Work began on Bar 17 shortly after the breakup of Phish, but had to temporarily suspend the project due to the absence of producer Bryce Goggin.

During the long hiatus in the middle of the album's production, Anastasio flew to Atlanta to record his 2005 album Shine, which was very pop-oriented and different from Anastasio's normal musical style.

The album features contributions by a greatly varied cast of musicians including Phish bandmates Mike Gordon and Jon Fishman as well as the Benevento/Russo Duo and John Medeski.

The first single released from the album is Dragonfly, recorded with Mike Gordon and the Benevento/Russo Duo.

Pre-orders made on Anastasio's official webstore came with a bonus disc, 18 Steps.