that summer, it quickly became staple of Phish’s setlists - though since the band returned from hiatus in 2009 it’s become a rarity. Now totaling over 70 live renditions, “Waste” has been performed just twice a year dating back to 2011, having last appeared at the first night of the Magnaball festival on August 21, 2015.
In the area for a recent show at Great American Music Hall, the Jeff Austin Band stopped by the JamBase offices in San Francisco for a pair of performances. The JAB covered “Waste” and also treated us to a rendition of the original “Underground.” Austin was backed by banjoist Ryan Cavanaugh, bassist Max Johnson and guitarist Ross Martin - aka the current Jeff Austin Band lineup - for his visit to JamBase HQ.
Audio and video recorded and edited by Jake Alexander

[@flowlineproductions]

RIP Jeff. You were a special dude. Hug your friends/family today everyone.

[@richconroy8715]

Missed every day

[@caseyogara465]

Jeff Austin sorry that we have lost you. Sad day in music God speed

[@user-iz8ry9mr6h]

Miss you, Jeff.

[@lindsayblue5602]

Miss you everyday Jeff!

[@ethanmaas]

Beautiful rendition.... RIP Jeff

[@shermski77]

:(

[@bpatrickhoburg]

Yes, a very beautiful version indeed. My favorite love song

[@loganmccarry5993]

I was looking at buying tickets to see Jeff the summer we got the bad news. Sometimes it feels like a dream. Your music has helped me get through many years. I miss you Jeff.

[@lllarry]

he died just a week before he was to be playing a festival that i was going to. lots of tributes to him throughout the weekend

[@stickjackal4867]

So nice to see Jeff smiling in this! Gotta try to remember better times

[@remyremy6808]

Totally bummed. I thought if we had enough people send you love you'd make it. I hope all the love now helped carry you over the threshold to home instead. You are loved & dearly missed. I'm still in shock over this & it depresses me to no end. Maybe we'll meet again some other time. Down the long road, or another plane. RIP brother. Thank you for the memories.

[@wiskatesnow]

Most impactful death of an artist to me. Most inspiring and influential as a performer/musician.

[@beagler4234]

Petty for me. Jeff’s passing really hurt too.

[@tedtheodorelogan5993]

All we are is dust in the wind dude! Thank you Jeff for your music.

[@franklinj480]

Jeff is why I like bluegrass.

[@CamBoone]

This is one of the best “jamgrass” lineups to ever get together.

[@jasonbeland5822]

Love to my Kinfolk. Already miss you Jeff, thanks for the very special memories

[@benjaminlaster3773]

i loved that man. truly brilliant musician. he will be missed.

[@jasenelson2290]

Awesome Song. could listen forever❤

[@jamesoconnor9027]

R.I.P. Jeff, we are going to miss you.

[@averyclark9856]

Damn, I miss you Jeff.

[@willmeyer2745]

Holy shit....well done. One of my favorite phish studio songs. These guys nailed it!

[@lindol22]

I cant even watch this... except for I keep watching it.

[@ferpetesak]

these are the moments that make life great

[@mattthompson5803]

hard to watch now. RIP Jeff. love n vibes to all those who were touched by this man. thanks for the countless good times you gawdman lunatic!

[@discobret]

Strong work Jeff and Band!

[@slawdawg7148]

If only we could waste more time together! Miss you Jeff!

[@traviskarnes6825]

Well done. By Jeff and the band they most certainly did the Phish song justice, great stuff

[@juner03]

wow. so profound on a day like today. my best friend brought me to this music and they keep having a better party in heaven - Ben!! You got another great one, I hope you guys are having fun up there

[@lumaz71]

rest in peace, man.

[@J90-t4o]

RIP Jeff. Still raw man, miss you everyday

[@TerrapinStation]

😢😢 rip brother.

[@letsexperienceearth3034]

RIP Jeff. You were a damn good soul who created an entire community of love around you. Only the good die young.

[@tweezer1975]

Always one of my fav phish songs....well covered.

[@gregglytle5310]

THANK YOU!!

[@galaxyglizzy]

Can't watch this without tearing up... still

[@brianthibodeau8022]

This is Beautiful....ironic lyrics ...R.I.P. too soon.

[@edwardrichard2561]

Thanks for all the good times I had listening to you and Younder.

[@deadheadland]

sending good thoughts to Jeff. love this. looking forward to wasting time with you in the future...

[@MrTomasGarza]

Deadheadland Films I think it’s fake. I think he’s still alive

[@deadheadland]

@@MrTomasGarza yes, i have seen the posts on his page.

[@connecticutcollectibles8164]

Wow so good.

[@pyite72]

Great Rendition! RIP Jeff...

[@JenniferLynn72.]

One of the greatest losses in 2019.

[@traviskarnes6825]

RIP Jeff Austin, you were a true legend in your own right and just one hell of a fantastic Bluegrass/progressive Bluegrass musician.

[@TheOriginalSurfTheEarth]

Don't wanna be an actor pretending on the stage...RIP Jeff thanks for all the memories, miss you long time!

[@bradwarn6953]

I miss Jeff! His music! Him!

[@BigHyme]

HOLY BANJO!!!

[@MusicTherapyMotivation]

Space Ghost..Banjo!!!

[@letsexperienceearth3034]

Fantastic! Thanks for sharing!

[@Micheleelliso]

Jeff was the man….even bug eyed at the end. Wish we could have kept him around here a little while longer.

[@jimmccloskey3601]

Excellent, thank you! That banjo solo though @4:46!

[@gillianhumphrey6353]

Jim McCloskey Ryan cavanaugh!

[@moeron60]

Some people live their life like a marathon, others live their life like a sprint. Jeff Austin was a sprinter.

[@unclechaos27]

I seen him at the Aggie in Fort Collins back around 2008 and he was heavy into speed, looked pretty rough.

[@j5.pho20]

uncle chaos fuck you

[@j5.pho20]

uncle chaos you know little to less

[@unclechaos27]

Danz Plesac you sound bitter to miserable, lol.

[@tylerao]

He was kicked out of his band, he was YMSB, it broke his heart, he gave up. It fucking sucks, he’s my favorite

[@bobsaget748]

Now that is some banjo playing.

[@gillianhumphrey6353]

Bob Saget Ryan cavanaugh !

[@suenelson473]

Jeff hated Cavanaugh. Said Cavanaugh was a whiny pr!ck.

[@bobsaget748]

@@suenelson473 I think Danny Barnes said the same about Jeff, but I love them all and wish I could do the same.

[@norcalmatt1]

god damn it i miss jeff!!!

[@rvgproduction]

I LOVE that you start with STRANGEFOLK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@2736nkb]

So beautiful. We miss you already Jeff. Rest easy friend.

[@jefflamos5554]

Wow. So I randomly saw this video pop up and thought this should be great. I want to comment something that Jeff and I would know only as an inside joke from times spent together in years past. Then I started to read the comments only to find out he has passed. Crying to a song on youtube in a planet fitness parking lot at midnight for any other reason would have felt wrong. Jeff you changed my life in ways you may never understand. You where and are one of the half dozen I look up to so much every time we spoke to one another I felt so nervous to not say something wrong as thats not something you do in the presence of a god. I love you more than I do most things in life and things wont ever be the same until I see once again.

[@i13tony]

Nice! Love the banjo solo.

[@chadaxler814]

man that is some bad ass banjo playing

[@suenelson473]

That banjo player was such an ass they almost didn't make it through the tour.

[@kelliemcgettigan3626]

RIP Jeff 😪

[@shermski77]

Still here

[@alecmejia1960]

Rest In Peace Jeff

[@kevincoleman9035]

Nice to see you all, RIP Jeff. 🥀💔💀⚡

[@Lessahhd]

The intro is a song of of Lore by Strangefolk

[@tylerao]

Will only ever be one Jeff, gone way too soon, but, we got him for a period of time, long enough for him to affect our lives

[@soulshakedown1013]

Pretty cool Pretty neat

[@remyremy6808]

Rise, Jeff....

[@AndrewJDuddy]

Lovely

[@captainkangaroo4301]

Leftover Salmon played China Doll and dedicated it to Jeff in the Twin Cities a few days ago.

[@bpatrickhoburg]

Man, miss Jeff.

[@jasoncowles2026]

That banjo solo

[@collekt]

Dayum that guy's a monster.

[@ML-np5ml]

Jason Cowles god speed Jeff Austin. I will always love you and thank you for making life worthwhile

[@gillianhumphrey6353]

Ryan cavanaugh 💖

[@suenelson473]

Jeff hated him. Fired him as soon as they got off this tour. Very arrogant and rude to fans.

[@Narc_Hunter]

@@suenelson473 Sue, you are quite the troll aren’t you? I actually quit Jeff’s band due to the toxic environment he set. Before you go spreading rumors you should get the facts straight. And anyone will tell you Jeff was notorious for being rude to fans!

[@gillianhumphrey6353]

Much love to jeff’s family and friends. Gonna miss ya jeff! Gotta say- Ryan crushes this waste 💖

[@soosburg4795]

...the subtle smirk Jeff makes after singing..."Don't Wanna be an Outlaw, Always on the Run"!

[@j5.pho20]

Goosebumps

[@Jamiesjammin1]

well done! great production quality too!

[@keithsr.]

R.I.P Jeff , you are missed !

[@TaperJeff]

Great choice! Thanks Jeff.

[@TerrapinStation]

😢😢

[@Phillyfast]

We miss ya, Jeff. Rest easy, buddy.

[@aprilalfredson1978]

💔

[@j5.pho20]

Miss you Jeff❤️

[@colinferris5590]

Holy shit! Talk about talent! You guys fucking killed it.

[@booradley9640]

I'm not sure if i can watch this :(

[@willbigelow472]

I hear you, especially the lyrics! 😢😥

[@MusicTherapyMotivation]

@@willbigelow472 yeah, be in the mood to shed a few..i wasn't, and it still got me. Beautifully performed.

[@ogs1mpson609]

That made me shed a bucket tears I’m not even gonna lie.

[@earthychef]

Don't wanna be a climber.... RIP Jeff. I miss the hell out of you

[@Danimal46]

rip

[@stevenikonovich5636]

Gone too soon.

[@YouLikePhishSticks]

Going to miss you buddy. :(

[@listentobisco]

Rip to the man himself. Mr Jeff Austin!

[@mackfiore5013]

That banjo solo though holy shit should be called the Banjo Player’s band

[@jclink11]

Watch yonder mountain string band do crazy train at allgood 2010 it’s on KZbin and then tell me if you still feel the same way

[@suenelson473]

That banjo player thought so too. He caused trouble in the studio and on the road. Jeff fired him right after the tour.

[@Narc_Hunter]

@@suenelson473 No I didn’t Sue ;) That’s a lie. Jeff was mentally ill. I quit right after that tour because he was so toxic. Just like my mother actually. Kind of like you!

[@Anna-wf5so]

sqvělé !!! :-)

[@RandalPinkProduction]

This video would be way cooler if I were draining three's on that hoop in the background. Great version, great band

[@sladeprendergast1167]

❤

[@RTKFilms]

RIP brother

[@ciscolinux3267]

THIS GUY

[@jtganno2693]

anyone know where I can find out more about this "Twenty Years Later video series"

[@jackieringersma7003]

🕯

[@JamAlong]

This is how it's done!

[@jooger.5322]

RIP Jeff

[@tylerao]

I honestly think this is the 20th time this week I watched

[@lzb8520]

Sang the stringband away....

[@tylerao]

😢

[@ianr1798]

yea.... who is that banjo player. my god

[@gillianhumphrey6353]

Ian R Ryan cavanaugh 💖

[@suenelson473]

Known as the most arrogant banjo player in the US. He hasnt lasted in a band for more than 6 months in years. Jeff fired him for causing trouble and being rude to fans.

[@Narc_Hunter]

Your smear campaign on me hasn’t a shred of truth to it Sue! I spent 10 years in jazz saxophonist Bill Evans’s band before playing with JA. I’m on records with Sam Bush, Victor Wooten, and Bela Fleck. We toured Europe and played festivals with Herbie Hancock. I quit that band and every other band after it because I got sick of being in bands with toxic narcissists and drug addicts Sue! You smear campaign doesn’t get the facts straight. Did you know that Miles Davis said that bad publicity is the best publicity even if it’s false? Even though you and Jeff spun total lies about me (Narcissistic Personality Disorder), the other witnesses in the band AND Jeff’s former band will tell a different story.

[@dirtybigtoes]

haha... what you got to say now Sue!

[@Narc_Hunter]

@@dirtybigtoes Thanks Ian. This woman has tried to trash my reputation due to some false premise most likely put out there by JA. I got news for Sue, JA’s pathology was the issue. If you believed anything he said about anyone, you were enabling a sick person.

[@tylerao]

😥

[@matt-dq3ec]

May the truth see it self to heal the whole

[@ozenozmedia]

In.credible.

[@justuseubank9192]

Slam dunk

[@jerrysings1840]

:(