Wednesday 10/19/2016 by phishnet

NASHVILLE1 RECAP: PHISH IS WEIR'D

[Editor's Note: We welcome Craig Hillwig back for this recap. –CD]

Phish returned to Nashville last night for the first of two shows at the still sparkling-new Ascend Amphitheater, a 6,800 capacity open air venue along the banks of the Cumberland River. That Phish is back in Nashville is wholly unsurprising, given that much of Phish’s 2016 release Big Boat was recorded in several local studios. It also seems to be a popular stop among fans with its combination of authentic southern cuisine and honky tonk night life. Luckily for us, the weather was perfect with ample sunshine, temperatures in the mid-80s, and a comfortable breeze. We settled in at Puckett’s to pre-game with some bourbon, brew and ‘que.

Photo © Rene Huemer
Photo © Rene Huemer

There was no shortage of speculation about a potential guest appearance by Bob Weir, who serendipitously was in town promoting his new collection of cowboy tunes, Blue Mountain, at the legendary Ryman Auditorium. This speculation turned into guarded anticipation following social media reports that Weir had joined the band for a soundcheck of the traditional, “Walkin’ Blues.” I’ll admit I was a little disappointed when I heard about the soundcheck. I mean, come on - you have Bob Weir sitting in, and you pick a song that most people skip on playback?

Fortunately, the song selection in Phish’s first set was strong, as the band quickly eliminated several potential set two jam vehicles with straightforward and quality versions of “Chalk Dust Torture,” “Ghost,” “Blaze On,” and “Sand.” The latter half of the set had a decidedly more pedestrian and traditional first set feel, with a mix of new tunes (“Tide Turns,” “Breath and Burning”) and some older favorites (“Halley’s Comet,” “46 Days”). The closing sequence of “Limb By Limb” into “Cavern” was particularly strong, and the tunes pair well together with their signature Marshall/Herman call and response lyrics. While we all thought “Cavern” would end the set, Phish dropped its first surprise of the night with a rare “Also Sprach Zarathustra” set one closer for the first time since 12/30/2003.

Photo © Rene Huemer
Photo © Rene Huemer

Anticipation for the second set was high, with the “special guest” wildcard looming large. The opening sequence of “Julius,” “Fuego,” and “My Friend, My Friend” was somewhat unexpected and not particularly well received. And then Weir came out, to great applause, tuning up with what easily could have been the opening chords of “Walkin’ Blues.” And then something amazing happened—one of the greatest head-fakes in Phish history.

Out of the silence came a familiar drum lead-in. You know the one. The one where you realize that Bobby is taking you to church. Waves of recognition were flowing through the crowd as the realization sets in, until finally Trey launches into that classic Garcia lead line: “Samson and Delilah!” It was pure fire. When Trey followed it up with “Twist” I figured that would probably be it for Weir, but he was just getting started. And. Then. It. Went. Type II. Weir seemed right at home in this environment, proving that he still has the improvisational chops that helped define the Grateful Dead’s signature sound.

Photo © Rene Huemer
Photo © Rene Huemer

The surprises continued with Bobby taking the lead vocals for “Miss You.” Written as a tribute to Trey’s sister, Weir’s take on the song seemed like an emotional paean to Garcia. It was difficult to tell from our seats whether Bob was struggling with the lyrics or just improvising on the meter of the verses, but it came off well nonetheless.

Next came the second Dead tune of the night. “West L.A. Fadeaway.” This version was punchy and angular and very much along the lines of the Fare Thee Well version. It seemed like Trey had to work a little to find the pocket in the solo, but a smattering of MuTron in the effects chain added some authenticity to this modern take on the song.

Photo © Rene Huemer
Photo © Rene Huemer

After “West L.A.,” the band turned to Weir and it was clear that we would get at least one more song. We could just barely make it out from our seats but there it was: the famous Bob Weir ten-count into “Playin’ in the Band!” It was really, really good. Oddly, Trey sang it. The jam was straight up ’73-74 vintage in terms of feel and tempo. And it got dark and weird. I was in heaven there for just a magic moment.

It was Grateful Dead music in all its glory. Confident, convincing, heart felt. This was no gratuitous guest appearance. And not a single soul cared that they didn’t play “Walkin’ Blues.” -Craig

Photo © Rene Huemer
Photo © Rene Huemer

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Comments

, comment by drshaws
drshaws Great review. Playin' was the first thing I fired up this AM. No offense to Ms. Godcheaux, but I am a big fan of Playin' sans Donna's wailing.

And, of course Fish wears a Ren and Stimpy shirt to rehearsal/soundcheck. It's better than bad, it's good!
, comment by EdwardGRobinson
EdwardGRobinson My now deceased friend Daniel had a "Bobby Fans Are People Too" bumper sticker on his old Ford Probe.
We traveled a lot of miles in that car. Daniel would have enjoyed last night. Thanks for the review. Cheers!
, comment by BaconWithThat
BaconWithThat Bobby was reading the lyrics for Miss You from a sheet on the floor. Seemed like he had the first dozen lines committed to memory but had to lean hard on the sheet for the second half. But even without knowing the words, he just owned that song. Trey should have signed the rights over to Bobby after last night.

Also, much love for the Nashville pit. Never had so much room to move and breathe up front. Everyone was super nice and there wasn't a Chad around.
, comment by bushwood_a_dump
bushwood_a_dump This is really cool. I can easily rag and rant about quality, tempo, and execution issues with Phish and/or Weir, but I have to step back and appreciate the fact that these guys are still around, smiling and making music in 2016.

Too bad they didn't take Estimated deep. By far, the greatest Weir tune ever penned. They could pull it off.
, comment by WarnerMC
WarnerMC great review
, comment by pureguava
pureguava Old Dead Head (205 shows '80 to '95) and relatively new Phish Head (34 shows since '92) here. Came here to say I thought that Bobby "sit-in" kicked major ass!! I flipped on the stream during "My Friend, My Friend" after my wife commented that Bobby was at soundcheck. Really wish I was in Music City for that show...well that and a visit to Tootsies on Broadway and the Ryman. Like Bushwood, I could pick it apart for flaws but the **moment** transcended technical ability. What a life and what world. What a world and what a life. Bravo.
, comment by pureguava
pureguava great review, btw
, comment by gratefulterp
gratefulterp As ever, Just Exactly Perfect
, comment by PhishHeadMark
PhishHeadMark Damn missed a great one at a amazing venue. If u have never been here do ur self a favor and go
, comment by Bosco057
Bosco057 Everyone hates the Donna wail dude. It's just so awful.
, comment by mikec
mikec Skip walkin blues? No way. The version from without a net is so good! I love that tune!

Oh and good review. ;)
, comment by The_Steiner
The_Steiner Great review. On my way to see Bobby at the Chicago Theater right now, definitely shed a tear during miss you, anticipating some more waterworks tonight. Nashville marked 33&34 for me, and IT will never get old.
, comment by curleyfrei
curleyfrei Just finished listening, finally. What a treat. What an incredible, historic, absolutely amazing treat!

(Still baffled that they didn't play TENNESSEE JED, but oh well). ;)
, comment by ajcmixer
ajcmixer Damm if I can't hold back the tears. Of Joy, of course... ;) ...great review, I've been to near a buck fifty of GD shows, over 100 of the incarnations during and after, 75 Phish shows since '09. And though I wasn't there I knew this moment was coming. It was meant to be, this gathering of the vibes. So happy for those that attended, especially knowing that Phish gets "it" (much from their predecessors) and that everybody that wants to share in the memory afterwards will be able to hear it in all its happiness... :) ...MSG three out of four here I come, no better way to end a year! And for those on the Fall tour, dance extra hard for those not in the building, please.

Peace,
Alex
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