Phish’s success can be credited to many factors. Certainly, world-class musicianship is one. But it’s also important to realize that the free and easy jam band sound comes from a true study of music of all sorts.

“Everyone goes through phases of snobbery in their lives,” said Jon Fishman, Phish’s drummer and, of course, the namesake of the band. “Early in my life, I had favorites musicians and musicians I didn’t care for. As our careers professed, we are now the older guys on the block … and we inevitably want to [get to know and appreciate] many other musicians.”