In continuing the praise, great work Mike, and a really great approach. It never came off as snobby, like these dialogues can do some time, and exercised that in the end, modulating music doesn't necessarily assume better music.

As a fellow player and half-arse theorist, I would add that for me, the beauty of Phish is in the HOW. Their many years of exploring playing as a unit continues to pay off huge in this area. These guys have always been listeners first to me, and players second. Playing music that modulates, whether it is composed or improvised, is very hard, and takes special care to do so in a natural manner. It is akin to a speaking language. Anyone can learn the word 'antiestablishmentarianism', but only very few can use it effectively in a live conversation. These guys do it with apparent ease and grace. I've seen other bands attempt these types of ensemble harmonic shifts (Panic comes to mind, sorry), and they come off as clunky or belabored, at best, if not down right jarring. The CDT example from 7/31/14 was especially enlightening. Wow!

Sounds like you enjoy the legwork on this too, so I look forward to future tour reviews!
Cheers