Jam Chart: Jams Seen by GrooveHolmes (910 entries)

Date Song City Timing Notes
1993-02-06 Weekapaug New York, NY 7:40 An improvisational section begins at 4:40, with really great Mike and Page playing. Then Trey adds electric energy to the mix as the jam returns home to conclude.
1993-07-21 SOAMelt Middletown, NY 9:32 After a good improvisational start to '93, "SOAM" suffers a slight "Type I" malaise in late spring and early summer. Here, the jam progressively frays the edges, getting more outside the box and paving the way for the huge August versions.
1993-07-21 Runaway Jim Middletown, NY 9:38 As @SLAVEPHAN notes, the band pushes through an Arabic, minor-key groove, and the version features some distinct hey-jamming, with each musician taking turns changing the musical direction. Play becomes quite tense, and, at times, there seems to be no real resolution on the horizon. One of the finest "short" versions.
1993-12-28 Possum Washington, DC 12:05 Jazzy, exploratory and quiet beginning to the jam. The power cranks up with "Kashmir" teases and then gets blistering hot.
1993-12-28 YEM Washington, DC 20:30 Great opening segment!
1993-12-31 Reba Worcester, MA 13:17 Phish caps 1993 with a fan favorite. Trey dazzles, his playing incredibly fun and infectious, matched by Fish on his blocks. A festive, celebratory groove ensues, before building to a shredding peak. An exclamation point on a terrific year for "Reba."
1993-12-31 Tweezer Worcester, MA 12:15 Trey repetitively hits a lot of notes in staccato-fashion in this jam (that Mbird Board and Working Group member Drew Hitz adores, and thinks I'm an idiot for underrating in '94 when I reviewed this version). While definitely an above "average-great" version (it sure ends well!), this jam IMO just isn't competitive with versions I've rated 7/10 and higher in the legacy jam chart. It's listed in this current jam chart in Drew Hitz's honor.
1993-12-31 It's Ice Worcester, MA 8:50 "Peaches En Regalia" teases and Random Note signal in this version.
1993-12-31 Possum Worcester, MA 12:30 "Peaches en Regalia" teases, good on-the-spot variation, a great rhythmic breakdown midway, and a fiery ending add up to another top notch '93 "Possum."
1993-12-31 YEM Worcester, MA 22:04 Sweet theme in the jam.
1993-12-31 DwD Worcester, MA 3:38 Jam segment only following "Auld Lang Syne" (Released on Live Bait Volume 3).
1993-12-31 Hood Worcester, MA 13:20 The jam starts with an "Auld Lang Syne" tease and delicate soloing, which builds into a frenzied guitar-led jam.
1994-04-08 SOAMelt State College, PA 12:15 Nothing recreational here, Trey, exiting the song proper, dominates. After simply spraying the space with impossibly open, yet concentrated sound, play (7:00) momentarily grinds to inform cool, droning, near-thematic improvisation. Not for long. As if broken down to rebuild, Trey whips the band into a frenzy, picking up not just where this version left off, but, rather, where "Melt" jamming had stood, historically, peaking (Aug. 93). Insane, must-hear Trey play.
1994-04-08 It's Ice State College, PA 5:46 Second set jam vehicle. First ever "Digital Delay Loop" jam is performed, followed by a rocking and extended "It's Ice" jam. Must-hear version.
1994-04-08 Digital Delay Loop Jam State College, PA 1:37 -> in from "It's Ice." The debut of the "Digital Delay Loop" jam is performed at the beginning of the "Ice" jam. -> back to "It's Ice" for more excellent "Ice"-type jamming.
1994-04-08 It's Ice State College, PA 7:19 -> in from the debut of the "Digital Delay Loop" jam. A rocking and excellent "Ice" jam follows the "DDL" jam.
1994-04-08 Hood State College, PA 12:27 Begins with a nice bouncy groove, things settle into quiet, subtle playing, then Trey & Co. build to a textbook finale.
1994-04-08 Bowie State College, PA 11:19 Like 1993, the band starts 1994 with an uninterrupted string of improvisational "Bowies." This one has a very cool, exploratory jam, but not so jarring and dissonant as most of the '93s.
1994-04-09 Gin Binghamton, NY 9:09 Pretty rocking jam, somewhat straightforward but with tempo shifts, unusual melodic lines from Trey, and a nice rhythmic breakdown section at the end.
1994-04-09 Stash Binghamton, NY 10:23 Gnarly and heavy-duty power rocking jam. Not for the meek.
1994-04-09 Weekapaug Binghamton, NY 9:32 A pretty crazed version with multiple teases, a vocal jam, and some unusually tense playing.
1994-04-09 Slave Binghamton, NY 9:05 Great Fender-Rhodes action from Page early, with the others gradually joining the mix. By 6:00, the power has cycled up on all fronts in a very crisp and cleanly played version. This one goes to 11.
1994-04-10 It's Ice Buffalo, NY 9:12 Good solid rocking jam with Page leading the way.
1994-04-10 SOAMelt Buffalo, NY 9:24 A good, gripping and improvisational "SOAM" with great tension.
1994-04-10 My Friend Buffalo, NY 6:40 A "Rockin' Back Inside My Heart" jam (Julee Cruise) occurs in the outro section.
1994-04-10 Ya Mar Buffalo, NY 9:17 Great interplay by the band during Trey's solo, with delicate precision.
1994-04-10 Antelope Buffalo, NY 13:28 Jam starts off with some good rhythmic changes, builds in tension, then there is a major break at 6:55 into some great and cool exploratory jamming which gets back to "Antelope" by 9:25.
1994-04-10 Hood Buffalo, NY 12:06 A "Classic '94" jam begins with a great early section that has a good Fish-driven pulse, then Trey starts to add power with strummed chords. The intense peaking section concludes with really incredible trilling by Trey.
1994-07-02 Divided Holmdel, NJ 15:16 A classically high power '94 version which wastes no time kicking into gear, includes great trilling and rapid-fire action from Trey, strong B-3 from Page near the ending, and thunderous Fish throughout.
1994-07-02 FEFY Holmdel, NJ 6:44 With his tone dialed in perfectly, Trey patiently builds in both pitch and intensity upon the typical "FEFY" theme to a climactic catharsis of melodic magnificence. As with many '94 "FEFY"s, > "SOAMule."
1994-07-02 Tweezer Holmdel, NJ 11 Lots of siiick soloing from Trey.
1994-07-02 Weekapaug Holmdel, NJ 11:14 Thrilling version which peaks with the melody of "2001" and also teases "Antelope" in the jam.
1994-07-02 McGrupp Holmdel, NJ 9:29 The jam section begins with good energy, settles, then rebuilds with Trey, Mike, Fish and the audience contributing rhythmic support. Then there's a brief "Landlady"-like section before the tension mounts and finally breaks as the closing section begins.
1994-07-08 Reba Mansfield, MA 12:27 Great jam featuring "Manteca" teasing and super Trey. After the band disassembles their sound, soaring play is once again restored as Trey whips through a series of nasty licks. Arguably a > into "Yerushalayim Shel Zahav" in lieu of whistling.
1994-07-08 It's Ice Mansfield, MA 8:59 A little chaotic, but some really great Mike action on this one. > to an excellent "Stash."
1994-07-08 Stash Mansfield, MA 12:16 This is the version on A Live One. Although the jam doesn't go too far out there, there is a repetitious section beginning at 7m that ratchets-up the tension considerably. The ending section is drawn out, furthering this effect. "This is what I play for any professional musician interested in hearing Phish improv because it is that perfect." --Drew Hitz, professional tubist and Mbird.org Board member.
1994-07-08 YEM Mansfield, MA 12:54 "YEM" -> "Frankenstein" -> "YEM."
1994-07-08 Frankenstein Mansfield, MA 4:45 -> in from "YEM." "Frankenstein" is sandwiched in the "YEM" jam.
1994-07-08 YEM Mansfield, MA 7:09 -> in from "Frankenstein" which is sandwiched in this "YEM." "Frankenstein" tease from Mike in the B&D.
1994-07-09 Antelope Mansfield, MA 12:16 Another strong version that weaves back and forth between "Antelope" and little brief departures.
1994-07-09 SOAMelt Mansfield, MA 14:57 A chaotic, frenzied and twisted version. Plenty of improvisational jamming, yelling and screaming throughout, even a brief Trey major mode solo right before the scream-filled ending.
1994-07-13 Foam Patterson, NY 9:50 Solid Page section, Trey's solo has a cool, unusual suspension at about 7:00, and Fish is fantastic throughout.
1994-07-13 SOAMelt Patterson, NY 12:44 Pretty much a mean and nasty jam that gets way, way out there into a state of bedlam, with a twisted ending to cap it off.
1994-07-13 Possum Patterson, NY 13:59 A wild, chaotic, and improvisational ride. Though you never really lose sight of the song in play, the boys take this "Possum" for a crazy and far-ranging journey. Hysterical Mike and Fish vocals at the end to add fitting emphasis.
1994-07-13 Wilson Patterson, NY 2:18 Amazing mashup in this "Cavern -> Wilson -> Cavern" sandwich in which "Wilson's" lyrics are initially sung over "Cavern's" music and then a combination of elements of both songs before giving way to a genuine "Cavern" ending.
1994-07-13 Tweezer Patterson, NY 9:47 Don't miss this set of Phish. "Tweezer" sandwiches both "Julius" and "BBFCFM."
1994-07-13 Julius Patterson, NY 5:18 -> in from "Tweezer." "Julius" is sandwiched in the "Tweezer" jam.
1994-07-13 Tweezer Patterson, NY 2:11 -> in from "Julius" as this "Tweezer" continues.
1994-07-13 BBFCFM Patterson, NY 5:06 -> in from "Tweezer." "BBFCFM" is sandwiched in this "Tweezer" jam.
1994-07-13 Tweezer Patterson, NY 1:24 -> in from "BBFCFM" to wrap up "Tweezer." -> to "Mound."
1994-07-13 Slave Patterson, NY 10:27 Unusually long quiet section for this period with strong Mike. Some great trilling by Trey before the final, solid peak.
1994-10-07 Reba Bethlehem, PA 14:25 A rousing composed section incites a huge fan reaction, which bleeds into the jam, notable for an infectious groove - marked by solid Mike - with Trey deliberately building through cool riffing, a rise in sound before a quick dip in intensity finds him augmenting his tone to inform really great play. Cool Page. And on-point Fish. Before the band surges up and through a trilled-out and soaring peak.
1994-10-08 Antelope Fairfax, VA 11:11 This is what an "Antelope" on steroids sounds like. Pretty high up there in the Intensity Hall of Fame.
1994-10-08 Weekapaug Fairfax, VA 11:23 A brief heavy-metal jam shortly after 5 minutes works its way into uncommonly funky terrain (for '94) before concluding in typical fashion.
1994-11-04 Bowie Syracuse, NY 15:12 Great tension and dissonance combined with moments of melodic beauty and calm. Like one of the big November '94 "Tweezers" with many movements, and all packed into a 10 minute jam.
1994-11-04 Weekapaug Syracuse, NY 10:27 A '94-style funky breakdown jam leads to a spirited "CYHMK" jam before returning to "Weekapaug" for a high intensity peak, with a great "CYHMK" ending.
1994-11-12 Foam Kent, OH 10:29 Riveting, powerful version. Page travels way up the keyboard, and the ending of his section is so dynamic that it sounds like the grand finale. Then Trey works all the way up the fretboard, with Page briefly (and uncharacteristically) on the B-3, before launching the band into a blistering build-up.
1994-11-12 Stash Kent, OH 14:00 Another typically strong Fall '94 version with improvisational play and a wacky ending section with a vocal jam.
1994-11-12 DwD Kent, OH 14:08 Fantastic, improvisational '94-style jamming. One of the very best versions of "DwD," but oh so different from the funk versions of later years. Includes a -> "Have Mercy" -> "DwD." Somewhat unusual ending with -> to "Lifeboy."
1994-11-12 Have Mercy Kent, OH 4:33 Excellent "Have Mercy" section of a huge and jammed early "DwD."
1994-11-12 DwD Kent, OH 5:12 -> in from "Have Mercy." More excellent '94-style jamming on this epic combination which -> to "Lifeboy."
1994-11-12 Hood Kent, OH 15:01 Awesome version in which Trey brings the volume down close to zero, things start to rebuild, then from 10:50 - 11:30, there's this great section where you can feel the explosion coming before it arrives. And it does, BIG TIME.
1994-11-13 Antelope Erie, PA 13:03 Good solid improvisation in several parts, loads of tension with great playing by Fish and Page, and a full-throttle peak.
1994-12-28 Weekapaug Philadelphia, PA 17:08 A wacky, semi-evil version moves quickly beyond the standard, beginning with a dark Page-led section, followed by a Fish-led vocal jam. After more exploratory play, the band breaks into a jam on "The Little Drummer Boy," before returning to "Weekapaug" to wrap up.
1994-12-29 Runaway Jim Providence, RI 9:11 Excellent improvisational "Jim" which includes a "Dueling Banjos" tease from Trey and must-hear -> to "Foam."
1994-12-29 Foam Providence, RI 9:25 -> in from "Runaway Jim." Fantastic segue for this great pairing. A typically strong '94 version with a dramatic build-up.
1994-12-29 SOAMelt Providence, RI 10:53 Although neither chaotic nor very dissonant, this one qualifies for the extreme and atypical category - odd but improvisational.
1994-12-29 Possum Providence, RI 11:37 "Dueling Banjos" and "L.A. Woman" teases. The latter half of the jam is dark and brooding with a uniquely Fall '94 tone that has moments that sound similar to a "Bowie" or "Tweezer." Ends in solid, ripping "Possum" fashion.
1994-12-29 Digital Delay Loop Jam Providence, RI 3:15 Even for a "DDL" Jam, this one is unusual, with an added psychological edge to it. Appropriate warm up section which -> to a mind-blowing, classic and MUST-HEAR "Bowie."
1994-12-29 Bowie Providence, RI 31:17 The Legendary Providence "Bowie." Between the "DDL" jam in the intro, whistling, "Lassie" chatter, and creepy whispering, this one is more psychologically jarring than 11/26/94.
1994-12-30 Tweezer New York, NY 22:00 Page plays a solo in this unusual version, which like the other Fall 1994 versions of "Tweezer" is must-hear.
1994-12-31 Maze Boston, MA 16:33 Spacey intro with a "Digital Delay Loop" section to lead off. Intense Page. Extended Trey section is really more of a full band jam than as typically presented. Eventually gets back to "Maze" proper for a red hot finish.
1994-12-31 Mike's Boston, MA 8:47 "Mike's" -> "Buffalo Bill" -> "Mike's." While the 1st jam is standard, incendiary '94 material, the 2nd jam has solid, varied improvisational play before the ->.
1994-12-31 Buffalo Bill Boston, MA 1:56 -> in from "Mike's Song." A nice version of "Buffalo Bill" is sandwiched in a solid '94 "Mike's." The -> back to "Mike's" is great stuff.
1994-12-31 Mike's Boston, MA 1:48 -> in from "Buffalo Bill," the return to "Mike's" is several steps better than "normal," well worth checking out.
1994-12-31 Weekapaug Boston, MA 10:35 Typically strong '94 fare includes "CYHMK" jamming, a funky breakdown section with Page on clavinet, strong exploratory play by all four, and an "Auld Lang Syne" tease as this "Weekapaug" heads for home.
1994-12-31 CDT Boston, MA 10:19 Fiery, powerful and precise '94-style jam with an unusual and spacey outro jam tacked on.
1994-12-31 Slave Boston, MA 11:21 Trey and Page add a big exclamation point to end the final frame of a fantastic year for the band.
1995-06-17 Divided Bristow, VA 16:39 1995 was a very strong year for "Divided Sky." This show opening, sunset version is a case in point.
1995-06-17 Stash Bristow, VA 16:39 Great version that gets well beyond "Stash" into some serious dark exploration. Classic Summer '95 jamming. And a powerful ending to top it off.
1995-06-17 Tweezer Bristow, VA 7:05 "Heartbreaker" tease, "Johnny B. Goode" sandwich. Although it contains some spacey jamming, it eventually becomes ferocious, with unbelievable, magnificent energy. Purported "Montana" tease.
1995-06-17 JBG Bristow, VA 2:33 -> in from "Tweezer." The debut of "JBG" is sandwiched in this "Tweezer" jam.
1995-06-17 Tweezer Bristow, VA 10:48 -> in from "Johnny B. Goode" as this "Tweezer" continues and -> to "McGrupp."
1995-06-17 Hood Bristow, VA 14:22 Great summertime version includes some filthy, nasty Mike in the "Mr. Minor" section, Trey soloing by himself for several minutes, and a very powerful but non-shredding peak.
1995-06-20 Foam Cuyahoga Falls, OH 10:44 Great mini build-up at the end of Page's solo. Mike is strong during the quiet section of Trey's solo. Powerful build-up.
1995-06-20 If I Could Cuyahoga Falls, OH 8:23 Trey skillfully deploys the Leslie to great effect following some beautiful Page piano action.
1995-06-20 CDT Cuyahoga Falls, OH 8:56 Typical '95 Phish where they manage to pack a ton of music and jamming into a relatively short space of time. This jam explores multiple directions. High quality fare.
1995-06-20 Mike's Cuyahoga Falls, OH 20:39 A quick, uneventful 1st jam drops swiftly into deep, dark Summer '95 exploration. At first, this 2nd jam is mostly a threatening, evil soundscape. But a steady beat from Mike and Fish, and directed playing by Trey bring it back to a rocking form. Following some pulsing play from 12:00 to 15:30, things slip back into the murky abyss, where they remain until a welcome brightening and -> to "Contact."
1995-06-24 Julius Philadelphia, PA 10:00 Straightforward, but for a song that is already predictably intense, this one raises that bar several notches.
1995-06-24 Stash Philadelphia, PA 14:49 Another very good Summer '95 version, loaded with tension and with a psychological edginess to it.
1995-06-24 Bowie Philadelphia, PA 24:42 Simultaneously rocking and dark, with 3 distinct and excellent movements, and with a psychological edge like many top Summer '95 jams.
1995-06-24 Hood Philadelphia, PA 14:43 A really beautiful quiet section at first, then the power starts to build, but ever so gradually. False peak > Real peak ending.
1995-06-25 Bag Philadelphia, PA 8:29 > in from "Ya Mar." Exceptionally well-played straightforward version. Trey shreds. > to "Taste."
1995-06-25 Maze Philadelphia, PA 13:42 Awesome Page, and with a "Taps" tease by Trey. Suffice it to say that this is one HELL of a way to start a 2nd set.
1995-06-25 Mike's Philadelphia, PA 17:21 The 1st jam features some Eastern sounding notes and scales and is relatively brief. The 2nd begins is an intense, pulsing and rocking mode. The jamming gradually settles down into quiet exploration, which then grows eerie, gains power and a pulse and -> "WDWDIITR."
1995-06-25 Jam Philadelphia, PA 1:07 A brief, intense Fish and Page led jam develops at the end of "HYHU" and -> to "Weekapaug Groove.
1995-06-25 Weekapaug Philadelphia, PA 10:07 A strong, straightforward breakdown jam features solid play by Page and Mike. Teases of "Mainstreet" (Bob Seger) and "Dreaming" (Blondie) add extra mustard.
1995-07-01 Ya Mar Mansfield, MA 9:17 Straightforward, but stretched out with great playing by all, especially Trey.
1995-07-01 If I Could Mansfield, MA 9:21 Trey plays the original guitar intro, and the instrumental section is richly melodic.
1995-07-01 It's Ice Mansfield, MA 9:30 Highly unusual jam with Mike on the electric drill and Fishman on vacuum.
1995-07-01 SOAMelt Mansfield, MA 17:31 Venomous, percussive and deranged "SOAM" that gets further and further away from the ranch as it progresses. Despite it's length, the jam here doesn't have multipe movements, sections that vary, etc. It's just sort of continuous chaos.
1995-07-01 Maze Mansfield, MA 13:29 > in from "Wilson." Trey wastes no time easing into this one. More like a scene from the Clint Eastwood movie "High Plains Drifter": Paint the town red and Burn It Down!
1995-07-01 Stash Mansfield, MA 18:36 Dissonant and extremely tension filled jam. Seems to be concluding, but then at about 14:10, the jam morphs into a gnarly, experimental jazz-like foray. Unfinished with a > "Stange Design."
1995-07-01 Hood Mansfield, MA 14:19 Great interplay between Page and Trey leads builds steadily and bursts into a soaring Trey solo and powerful peak.
1995-07-02 Divided Fayston, VT 17:17 Fantastic workhorse version from the slopes of Sugarbush Mountain in Vermont. Machine Gun Trey burns through the ammo in this one.
1995-07-02 Runaway Jim Fayston, VT 18:30 Breaks away from "Jim" at about 8:45 into percussion-driven exploration. The jam gets way out there, with some tension and dissonance, before morphing its way (->) into "Makisupa." Not beautiful music, but highly improvisational.
1995-07-02 Makisupa Fayston, VT 8:01 Nice segue in from "Runaway Jim". It starts with a typical effects laden jam, followed by a second jam after the vocal reprise, starting around 5:30. Trey uses the same effect as he does in early renditions of "Free." Gets spacey in the last minute as Fish and Page lead a spammy but cool jam that -> "SOAMule." This version has the sound of Summer '95 and is among the very best.
1995-07-02 Tweezer Fayston, VT 13:30 "Tweezer" returns to relative normalcy. I say "relative" because this is still a great version, too.
1995-07-03 Antelope Fayston, VT 12:02 Dark and intense jam with healthy doses of tension and dissonance. Dizzying buildup to the peak with ballistic Fish.
1995-07-03 Bowie Fayston, VT 17:50 Awesome, multi-faceted improvisation that doesn't sound remotely like "Bowie" until the final 3 minutes. Includes multiple teases and "Bowie" -> "Johnny B. Goode" -> "Bowie" in the jam.
1995-07-03 JBG Fayston, VT 3:11 -> in from "DB." A spirited rendition, only the second ever, springs out suddenly in the middle of a monster "Bowie." -> back to "DB."
1995-07-03 Bowie Fayston, VT 9:49 -> in from "Johnny B. Goode." Returns to "Bowie" for some more far-ranging exploration in the epic version.
1995-07-03 Bag Fayston, VT 10:04 At about 6:15, the jam section starts to get a bit beyond the conventional "Bag."
1995-09-27 Hood Sacramento, CA 15:16 The jam veers into different territory at 8:45 as the customary "Hood" harmonics are upended by a shift to minor mode. Returns to normal "Hood" after 10:30, building to a nice peak which gradually fades with no closing refrain.
1995-09-27 Possum Sacramento, CA 10:49 Mike and Trey highlight this excellent, fun, rocking and well played version. It's mostly straightforward, but high quality fare nonetheless. Try 9/27/91 for another terrific non-exploratory version, separated by 4 years to the day.
1995-09-30 Reba Mountain View, CA 13:09 > in from the "White Rabbit Jam," perhaps the earliest glimpse at the band attempting to execute "Reba" at breakneck speed. After a clean composed section, Trey powers through the version, the playing straightforward and direct until the band slows at 7:40 to create an interesting and controlled passage, akin to "DEG"-like playing, before breaking for a spirited conclusion (the band once again playing incredibly fast through the whistling section).
1995-09-30 Antelope Mountain View, CA 10:36 Good improvisational version with rhythm shifts and great tension.
1995-10-02 Simple Seattle, WA 9:21 Rocking outro turns serene and dreamy, then grows creepy and dissonant, and > to "Keyboard Army."
1995-10-02 Slave Seattle, WA 11:35 Near silence at the beginning of the jam, then listen carefully at 4:45 as Fish delicately and musically adds his Electrolux to the mix. The jam then kicks up several notches, and like 6/15/95, Fish seems to up the tempo slightly to add energy and power to this very fine version.
1995-11-09 Divided Atlanta, GA 16:56 Astounding collective musicianship here. In this scorcher, the band nimbly stretches the chord structure, phrasing, and timing in such a deft manner that it's almost imperceptible.
1995-11-09 Simple Atlanta, GA 7:28 Excellent and very rocking version, with Trey on the mini percussion kit, but in a great way.
1995-11-09 Reba Atlanta, GA 15:44 A chill and relaxed jam anchored by great bass and drums, colored with pointed fills from Page and wonderful playing from Trey. The band locks upon a cool theme, the groove easy-going as Trey augments his tone. Spirited play cycles through and into a passage featuring dynamic modulation and great syncopation. More great guitar builds steadily into a euphoric release.
1995-11-09 Theme Atlanta, GA 10:47 Some powerful playing by Trey early in the jam. Unusual and intense ending.
1995-11-09 Gin Atlanta, GA 16:03 Excellent, multi-dimensional version. From power jamming to beautiful quiet space to coordinated rebuilding including a great "Rift" tease, it's all here. -> to "TMWSIY."
1995-11-11 Mike's Atlanta, GA 13:29 Solid 1st jam with good variation. The 2nd jam is relatively short by '95 standards, but includes another good Mike and Page showcase while Trey uses the guitar to create a soundscape background before hopping to the mini kit briefly.
1995-11-11 Weekapaug Atlanta, GA 11:18 A vigorously played version that packs a lot of punch. Strong funky elements enhance the excellent typical fare.
1995-11-11 Ya Mar Atlanta, GA 9:39 "Lizards" teases. Cool drum solo.
1995-11-11 Fluffhead Atlanta, GA 15:32 Minor early issues aside, the playing in Who Do? We Do! is very sharp and powerful. In Clod, Trey seems to use a reverb-like effect, which pairs well with Page's soloing - a soundboard would be a huge plus. A full-throttle, slightly extended Arrival includes some sweet, Leslie-infused trilling by Trey near the conclusion. This is classic 1995 Phish.
1995-11-11 Antelope Atlanta, GA 11:50 Jam starts off largely straightforward but gets more out there as it progresses with key changes and rhythmic bending.
1995-11-12 Reba Gainesville, FL 14:32 An interesting and somewhat atypical 1995 "Reba." Really terrific playing from Mike and Fish informs a jam that, while not quite ambient, seems more aimless than recent versions. This, however, functions to make the conclusion that much more powerful, as the band, pushed by Trey, coalesces to play with great power before arriving at the "note."
1995-11-12 Tweezer Gainesville, FL 18:41 Very curious, "Free"-like jam. Trey finds a very cool theme to repeat for a minute or two as well.
1995-11-12 Slave Gainesville, FL 11:28 Just solid all around. Trey leads brilliantly, Page jumps to the 88s earlier than usual, and the rhythm guys punctuate the dynamic with an exclamation point. Great sounding Aud, or Aud/SBD matrix on the spreadsheet.
1995-11-12 Possum Gainesville, FL 12:28 Fantastic version and one of the most improvisational ever. Includes a Simpson's signal, a "Dixie" tease, Trey scatting, a "Woody The Woodpecker Theme" tease, a "Johnny B. Goode" tease, AND a wild and exploratory jam.
1995-11-14 Maze Orlando, FL 12:40 Insanely intense Trey section with a strong psychedelic edginess to it.
1995-11-14 Stash Orlando, FL 15:32 "Stash" -> "Manteca" -> "Stash" -> "Dog Faced Boy" -> "Stash". Many would rank this combination among the Top 10 Phish jams ever, and with good reason. This magnum opus is a stunning, thrilling masterpiece.
1995-11-14 Manteca Orlando, FL 1:46 -> in from "Stash." Nice little side trip to "Manteca" in the midst of this phenomenal "Stash." -> back to "Stash."
1995-11-14 Stash Orlando, FL 12:27 -> in from "Manteca." This epic "Stash" continues. This section includes some cool grooving on "Esther" before growing intense and incendiary, and then settling down and -> to "Dog Faced Boy."
1995-11-14 Dog Faced Boy Orlando, FL 2:52 -> in from "Stash." A haunting version of "DFB" adds a psychological twist as this epic "Stash" begins to head home. -> back to "Stash."
1995-11-14 Stash Orlando, FL 6:05 -> in from "Dog Faced Boy." A blistering cacophony follows "DFB," before this monumental "Stash" arrives home on familiar, but unsettling ground. This entire "Stash" sequence is absolutely MUST-HEAR for any serious fan.
1995-11-14 YEM Orlando, FL 11:01 "Low Rider" teases, -> to "Immigrant Song" jam!!
1995-11-14 Immigrant Song Orlando, FL 0:46 -> in from "YEM." Brief jamming to the Led Zeppelin classic before -> back to the "YEM" jam.
1995-11-14 YEM Orlando, FL 8:12 -> in from "Immigrant Song" to return to this solid "YEM" jam.
1995-11-15 SOAMule Tampa, FL 12:12 Page solo > Trey singing scat and playing guitar with great audience reaction > Page solo > klezmer > prayer-like chanting from Mike > ending.
1995-11-15 Mike's Tampa, FL 18:38 A multi-section "Mike's" begins with a rocking, somewhat dissonant opening section. In the 2nd part, Trey nicely decides to stay on guitar, and the jamming here is both intense and rocking, but also melodic. Finally around 14:00, the jam settles into a quieter, spacey section, but as Trey adds Leslie-infused touches, things end on a hopeful and upbeat vibe.
1995-11-15 Weekapaug Tampa, FL 11:31 The jam includes an engaging, funky percussive section and an extended, intense buildup to the peak.
1995-11-16 Jam West Palm Beach, FL 3:02 A short background jam with Trey on percussion while he discusses the debut of the band/audience chess match.
1995-11-18 Slave North Charleston, SC 10:51 This one starts peaking just before 8:00 and continues building, with one or more false peaks before the final ending.
1995-11-18 YEM North Charleston, SC 30:20 Must-hear! Among the very best. "Brick House" jam!
1995-11-19 2001 Charlotte, NC 5:58 Hendrix style effects, Trey mini-kit and first baby voyage for "2001".
1995-11-19 Tweezer Charlotte, NC 21:32 Gets very funky for several minutes. Very cool must-hear version.
1995-11-19 SOAMule Charlotte, NC 12:34 Vocal and guitar response by Trey, but very different from all the preceding versions. Page picks up Trey's musical theme in his second solo. Mike adds his part with extended chanting before the return to lyrics.
1995-11-21 My Friend Winston-Salem, NC 6:55 Version follows "Guyute," the only time these kindred compositions have been paired together, and includes a spooky outro jam with strong Fish which -> to "Dog Faced Boy."
1995-11-21 Simple Winston-Salem, NC 9:25 Teases of Maze, Bowie, Possum, Day in the Life, and Bowie again. Very long, funky percussion jam, with Trey on the "mini kit."
1995-11-21 Bowie Winston-Salem, NC 10:23 Great fall '95 version with a "Bowie" -> "Take Me To The River" -> "Bowie" in the jam and some thunderous and blistering exploration following the debut of this song popularized by Talking Heads.
1995-11-21 Take Me to the River Winston-Salem, NC 1:23 -> in from "DB." Great brief jam on this Al Green song popularized by Talking Heads emerges in the midst of a solid "Bowie" jam. -> back to "DB."
1995-11-21 Bowie Winston-Salem, NC 8:45 -> in from "Take Me To The River." The real heavy meat of the "Bowie" jam is in this section.
1995-11-21 Ya Mar Winston-Salem, NC 9:53 Fish solo.
1995-11-21 Mike's Winston-Salem, NC 14:02 After a high powered but otherwise typical 1st jam, the band breaks into a nice melodic 2nd one, with Trey electing to stick with the guitar, and good accents provided by Page and Mike. The jam ends with a nice -> to "Keyboard Army."
1995-11-22 Antelope Landover, MD 11:11 Jam wastes no time dicking around but gets right into intensive and dissonant playing. Great Page and Fish.
1995-11-22 Free Landover, MD 33:02 The second extended, highly improvisational "Free." This one is a monster with several movements well beyond "Free" proper and "No Quarter" teases and a "BATR" tease. -> to "Llama." Must-hear.
1995-11-25 Timber Ho Hampton, VA 8:03 Set II opener. Stretched-out, multi-faceted psychedelic jam that includes "Mind Left Body"-like jamming from 2:47 - 3:21. Jam has an eerie, quiet, mid section, then regains power. Extremely dissonant. Transition to "Kung."
1995-11-25 Mike's Hampton, VA 11:30 Following "Kung", which is performed like a hymn, "Mike's Song" takes the long journey home: A typically fierce version bending to break into an incredible "Rotation Jam" (like @SomethingsPhishy points out: If you didn't know better, it's tough, on tape, to realize the band swaps gear) which, ultimately, finds the four on Page's rig - this, before a seamless -> back into "Mike's." Fall Phish at its finest.
1995-11-25 Rotation Jam Hampton, VA 13:23 -> "Mike's". Debut finds the bandmates swapping gear before settling to play upon Page's rig before returning to "Mike's Song".
1995-11-25 Mike's Hampton, VA 5:15 -> from the first "Rotation Jam," the musicians return to their instruments to complete the first segment of a momentous "Mike's Groove."
1995-11-29 Reba Nashville, TN 15:27 Almost two months removed from Shoreline's speedy "Reba," the band again takes flight, whipping through the composed section at warp speed. The ensuing jam, while metered, does not relent, with passionate, inspired Trey leading the way, while focused, full-band play is infused with great syncopation and rich melodic variation.
1995-11-29 Timber Ho Nashville, TN 8:31 Set II opener. Unusual intro. Intense with ferocious percussion. Page jumps to the B-3 briefly to provide an unusual and chilling effect. Multiple movements in this incredible, jarring jam that will rattle your skull. > to "Sparkle."
1995-11-29 Possum Nashville, TN 17:20 Extended, percussive intro, almost like a "Bowie." Soaring, multiple peak jam with awesome Trey and Fish.
1995-11-29 Taste That Surrounds Nashville, TN 7:58 With Bela Fleck on banjo. This is a fantastic version; the banjo is a perfect addition for an intense, rhythmically complex, song like "Taste."
1995-11-29 Slave Nashville, TN 11:22 Bela Fleck on banjo. This is a fantastic version, with Bela and Trey pairing together incredibly well.
1995-11-30 Tweezer Dayton, OH 19:23 This is what the "HOSE" is all about. Excellent -> "Makisupa."
1995-11-30 Makisupa Dayton, OH 7:07 Spry, tropical sounding jamming, with some especially strong percussion -- Trey moves over to the kit for a while. Excellent, extended transition > "Antelope."
1995-11-30 Antelope Dayton, OH 10:55 "Tweezer" -> "Makisupa" -> "Antelope." An excellent and intense though largely straightforward version which includes some "Tweezer" teases in the "Rocco" section.
1995-11-30 SOAMule Dayton, OH 12:17 Trey follows Page's long solo with some vocals, but mostly a beautiful guitar solo. Page responds in kind, with marvelous classical piano stylings.
1995-11-30 Hood Dayton, OH 14:47 No bells or whistles on this "Hood." But the build and peak sections are simply gorgeous, even by '95 standards.
1995-12-02 Maze New Haven, CT 11:27 > in from "2001." Hard to believe one of the all-time hose versions of "Tweezer" comes two songs after the boys detonate this cluster bomb.
1995-12-02 Tweezer New Haven, CT 15:03 Even more serious "HOSE" in the entire version. Just awe-inspiring!
1995-12-04 Stash Amherst, MA 12:28 Although largely "Type I," this typically strong '95 version is an intense thriller, and has excellent dynamics modulation.
1995-12-04 Timber Ho Amherst, MA 7:04 Set II opener. Another typically strong '95 version that will fry your brain. Dissonance reigns supreme. > to "Sparkle."
1995-12-05 Gin Amherst, MA 23:34 A very exploratory "Gin" jam. At 7:00, the jam starts to twist away from the standard, and works through several sections including driving power rock, percussive '95-style funk, more power rock, and a -> to "Keyboard Army."
1995-12-05 SOAMule Amherst, MA 13:50 Page solos, then comes Trey on vocals/guitar, but the vocals are very atypical. Page responds with another strong solo, the klezmer starts, followed by Mike chanting and stomping his feet. On the final beat of the song, the band breaks into a high-powered, accelerating jam that lasts for 1:34 until abruptly transitioning to "Lifeboy."
1995-12-05 Jam Amherst, MA 1:34 > in from "SOAMule." A high powered, accelerating jam starts on the final beat of "Mule." Abruptly > to "Lifeboy."
1995-12-05 Hood Amherst, MA 17:12 Multiple rolling peaks that get higher and higher, and the final few, which incorporate an "Entertainer" tease are just sweet.
1995-12-07 Slave Niagara Falls, NY 12:33 Unusual mid first set placement. Trey hits on a great riff that he molds as the jam develops. The band really stretches this one out, with unbelievable intensity even before mounting the final peak. One for the ages.
1995-12-07 Possum Niagara Falls, NY 13:43 Multiple peaks that grow increasingly intense. Fish and Page are especially dynamic, with Page briefly on the B-3.
1995-12-07 SOAMelt Niagara Falls, NY 16:46 Sick wrecking ball version that will pound your head. Start with some "In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida" jamming to warm up. On to improvisational twists and turns, a tense, hammering peak, and a somewhat bizarre ending. Very demented.
1995-12-07 Reba Niagara Falls, NY 14:23 If 9/30 and 11/29 are fast, the Niagara "Reba" is faster. While the composed section suffers, the jam is crazy, relentless, rife with rich fills, crazy intensity, and the whacked sentiment of the set-opening "SOAM." This late second-set version sees Trey creating huge sustain which bleeds into a spacey, unusual outro. Really cool.
1995-12-07 Julius Niagara Falls, NY 6:44 Only known version with a Page-only solo.
1995-12-07 Mike's Niagara Falls, NY 17:24 Compared to the preceding version, this one begins in a less frenzied state, but builds up pretty good head of steam, including "Crossroads"-like jamming. The 2nd jam begins with Trey mini kit action, until 11:40, when Trey returns to his main instrument, transforming the rhythmic oriented jam into hose-filled, "Weekapaug"-like, major mode celebration. -> to a great "Weekapaug"/"DDL Jam."
1995-12-07 Weekapaug Niagara Falls, NY 7:02 "Mike's -> Weekapaug -> Digital Delay Loop Jam." Incredible sequence of music with an inspired but straightforward "Weekapaug" in between stellar works of improvisational play.
1995-12-07 Digital Delay Loop Jam Niagara Falls, NY 6:31 -> in from "Weekapaug." After a spirited and uplifting "Mike's Groove," the "DDL" Jam provides a chilly, eerie ending to this epic multi-part jam.
1995-12-08 Tweezer Cleveland, OH 17:38 "KUNG" sandwich. This version is "type II" in large part and just wild and crazy.
1995-12-08 Kung Cleveland, OH 4:16 -> in from "Tweezer." "Kung" is sandwiched in the "Tweezer" jam.
1995-12-08 Tweezer Cleveland, OH 4:09 -> in from "Kung" to complete this strong "Tweezer."
1995-12-08 Antelope Cleveland, OH 12:00 Rhythmic-oriented jam that is ripe with great tension and dissonance.
1995-12-09 Timber Ho Albany, NY 7:00 Set II opener. Overshadowed by the huge "YEM" later in the set, this version is dark and twisted, an impressive and musical "wall" of sound, but is also very well played.
1995-12-09 YEM Albany, NY 34:09 An incredibly melodic and beautiful jam segment makes this among the finest and most adored YEMs in Phish history. Also a "silent jam" and Shaft quote. Vocal jam includes quotes from a talking Beavis and Butthead doll. (No B&D section.)
1995-12-11 Bowie Portland, ME 23:12 Haunting, ghoulish and riveting version that includes a long intro. Fish kicks ass! Maybe not as exploratory as the summer '95s, but it compensates with twisted psychological tone.
1995-12-11 Taste That Surrounds Portland, ME 9:17 More of a full band jam, as the separation between Page's solo and Trey's was not clear at this stage.
1995-12-11 SOAMule Portland, ME 12:48 Vocal and guitar response by Trey is hilarious and wild. Page responds back with another long and dramatic solo; the klezmer, and more weird chanting from Mike.
1995-12-11 Hood Portland, ME 14:57 A good mix of quieter playing leads to anticipation as the build develops, then the peak delivers a celebratory release.
1995-12-14 Foam Binghamton, NY 10:47 > in from "Horn." An overlooked standout from a show loaded with noteworthy performances. The balance and modulation of intensity is stellar, from the subtle, delicate musings during the solos, to the thrilling crescendo jam finale. Mike and Fish masterfully modify their texture as this one undulates while trending upward.
1995-12-14 SOAMelt Binghamton, NY 14:11 "Type I" until 8:50 when the jam breaks into a pulsing, percussive bent, which is followed by a wacky silent jam section.
1995-12-14 Tweezer Binghamton, NY 9:17 Another must-hear version. "Slip Knot" tease in the segue into Timber.
1995-12-14 Timber Ho Binghamton, NY 4:58 Awesome -> in from a serious "Tweezer", the jam is typical high quality '95 "Timber" fare, followed by another fantastic -> back to "Tweezer."
1995-12-14 Tweezer Binghamton, NY 9:47 -> in from "Timber" as this classic "Tweezer" continues.
1995-12-14 Halley's Binghamton, NY 11:51 The first truly jammed-out version. Following the typical outro jam, the band breaks into an upbeat melodic groove. The pulse quickens, then settles into an eerie, on-off style jam. Fantastic segue into a stellar version of "NICU."
1995-12-14 NICU Binghamton, NY 9:11 -> in from a jammed out "Halley's." A rhythmic oriented outro jam morphs into a beautiful Page solo which -> to "Slave."
1995-12-14 Slave Binghamton, NY 10:43 -> in from a jammed out "NICU." Extremely powerful version. Fish and Trey lay it all out to end Set II of an epic show.
1995-12-15 It's Ice Philadelphia, PA 8:49 Very spacey jam segues into a creepy, Fish-driven groove with unintelligble, bizarre vocalizations from someone (?), as Page teases the "Pink Panther" theme a few times. "Odd" doesn't even begin to describe this.
1995-12-15 Gin Philadelphia, PA 11:38 A very good "Type I" jam breaks into some percussive, deep exploration at 8:30 and then -> to "Rotation Jam" (one of only 4 such performances during which the band members all switch instruments but continue playing).
1995-12-15 Bowie Philadelphia, PA 14:10 Jam almost immediately breaks into an unusual groove. Not way out there, but uniquely excellent.
1995-12-16 SOAMule Lake Placid, NY 12:05 More '95 style "Mule Duel" wackiness, with the expected Trey guitar/vocal response, more Page soloing, and Mike chanting with a brief snore.
1995-12-16 Simple Lake Placid, NY 7:02 Short but sweet. A high octane "Simple" nicely -> to a great "Weekapaug."
1995-12-16 Weekapaug Lake Placid, NY 13:48 Features a long percussive jam with Trey on the mini-kit, giving Page a chance to take the lead. Eventually winds down into ambience before > to "Coil."
1995-12-17 Stash Lake Placid, NY 11:40 One of the most spirited, cacophanous versions from '95, even though it's straightforward. Fish and Page go ballistic.
1995-12-17 Maze Lake Placid, NY 12:38 While typically dissonant and tension filled, there is rich melodic variation from Trey compared to "standard" versions, and his yelling and screaming at one point adds to the mind-numbing aspect of this beast.
1995-12-17 Hood Lake Placid, NY 17:06 Another strong December '95 version. Fish is the star as he expertly intensifies the percussion as the jam progresses.
1995-12-17 Tweezer Lake Placid, NY 22:46 Page solo segues into a "Tweeprise" finish. WTF.
1995-12-17 Tweeprise Lake Placid, NY 2:47 -> in from "Tweezer." The second notable "Tweezer" -> "Tweeprise" combo.
1995-12-28 Timber Ho Worcester, MA 7:38 Set II opener. The jam has an even more dark and ominous feel than most versions. Fish's playing is fantastic.
1995-12-28 Theme Worcester, MA 12:13 Rocking, tension-filled version with a psychedelic edginess to it, including a dissonant ending.
1995-12-28 Tweezer Worcester, MA 22:00 Another incredible 1995 "Tweezer." Definitely check this one out. Mike practiced part of the "bass jam" he'd engage in the following night.
1995-12-28 Slave Worcester, MA 10:48 Very improvisational version. Both Trey and Page repeatedly voice dissonant chords in the build section, creating an eerie tension. Trey's melody lines are also unusual at times. And Fish's drumming is thunderous.
1995-12-29 Stash Worcester, MA 17:58 Very improvisational considering this version largely stays in bounds. Like many versions from '95, the band stretches the duration, creating a psychological thriller, but the music is less exploratory than '93 - '94. Not a good trend for "Stash."
1995-12-29 Fluffhead Worcester, MA 14:26 Fish is the superhero in this exceptional version. A great Fluff's Travels gets the ball rolling, while safe passage through the Siren-like perils of The Chase leads to a great Who Do? We Do! It's during this section that Fish really cranks up the intensity of his highly precise rhythmic base. From the swift, complimentary snare drums in Bundle of Joy, to the cannon-like power drumming in Arrival, this is a great example of the drummer's talent and importance in holding this complex composition together.
1995-12-29 Gin Worcester, MA 11:06 "Gin" -> "The Real Me" -> "Gin." Fantastic, inspired and rocking version. The "Gin" sections that bookend the Who classic are improvisational fare, but all fit together seamlessly into one flowing jam. -> to "McGrupp."
1995-12-29 The Real Me Worcester, MA 9:08 -> in from "Bathtub Gin." Following their 1995 Halloween costume, the band surprisingly revisits this Who classic in the middle of a fantastic, rocking and "Type II" Gin. "The Real Me" includes more exploratory jamming than its debut 3 months prior. -> back to "Gin."
1995-12-29 Gin Worcester, MA 3:46 -> in from "The Real Me" with more great improvisation before returning to the "Gin" theme to conclude and -> to "McGrupp."
1995-12-29 McGrupp Worcester, MA 9:04 -> in from the historic "Real Gin." "McGrupp" features an airy opening, replete with Trey's signature '95-style, Leslie-infused shimmering tone. Wonderful playing throughout. Page breaks for a dark calm, marked not so much by eeriness, but a general psychedelia, enhanced by an exotic, Eastern sentiment, combined with nice restraint by Trey. Great fills from Fish lead to a powerful conclusion.
1995-12-29 Jam Worcester, MA 8:45 > in from "BBFCFM." An excellent bass duet jam with Mike and his instructor, Jim Stinnett. The duet includes teases of "Keep It Greasy" and Bach's "6th Brandenburg Concerto" (aka the "Masterpiece Theater Theme"), and -> to "La Grange."
1995-12-30 It's Ice New York, NY 4:45 Another "Kung" sandwich makes up the meat of the "Ice" jam.
1995-12-30 Kung New York, NY 3:01 -> in from "It's Ice." Following "Kung," -> back to "Ice."
1995-12-30 It's Ice New York, NY 1:39 -> in from "Kung" to complete this version of "Ice."
1995-12-30 Hood New York, NY 15:35 A magnificent jam in this version ends a stellar year for "Hood." Released on FTA Superball IX, Part 2.
1995-12-30 SOAMule New York, NY 13:19 Great Page > Trey guitar/vocal > Page piano with Trey backing on guitar > klezmer > Mike singing high, then really low.
1995-12-31 Reba New York, NY 14:14 NYE's huge "Reba" finds the band recovering from a botched composed section to create a classic. Measured and magisterial, Trey leads the band as they blaze from one side of harmony to the other, the musicians collectively working their way through starts and stops - and all points inbetween - to build a bliss-tinged climax. Wonderful.
1995-12-31 Drowned New York, NY 12:27 A top highlight of this glorious and storied concert. A careful listen reveals extended "Fire On the Mountain"-like jamming from Trey in the post-"Drowned" section, as well as a bona fide tease near the ending and -> into "The Lizards."
1995-12-31 Runaway Jim New York, NY 15:53 Fish is phenomenal in this grand, melodic and driving jam that turns '95-style funky before rebuilding to "Jim."
1995-12-31 Mike's New York, NY 14:48 Wrapping up a historic 2nd set, the 1st jam segment is strong but fairly pedestrian until Page starts to signal the impending "DDL Jam." The 2nd jam begins with a slightly funky tone and strong Fish. The sentiment grows dark as Page shifts to piano, and the foreboding sense of impending doom is rendered complete as the jam blows into a cacophony and -> to the "DDL Jam" at 14:48.
1995-12-31 Digital Delay Loop Jam New York, NY 5:05 -> in from a stellar "Mike's Song." The dark and brooding nature of this jam serves as a fitting close for this historic Set II, before an improvisational and uplifting "Weekapaug" opens Set III.
1995-12-31 Weekapaug New York, NY 17:43 "Mike's Song" and "Weekapaug" separated by a setbreak. Masterpieces, both of them.
1995-12-31 YEM New York, NY 25:50 Two awe-inspiring jam segments. A fucking masterpiece! (No B&D section.)
1996-04-26 CTB New Orleans, LA 4:57 Jazz Festival version with Michael Ray rocking the trumpet.
1996-04-26 YEM New Orleans, LA 16:44 "YEM" jam -> to an a capella "Wolfman's Bother" for the vocal jam.
1996-04-26 Wolfman's New Orleans, LA 3:52 -> in from "YEM." 2 verses of "Wolfman's" sung a capella, serving as the "YEM" vocal jam, before going electric to finish this straightforward version.
1996-04-26 Hood New Orleans, LA 12:34 Good accented notes and riffs from Trey, but a well orchestrated build up is the strong point. Great Fish in the peak, too.
1996-04-26 Bowie New Orleans, LA 13:56 Great tension-filled version that gets out there with a jam based on "Caravan" by Duke Ellington.
1996-08-04 SOAMule Morrison, CO 12:21 Page solo, followed by Trey on guitar, then the rest of the band join in leading to the klezmer, chanting and finish.
1996-08-06 Tweezer Morrison, CO 16:55 Imperfect "Norwegian Wood" teasing from Trey.
1996-08-07 Stash Morrison, CO 12:42 Jam shifts to major mode at about 8:08, continuing until about 9:30, for some upbeat jamming.
1996-08-07 Ya Mar Morrison, CO 9:30 Lots of Trey banter during the jam, including his warning about the notorious Red Rocks giant iguana.
1996-08-07 Runaway Jim Morrison, CO 8:21 "Runaway Jim" -> "Gypsy Queen" (Santana) -> "Runaway Jim." The jam also has some good rhythmic exploration beyond the segue to "Gypsy Queen."
1996-08-07 Gypsy Queen Morrison, CO 5:43 -> in from "Runaway Jim." Lots of good Santana-like rocking in this section which -> back to "Runaway Jim" to conclude.
1996-08-07 Runaway Jim Morrison, CO 1:07 -> in from "Gypsy Queen" to wrap up this solid "Runaway Jim."
1996-08-07 Possum Morrison, CO 12:02 Extended section of dissonant jamming (6:25 - 9:50) eventually returns to more familiar "Possum" habitat.
1996-08-10 Reba East Troy, WI 15:07 Excellent, wide-open, and groove-oriented jamming leaves all sorts of space for soloing, and Trey leads with beauty and grace, his phrasing measured and ripe with shimmery, summertime aplomb. Fish's accents are instrumental in creating a notable contrast, as the version coasts to a soaring, trill-filled peak.
1996-08-10 DwD East Troy, WI 13:04 Has a really good but brief breakdown jam from 8:15 - 11:15 before returning to "DwD" to conclude. Several other '96 versions have a similar 3 or so minute rhythmic jams that return to "DwD" (10/19/96, 10/22/96, and 12/31/96).
1996-08-10 SOAMule East Troy, WI 12:49 "Sunshine Of Your Love" tease by Page during solo. Guitar/vocal response by Trey. He gets pretty crazy, screaming. A lot of noise - percussion, guitar - during Page's second solo. Chanting.
1996-08-10 Hood East Troy, WI 15:23 Jam includes a beautiful and tear jerking Page and Trey duet from 6:40 - 9:55. The rest is predictable but solid "Hood."
1996-08-12 Esther Noblesville, IN 9:16 Exceptionally strong version featuring great solos and tight playing from all four musicians.
1996-08-12 It's Ice Noblesville, IN 9:52 Excellent percussion support from Fish in this choppy, discordant jam.
1996-08-12 Timber Ho Noblesville, IN 7:39 Set II opener. Excellent Deer Creek version with nice Fish and Page contributions. Transition to "Sparkle" once again.
1996-08-12 Antelope Noblesville, IN 12:29 Rhythmic variation plus good dissonance combine to put this intense version outside the box.
1996-08-12 Possum Noblesville, IN 14:06 Extended intro with cool funky Mike and Trey. Jam peaks at 10:30, then drops into dissonant mode before re-powering.
1996-08-13 Divided Noblesville, IN 16:10 Majestic and grand. Right up there with 10/31/94, just a different style and vibe. If you are a fan of Page's piano playing, this one is for you.
1996-08-13 Slave Noblesville, IN 12:19 Page stays on the piano throughout which gives this version a majesty similar to 12/30/93. Trey's restraint early on puts the spotlight nicely on Mike, Page, and Fish. Of course Trey makes a strong showing near the ending.
1996-08-13 Bag Noblesville, IN 10:31 Intense and hard rocking straightforward version. Great Trey and Page. > to "The Lizards."
1996-08-13 Mike's Noblesville, IN 22:47 A super-heavyweight, multi-section version features a 1st jam that includes exotic sounding scales and serious tension loading. At 9:05, the 2nd jam begins with intense, rhythmic rocking and swirling guitar play. By 15:30, the firestorm has cooled, and Page takes the lead on multiple keyboards as Trey opts for the mini kit, before a final cathartic conclusion, reinforced by the "Lifeboy" that follows.
1996-08-13 Weekapaug Noblesville, IN 8:18 Wrapping up an impressive "Groove," this version includes strong playing by Trey, funk, percussion, and Page on theremin. -> to "Somewhere Over The Rainbow" with Page on theremin.
1996-08-14 Jam Hershey, PA 4:47 -> in from "Wilson." A very good, badass, dissonant and mildly funky jam emerges that grows spacey and > to "DwD."
1996-08-14 Fee Hershey, PA 6:04 Great -> into "Poor Heart."
1996-08-14 Reba Hershey, PA 13:56 With the Clifford Ball looming, the band throws down a version suitable for any festival. Fast and frenetic, the band channels some inner-Fall 1995 and plays powerfully and without reservation, racing through the composed section to jam with added verve and tenacity. A signature moment from summer tour's surprise show.
1996-08-14 Runaway Jim Hershey, PA 15:14 Jam gets nicely beyond "Jim," returns, then breaks into some percussive jamming with Trey on the mini kit. Unfinished with > to "YEM."
1996-08-14 Tweezer Hershey, PA 19:20 A must-hear ending to this version which is "type II" in part.
1996-08-16 Esther Plattsburgh, NY 9:08 Classic "Clifford Ball" version featuring a totally relaxed vibe, glittering Page, and one of Trey's most memorable "Esther" solos.
1996-08-16 Mike's Plattsburgh, NY 16:00 The longish (to 9:00) 1st jam is crisp and well played, but covers pretty familiar territory. However the 2nd jam breaks into solid and intense rocking action, with all four band mates contributing in good measure.
1996-08-16 Weekapaug Plattsburgh, NY 9:43 A soaring and impeccably played straightforward jam is followed by a cool Page-led funky outro jam while Trey addresses the Clifford Ball crowd.
1996-08-16 DwD Plattsburgh, NY 15:34 Although largely "Type I,", this very popular, well-played version strays from the ranch towards the end with a -> to "NICU."
1996-08-16 Hood Plattsburgh, NY 13:39 Enchanting solo from Trey leads the band in a patient, beautiful build-up to a mighty peak that segues (literally) into fireworks.
1996-08-16 Jam Plattsburgh, NY 3:21 -> in from "Hood." A cacophony of noisy jamming follows "Harry" to accompany fireworks, concluding the Clifford Ball Day I.
1996-08-17 Reba Plattsburgh, NY 16:00 Beautiful. As if so composed. Like grains of sand in some mystic mandala. And then perfectly arranged.
1996-08-17 Runaway Jim Plattsburgh, NY 12:25 > "The Curtain", the "Clifford Ball's" special, sweet version is executed with great precision, a case study in tone, tempo, and meter. The band an ethereal conduit for (or from) some other dimension, here is nothing but on-point play, the four as one expertly channeling their supremely crafted vision.
1996-08-17 It's Ice Plattsburgh, NY 9:05 Old fashioned version with the whole band involved in a subdued jam.
1996-08-17 Brother Plattsburgh, NY 6:12 Ice Cream moguls Ben and Jerry sing the refrain before the jam. Trey's playing is as lightning fast as ever, although the sentiment is less shrill and dissonant than in '91 - '92. Page jumps to piano near the end which is a nice, unusual twist.
1996-08-17 Fluffhead Plattsburgh, NY 14:41 A truly great performance, the Clifford Ball "Fluff" features tight, near-perfect playing, great Fish throughout, early funk from Page in Clod, crisp vocals, and swirly, funky Trey, providing backing for Page's superb piano solo, also in Clod. Working through the vocals in Bundle of Joy, you get the sense the band is going to explode into Arrival, and thanks especially to Jon Fishman, the Plattsburgh throngs are treated to a joyous capstone and exclamation point.
1996-08-17 Slave Plattsburgh, NY 12:20 Page deploys the Fender-Rhodes early on. This one has great balance, with everyone contributing in equal measure. Trey's skillful use of the Leslie effect as the jam builds to a peak puts this one in the elite category.
1996-08-17 SOAMule Plattsburgh, NY 15:19 The others encroach on Page's solo, then back off. Fishman takes over on drums for an extended solo. Page responds with his own solo. Finally, arrival at the familiar klezmer pick-up, chanting and finale.
1996-08-17 Tweezer Plattsburgh, NY 11:54 Very good, popular version.
1996-08-17 Possum Plattsburgh, NY 13:23 Lots of nice improvisational twists and turns in the jam including dissonant and off-key jamming with great tension.
1996-10-17 SOAMule State College, PA 12:20 Guitar/vocal response by Trey. "DEG" -like jamming in Page's second solo by Page and Trey > klezmer and chanting.
1996-10-18 Maze Pittsburgh, PA 11:57 Words do not adequately describe how demented, sick, insane, twisted, tension-filled, and incredibly dissonant this version is. It's a fantastic masterpiece! Go hear it Now! (get the sbd download from the SPAC FTA release on the "spreadsheet").
1996-10-18 YEM Pittsburgh, PA 20:48 Teases of Peter Frampton's 'Do You Feel Like We Do' during an elongated jam segment with a soaring peak.
1996-10-18 Reba Pittsburgh, PA 14:10 Fall 1996 is notable for any number of reasons, not the least of which is the treatment "Reba" receives. Here is a case in point, with the band exiting the composed section to work through a terrific passage of extended, improvisational calm. Of course Trey is great, but Page's playing is particularly on-point, his work on the baby grand inspired and assured, through a conclusion both frenetic and wholly controlled.
1996-10-19 Fluffhead Buffalo, NY 14:21 A minor hiccup in Fluff's Travels is redeemed with a super tight The Chase, and Mike and Fish are especially strong. Page and Trey fire up the crowd with spirited playing in Who Do? We Do!, while funky keyboards, Fish, and a fantastic Page piano solo make for a great Clod. Serious tension building in Bundle of Joy resolves with sweet payoff - a glorious Arrival that delivers the goods in the appropriately celebratory manner, reflecting the satisfaction of a job well done.
1996-12-28 Mike's Philadelphia, PA 16:02 Patience is a virtue, and this version is proof of that concept. The 1st jam is frankly below average by '96 standards, but the patient listener is rewarded by a 2nd jam that begins with some great rocking hose, and mellows to delicate Trey, Page and Mike interplay before -> to "Strange Design."
1996-12-28 Weekapaug Philadelphia, PA 16:03 Page at the helm, as he leads the band first in funky breakdown jam, playing several of his toys including the Moog. Following a brief return to "Weekapaug," Page solos on piano in a manner akin to "Coil."
1996-12-29 YEM Philadelphia, PA 17:03 "YEM" -> to "Rotation Jam," an instrument-switching jam.
1996-12-29 Rotation Jam Philadelphia, PA 4:54 -> in from "YEM." This instrument-switching jam is performed during the "YEM" jam and > to "Sixteen Candles" with Mike on piano.
1996-12-29 Sixteen Candles Philadelphia, PA 2:03 > in from "Rotation Jam." Mike sings and performs this 1950s pop hit solo on piano. > to the "YEM" vocal jam.
1996-12-29 YEM Philadelphia, PA 3:28 > in from "Sixteen Candles" for the "YEM" vocal jam.
1996-12-30 Reba Boston, MA 12:43 Trey employs a warm, "watery" tone, to play with focused precision and remarkable restraint. Truly notable support from Page creates more of an open and spacious canvas of sound (as opposed to "jam"), whose principal characteristics stem from an organic, natural vibe. The version floats evenly and easily for some time, before being shaped to a pointed, emphatic peak.
1996-12-30 Tweezer Boston, MA 14:45 Very good version to be sure.
1996-12-30 SOAMule Boston, MA 13:19 Page > Mike on bass > the whole band playing along > klezmer stops, Steven Wright rings bell, klezmer > bell, klezmer > bell, no Mike but straight transition to finale.
1996-12-30 Possum Boston, MA 11:47 A nice extended settled section, some cool "Johnny B. Goode"-like strumming, and a rousing peak in this fun version.
1997-08-08 Gumbo Tinley Park, IL 15:29 Not a funk fest like most '97 "Gumbos." Trey-led soloing over a funky groove leads to a more rock and roll jam with a repetitive riff from Trey.
1997-08-08 It's Ice Tinley Park, IL 10:27 Weird, spacey, Trey-Mike-led jam.
1997-08-08 Wolfman's Tinley Park, IL 16:17 Multifaceted jam that works through several funk sections, quickly lets loose to rock mode, then returns to more funk and more rocking before -> to "Free."
1997-08-08 Free Tinley Park, IL 9:25 Great -> in from a very solid "Wolfman's Brother." The jam while similar to the post '95 - '96 jam is its own beast; very cool.
1997-08-08 LxL Tinley Park, IL 11:08 In addition to (typically '97) adept playing, this version also has a cool build to the big peak, starting at about 7:40.
1997-08-08 CDT Tinley Park, IL 10:20 Raging version that keeps rising from one peak to the next.
1997-08-09 Theme East Troy, WI 9:52 Very strong group interplay, between Trey and Page in particular, but also between Mike and Fish, gives this version a sound and dynamic almost like "Taste" or "Limb By Limb."
1997-08-09 Ghost East Troy, WI 15:26 Big bass techno-funk. Fine segue into "Taste." [Funk -> release as expected, but the release is short before delving into more funk, then settling to some excellent, quiet introspective play which -> to "Taste."]
1997-08-09 Taste East Troy, WI 10:03 -> in from "Ghost." Powerful version in which the whole band keeps rocking full tilt throughout the slot where Trey customarily takes the lead. Fish is the hidden gem holding rhythm in check while Trey and Page frenetically spiral up and up the scales.
1997-08-09 Reba East Troy, WI 15:21 This super, Summer '97 version received recognition when released via Live Bait Vol. 11. Trey ignites a bouncy, infectious groove, which, in time, morphs into more metered jamming. Mike's playing is particularly strong, offset by great percussion, which bleeds into a heightened breakdown, the band working through an effects-laden passage. A stunning bit of improvisational majesty.
1997-08-09 Foam East Troy, WI 11:58 Unusual second set placement. Listen to this one back-to-back with 8/3/97. Both masterpieces. But very different performances. Here Page's solo is less adventurous, but finishes in a rousing manner. Trey deploys very different effects from the preceding version, with surgical precision. And of course, the build-up is epic.
1997-08-09 SOAMule East Troy, WI 11:18 Page > guitar and bass duet as a response > whole band in a cacophony of noise > pause > more noise > straight to final verse with no klezmer.
1997-08-09 Slave East Troy, WI 13:24 Such a graceful version. In 1997, the band was in no hurry to rush things. Here the patient building makes the eventual, huge peak that much sweeter. > to "Weekapaug."
1997-08-09 Weekapaug East Troy, WI 11:54 -> in from "Slave," capping a nearly set-long "Mike's Groove." After a percussive start with hints of "CYHMK," Trey hoses down the crowd beginning at 3:30. The jam climaxes with "CYHMK" teases, and Trey bids good night while the music rolls on.
1997-08-10 SOAMelt Noblesville, IN 17:32 Improvisational heavyweight version which breaks into a full jam on King Crimson's "Larks' Tongues In Aspic Part II" around 10:25. From there, it settles, then rebuilds into "SOAM" with a quick tempo and "Third Stone from the Sun" teasing. Released on Live Bait 12.
1997-08-10 Hood Noblesville, IN 14:35 Reaches a near-transcendent peak, and closes the first set in a brilliant fashion. Practically "HOSE." IT.
1997-08-10 Cities Noblesville, IN 23:00 Amazing jam that begins in heavy funk mode and transitions to a more quiet vibe before shifting into high gear with some serious rock and roll. The jam then breaks into some beautiful, peaceful and textured playing ("HOSE") before rebuilding into a powerful groove. -> into "GTBT." Must-hear.
1997-08-11 Maze Noblesville, IN 16:25 -> in from "Makisupa." Many of the later '90s versions are extended, but don't carry nearly the same punch as those from the '93 - '96 era. Not here though, this one is like getting teeth extracted, one by one and without novocaine: long and painful.
1997-08-11 Antelope Noblesville, IN 13:20 The jam veers away from the normal structure several times, adding tension and anticipation when it returns to "Antelope."
1997-08-11 Vultures Noblesville, IN 9:08 The band still toying with set placement, here, "Vultures" anchors the second set for the second time, and with great results. While a true appraisal will only coincide with the arrival of a crisper AUD (or SBD!), what IS clear is that Trey has grown comfortable playing within the "confines" of the composition's compact form, his soloing crisp and rich with both discordant and melodic variation, and really impressive phrasing.
1997-08-11 YEM Noblesville, IN 27:17 Weird jam segment and vocal close. (No B&D.)
1997-08-13 Gumbo Burgettstown, PA 19:22 The longest version to date starts off with a loose funk groove that develops into an air tight polyrhythmic groove which Trey eventually starts to solo on top off before fading out into "The Horse."
1997-08-13 C&P Burgettstown, PA 14:59 The song portion is played slower than normal. The beginning of the jam is vintage '97 funk, goes into some classic "crosseyed-esque jamming" before drifting into some spacier realms.
1997-08-13 Wilson Burgettstown, PA 6:10 Christmas comes early to Star Lake when the full band delivers a "Little Drummer Boy" jam in the post "blat" section.
1997-08-13 Runaway Jim Burgettstown, PA 9:05 Incredible, straight-forward set-opener. What the jam might lack in terms of inventive improvisation (evinced earlier, and throughout Summer 1997's tour) is more than compensated for by way of tight, full-band play, and absolutely incendiary Trey, who puts on a clinic.
1997-08-13 2001 Burgettstown, PA 11:35 Big deep groove, with some sweet staccato patterning from Trey in the second jam.
1997-08-14 Antelope Darien Center, NY 13:31 Gets beyond "Antelope" at several points, including brief major mode action (5:40 - 6:30), rhythmic variation, a brief settle, and good tension building before mounting a serious and dissonant peak.
1997-08-14 Jam Darien Center, NY 8:52 -> in from "Hood." An ambient jam starts as "Harry" ends, morphing into an exploratory funk-based one. > to "Forbin."
1997-08-16 CDT Limestone, ME 10:34 Great example of why '97 is such a pivotal year in Phistory. Here they stretch and expand the music everywhere possible without ever really getting beyond "CDT" proper.
1997-08-16 Theme Limestone, ME 12:22 The band covers a lot of varied musical territory in this "Type I" version that includes a "What's The Use" tease.
1997-08-16 Ghost Limestone, ME 16:39 Mellow big bass funk groove, no climax. [A nice gradual transition from the heavy funk to more open, upbeat play, which grows dissonant before latching onto a great rocking, powerful and percussive groove.]
1997-08-16 Wolfman's Limestone, ME 18:50 Awesome, improvisational version that gets well beyond standard "Wolfman's." At 8:50, the jam breaks out of funk mode and starts to explore, masterfully linking several sections with great, inspired music before -> to a cool "Simple."
1997-08-16 Simple Limestone, ME 10:39 -> in from a fantastic "Wolfman's Brother." A bit quirky, this mellow "Simple" jam includes a jam on the "Theme from the Odd Couple," turns bluesy, and -> to "My Soul."
1997-08-16 Jam Limestone, ME 2:48 A stand-alone jam, sort of spacey, sort of funky follows "My Soul" and -> to "Slave To The Traffic Light"
1997-08-16 Halley's Limestone, ME 12:28 A kind of grunge-like jam develops, with additional vocal refrain at about 10:00. The jam then departs "Halley's" altogether and develops into a swirly, minor key, bluesy Fish and Mike led exploration. "On Your Way Down" tease leads directly to a -> to "Cities."
1997-08-16 Cities Limestone, ME 13:30 Another SUPER SLOW, funky version from '97. Segues out of "Halley's Comet." The tempo picks up at about 8:40, and the funk comes on even thicker. Gets more rocking and bluesy before -> to "Llama."
1997-08-16 Llama Limestone, ME 6:44 -> in from "Cities." Great Page and a nasty, growling and extended Trey section. -> to "Lawn Boy."
1997-08-16 LxL Limestone, ME 15:48 The boys really stretch the jam out on this one nicely, and the playing is excellent. They also tack on a nice extended ending (was played near the end of day 1 of the Great Went) before transitioning to "Funky Bitch."
1997-08-17 Tweezer Limestone, ME 18:33 Space Funk. "Cities"-like jam and "Simple" teases.
1997-08-17 Taste Limestone, ME 10:47 Powerhouse version from the Great Went. Riveting Page solo, skillful Trey solo, and spiraling crescendo finale.
1997-08-17 DwD Limestone, ME 27:07 A paramount, must-hear version that includes multiple stages of funk, rock, and space funk, and concludes with an incredible Mike and Trey duet which -> to an equally transcendent "Bathtub Gin."
1997-08-17 Gin Limestone, ME 15:22 -> in from a great "DwD." One of the most beloved Phish jams of all-time, and exhibit "A" for "Hose" jamming. The progression modulates to include a minor chord and combines with Trey's soaring lead play to produce a truly inspiring improvisation. Unfinished > "Uncle Pen".
1997-08-17 2001 Limestone, ME 22:52 Mike and Trey take time to paint, then come back and light the earth on fire. Last five minutes could conjure the dead into a dance competition.
1997-08-17 Hood Limestone, ME 15:30 Inspired by the first ever "Hood" glowstick war, Trey leads this fan favorite melodic jam to a thrilling peak.
1997-08-17 Buffalo Bill Limestone, ME 5:32 Jammed out a bit, with an extended Trey solo and a sweet drawn out transition starting at about 4:18, which at first sounds like "Boogie On" (not played since 1988, or 969 shows), but instead -> to "NICU."
1997-08-17 SOAMule Limestone, ME 9:45 Page solo with others playing along > breaks into a funky jazzy jam > beautiful Page/Trey duet/jam joined by Mike and Fish -> Digital Delay Loop jam with "London Bridge Is Falling Down" teases -> "Mule" conclusion.
1997-08-17 Digital Delay Loop Jam Limestone, ME 3:50 -> in from "SOAMule." The "DDL" Jam is just part of an incredibly improvisational "Mule."
1997-08-17 SOAMule Limestone, ME 1:19 -> in from "Digital Delay Loop" Jam to end this incredible "Mule."
1997-08-17 Caspian Limestone, ME 11:23 Straightforward but extended, well played and hard rocking version closes Set III, Day 2 of the Great Went.
1997-11-26 Tweezer Hartford, CT 17:29 Funk soars into some excellent, transcendent, arguably "hose" improv.
1997-11-26 Gumbo Hartford, CT 12:11 Funky jam has nice interplay between band members. Stacatto-ey at times with some "Manteca" teases. At 8:00 Mike starts a theme that they play around with for a couple minutes before Trey takes over with a solo that leads into My Soul.
1997-11-26 McGrupp Hartford, CT 10:07 An excellent version arriving midway through an excellent first set. Following a strong composed section, Page crafts an inspired passage, gently working a pleasant melody. Trey responds in kind, offering the perfect counter to Page's playing. While different from the typcially comedic "Mule-Duel," the combination here jells, creating an inspired rise to the conclusion.
1997-11-26 Taste Hartford, CT 12:02 Unbelievable playing by Trey and the others as the band builds to a HUGE peak and then drives up over another. 7/22/97 is (literally) electrifying; 8/3/97 is unusually improvisational. This version is just phenomenal, with masterful contributions by all band members.
1997-11-26 Character Zero Hartford, CT 20:43 This uniquely jammed out version maintains a heavy rock vibe for the duration and features multiple Trey solo sections. -> "2001".
1997-11-26 2001 Hartford, CT 14:23 First jam is stellar, highlighted by the 5:00-7:00 mark. Second jam goes "Super Bad" stop-start and your clothes will be shed on the ground. Segue into "Cities" is great.
1997-11-26 Cities Hartford, CT 8:00 Segues out of "2001." Nice mellow groove tacked onto the outro. -> to "Ya Mar."
1997-11-26 Caspian Hartford, CT 11:19 > in from "PYITE." Soaring and shredding guitar playing by Trey. Stellar backing from the others.
1997-11-28 YEM Worcester, MA 23:59 Explosively funky, and extensive C&P teasing! (No B&D, no VJ.)
1997-11-28 BEK Worcester, MA 9:40 The little brother of 11/23/97. Funky beginning and a great, extended peak.
1997-11-28 Timber Ho Worcester, MA 12:47 Although it sticks with the "Timber" theme throughout, this is an excellent, well-played version. High quality SBD available on the "Spreadsheet."
1997-11-28 LxL Worcester, MA 12:18 Like driving across a mountain range, this version takes you over the first peak, you drop down a bit, then back up again, and again up over the very top, before finally heading down for good on the other side.
1997-11-28 Slave Worcester, MA 12:32 Somewhat unusual mid second set placement, before a serious "Ghost." This one and 8/9/97 have a bit more of the traditional "Slave" dynamic, with a serious peak, rather than a gradual swelling like other '97s.
1997-11-28 Ghost Worcester, MA 18:39 Raucous techno-funk with breakdown jam. [Strong funk through 9:45 when this one uncorks, quiets down to some cool low-key play, then rebuilds to a captivating and explosive finale and -> to "Johnny B. Goode."]
1997-11-29 Wedge Worcester, MA 6:32 Slow and deliberate show-opener, featuring that signature Fall 1997 sound. Cool keys give way to soaring Trey. Fish drives great syncopation and full-band play. Great dynamics, as the sound is textured and nuanced, producing subtle and musical shifts in intensity.
1997-11-29 Foam Worcester, MA 11:45 No free-form improvisation like a big "Ghost" or "Tweezer," but within a self-imposed, rigorous construct, there is a hell of a lot of musical creativity going on in this characteristically '97-style stretched-out version.
1997-11-29 Runaway Jim Worcester, MA 58:49 Longest single Phish jam to date. Contains many different sections, and has been nicknamed the "Jim Symphony." Contains a thrilling "Weekapaug" jam.
1997-11-30 Funky Bitch Worcester, MA 14:44 Atypical version with a low-key funk groove tacked on the end in addition to the usual blues stylings. Unfinished.
1997-11-30 Wolfman's Worcester, MA 31:30 Yin-Yang improvisational version. Following the expected funk, the jam breaks into 9+ minutes of lush, beautiful and delicate playing. But around 15:30, some dissonance creeps into the mix, and the boys then launch into an insane, heavy-metal "Pentagram Death Jam" with "Sanity" and "Esther" lyrics and CK5 dimming the arena lights.
1997-11-30 Stash Worcester, MA 20:33 Has a magnificent, melodic jam in it beginning about 13:10. Pure unadulterated hose at one point. Unfinished with a -> to an excellent "Free."
1997-11-30 Free Worcester, MA 10:36 -> in from a monster "Stash." The only performance in Fall '97. In addition to an excellent, extended version, the band tacks on a nice 4 1/2 minute ambient jam to the back end of "Free." -> to "Piper."
1997-11-30 Jam Worcester, MA 4:40 > in from "Free." A nice ambient jam emerges on the back end of "Free" and -> to "Piper."
1997-12-05 Runaway Jim Cleveland, OH 14:02 Fantastic, very improvisational jam that is quite different than most including beautiful quieter parts. -> into "My Friend."
1997-12-05 LxL Cleveland, OH 10:45 The '97 "Limbs" were a great vintage, and this version is another excellent bottle well worth opening.
1997-12-05 Julius Cleveland, OH 17:04 At about 7:30, departs from standard "Julius" into several new directions. Returns to the song several times, only to venture out again, further into new territory, including funk and reggae modes. Perhaps fitting that the only, truly exploratory "Julius" transitions to the only, truly exploratory "Slave."
1997-12-05 Slave Cleveland, OH 16:42 The "Type II" version. The band breaks into a dissonant, spacey jam following the standard one that eventually > to "The Lizards." "Slave" purists may not care for this one, but cannot deny its improvisational aspect.
1997-12-05 Loving Cup Cleveland, OH 8:03 Would be interesting to know how many calories Trey burned while shredding the hell out of this one.
1997-12-09 Mike's State College, PA 11:58 The single jam has a funky bent at first. After working through some typical terrain, the funk comes back, especially after 8:30 when the jam takes on a "BEK"-like vibe, accentuated by some nice stop/start action.
1997-12-09 Simple State College, PA 29:32 The jam that emerges begins subtly, then grows some legs as Fish and Mike kick the funk into gear before morphing back into a quiet, contemplative jam. Extremely improvisational version. Seamless segue sounds at first like a move to "Bowie" but becomes "Timber" instead.
1997-12-09 Timber Ho State College, PA 7:44 Segue -> in from a 30 minute "Simple," this version restores the jam to its typical place of darkness, and has an almost '95 psychedelic feel to it, with Fish kicking the percussion into heavier action.
1997-12-11 DwD Rochester, NY 19:54 High octane jam flames out at 11:00 into an excellent Page and Mike led minimalist groove which -> to "Maze." There is also a -> "DwD" from "Ghost" later in this show to complete the earlier, unfinished version.
1997-12-11 Maze Rochester, NY 15:01 -> from DWD, the second in a trifecta of excellent Mazes from December 1997. Page delivers meaty play in the first half of the jam. The tension that follows builds primarily from the push and pull between the speed and adrenaline of the rhythm section led by Fish, and Trey's guitar lines which seem at times to lag and then race to keep up before the final photo finish.
1997-12-11 LxL Rochester, NY 10:36 Superlative even among the standouts. The best "Limbs" build to a peak that reaches the stratosphere, then gradually work back down to earth. Listen to this version for a prime example.
1997-12-11 Drowned Rochester, NY 21:17 The jam keeps up a pretty good head of steam until about 12:00 when it settles into 9 minutes of high quality '97-style space funk/quiet bliss enhanced with delay effects. -> to "Roses Are Free."
1997-12-11 BBFCFM Rochester, NY 8:11 Wild version that segues out of Roses Are Free. It's highly improvisational in that after about 3 mins of "normal" (so to speak) BBFCFM, a Sturm-und-Drang, plodding jam evolves and trudges along for a few minutes, and then the band drops out as Trey sustains a note, then a chord, and, well, nothing much happens for a minute or so, and then Trey counts-off and Ghost begins.
1997-12-11 Ghost Rochester, NY 16:26 Blazing, rocking funk which -> to a "DwD" reprise. [A good, funky jam settles into some low-key grooving, then gradually develops a full head of steam, igniting into a blistering, raging eclipse which -> to "DwD Reprise."]
1997-12-12 Taste Albany, NY 11:11 The Chairman of the Boards leads the way, but Big Red is no slouch either.
1997-12-12 Tweezer Albany, NY 15:46 Another stellar fall 1997 version.
1997-12-12 Saw It Again Albany, NY 11:54 "Saw It Again" rocks along in full power mode for a good 5 1/2 minutes before mellowing into '97-style ambient space and -> to a high quality "Piper."
1997-12-12 Piper Albany, NY 18:57 -> in from "Saw It Again." Very improvisational version that modulates back and forth between hard rocking bursts and quiet, pensive moments. Includes a "BOAF" tease and beautiful space before > into "Swept Away."
1997-12-12 Caspian Albany, NY 10:07 -> in from "Swept Away > Steep." Straightforward until 10:07, when the band launches into a post closing chord, rocking, funky, and cerebral "Jam." Great Fall '97 improvisation here with a -> to "Izabella."
1997-12-12 Jam Albany, NY 8:17 -> in from "Prince Caspian." A rocking, funky and cerebral jam emerges at the conclusion of "Caspian." Great Fall '97 jamming with similarities to "Llama." -> to "Izabella."
1997-12-13 Ya Mar Albany, NY 18:24 At about 8:30, the opening chords are replayed, and the band breaks into a funky, upbeat 10 minute jam of exceptional quality. Must hear. SBD recording "From The Archives" available.
1997-12-13 Vultures Albany, NY 10:29 Clearly comfortable, the band works through the intro into an awesome "middle" section featuring, unsurprisingly, inspired and deft play from Trey. The song loses its shape to assume a different form, the jam cooling after the 5:30 mark to become decidedly - and pleasantly - spacey, before a spirited return to the song's closing refrain.
1997-12-13 Tube Albany, NY 8:42 Lots of funk in this very good version. Page leads the way with his clav and piano work.
1997-12-13 Weekapaug Albany, NY 9:37 Excellent, adding an exclamation point to a multi-song "Mike's Groove." The jam dwindles into nothingness before -> "Catapult" and finishing strongly.
1997-12-13 Catapult Albany, NY 0:58 -> in from "Weekapaug." "Catapult" is sandwiched amidst a strong "Weekapaug." -> back to "Weekapaug."
1997-12-13 Weekapaug Albany, NY 5:35 -> in from "Catapult", with a "CYHMK" tease, to complete another strong '97 "Weekapaug."
1997-12-13 Hood Albany, NY 17:44 The jam drifts away from the typical "Hood" quiet section into an ambient sort of section at 8:45. At 12:15, an excellent, rocking, and non-"Hood" rhythm kicks in and continues until 13:40, when a huge traditional peak erupts.
1997-12-28 Julius Landover, MD 10:57 Nice mellow groovy jam that has some decent stylistic variation.
1997-12-28 Cities Landover, MD 8:21 Mike and Page add a lot to the richly funky jam that becomes very repetitious, with Trey playing in a staccato manner.
1997-12-28 Runaway Jim Landover, MD 14:11 The jam breaks into a nice funky groove around 8:00 and gradually winds down into space with delay effects.
1997-12-28 Axilla Landover, MD 9:39 A low-key and at times melodic and serene outro jam emerges from the standard before > to a solid "Simple."
1997-12-28 Simple Landover, MD 13:27 Jam begins in traditional fashion but eventually there's a somewhat inexplicable key modulation from Trey. A very unusual version that also includes Page on clavinet for a stretch.
1997-12-28 SOAMule Landover, MD 11:42 Guitar and piano jam with "Roundabout" teases instead of traditional Mule Duel. Eventually the whole band joins in quiet but suspenseful jam that is quality music.
1997-12-28 Halley's Landover, MD 12:49 A crisp, tight, high energy jam - the band is really locked in on this one. Shorter than some, but well worth the visit!
1997-12-29 Theme New York, NY 12:31 Blistering, high octane version with nice concluding transition space and a > to "Fluffhead."
1997-12-29 Antelope New York, NY 15:55 Straightforward but well played jam, followed by some downright filthy funk jamming in the "Rocco" section.
1997-12-29 DwD New York, NY 22:00 Fearsome but exploratory jam. Moments of quiet settle are repeatedly upended by intense funk rocking. This legitimate monster "Disease" finally gives up a little belligerence only to -> into a very strong "David Bowie."
1997-12-29 Bowie New York, NY 19:49 Excellent and thrilling version with strong musicianship. Mode shift out of typical (but very well played) "Bowie" at 13:55 into a great groove which peaks and returns to "Bowie" by 17:00.
1997-12-29 Possum New York, NY 2:38 > in from a strong "Bowie". Fun version with two "I Can't Turn You Loose" jams, one at the onset of the jam and the other appearing after the last chorus.
1997-12-29 I Can't Turn You Loose New York, NY 0:50 -> from "Possum". The first "I Can't Turn You Loose" section pops up early in "Possum's" jam and then > back to "Possum".
1997-12-29 Possum New York, NY 5:39 The main "Possum" jamming occurs here and includes extended Page lead sections on organ and piano, before Trey gets his licks in later on.
1997-12-29 I Can't Turn You Loose New York, NY 0:30 Another round of "I Can't Turn You Loose" puts a cap on a solid "Possum".
1997-12-29 Tube New York, NY 10:50 Absolutely locked-in version with seamless interplay, breakdown solos by Trey, Page, and Mike, and "I Feel the Earth Move" teasing. One of the greats.
1997-12-30 Sneakin' Sally New York, NY 9:52 First performance in 920 shows, opens first set of a highly regarded show. Nice '97 style funk/rock groove follows the lyrical section. A very unhurried, patient feel to this one. -> to "Taste", and is reprised and finished in the 4-part funk-fest encore.
1997-12-30 Taste New York, NY 10:23 -> in from an historic "Sneakin' Sally." Strong version, but quite different from most of the Fall '97 versions. Here, Trey solos beautifully, but Page's role seems far more restrained. There is far less of a full band build towards the end than musical support for Trey's incredible soloing. To some ears, the best "Taste" ever. To others, it's too one dimensional.
1997-12-30 Stash New York, NY 12:59 Great version where Mike and Fish drive the jam into improvisational territory, including some "Manteca"-like jamming around 8:20, and the ending section dissolves in a quiet but tense manner.
1997-12-30 Bag New York, NY 24:38 Opening an incredible 2 1/4 hour-long Set II, the second monster "Bag" combines the same elements as the first - funk, rock, and delicate space, but in a completely different manner and configuration. Includes "Third Stone From The Sun" and "Psycho Killer" teases with a > to "McGrupp." A must-hear dynamo that belies a short description.
1997-12-30 McGrupp New York, NY 9:33 With Mike and Page out front early, Trey ultimately enters the fray, and he and Page break into an eerie, counterpoint-based duet of sorts, with Mike and Fish nearly absent from the mix. Mike and Fish finally jump back in, creating a tense, throbbing sentiment which gradually dissipates with no concluding section, and instead spills into an epic "Harpua."
1997-12-30 Hood New York, NY 19:57 With no final refrain, an atypically uptempo jam breaks into a rocking/bluesy groove at 16:45 and -> to "My Soul."
1997-12-30 Sneakin' Sally New York, NY 4:58 In from BEK ->, the second "Sneakin' Sally" of this fan favorite show functions as a funky reprisal of the major bust-out that opened the evening's festivities. Jumps right into a jammed-out show-closing > Frankenstein.
1997-12-30 Frankenstein New York, NY 10:40 > in from "Sneakin' Sally." Part 4 of an incredible 4-song encore, and this "Frankenstein" is jammed-out, taboot!
1997-12-31 Emotional Rescue New York, NY 15:21 Compared to Hampton, a snappier, more uptempo funk groove unfolds and intensifies in the later stages with brief rock flurries.
1997-12-31 Mike's New York, NY 14:00 Yeah, this is a badass version alright, with a monster, Mike-led groove (it is after all, Mike's song). It's got funk, but not as much as some of the other '97s. And it's got power. At around 9:40, there's a stop, and then a 2nd jam of sorts begins, delicate bliss mode play that sets up well for the "Piper" that follows.
1997-12-31 Weekapaug New York, NY 17:56 Among the longest "Weekapaugs" to date, this version provides a fitting capstone to 1997. After 14 minutes of balls-to-the-wall, but largely in-the-box jamming, Trey, then Mike, then Page -- and after some Trey banter -- Fish, take solos to send the crowd hurtling towards 1998 (and "2001").
1997-12-31 Maze New York, NY 17:22 > in from "Tweezer." Despite its duration, at various points this version seems to lose its bearing, especially from 13:10 on. But it's well worth checking out. Includes a "Birdland" tease and is unfinished with a > to "Prince Caspian."
1997-12-31 Loving Cup New York, NY 8:57 This is how to close a third set on NYE! Crazy-raw, rough playing by all!
1998-04-02 Tube Uniondale, NY 8:00 Island Tour opener. Mike's bass lines keep this funky jam fresh, while Page transitions from the clav to the organ and piano. Also includes a guitar breakdown.
1998-04-02 Stash Uniondale, NY 19:24 The jam almost immediately breaks into exploratory ground that is unusual for this period. Following an ending section without vocals, the jam at 13:10 breaks into a gorgeous ambient jam (first of '98) with "Frankie Says" quotes.
1998-04-02 CDT Uniondale, NY 10:47 Crazy set-closing version where Trey just keeps the jam going and going, and then he converses a bit with the audience during the conclusion.
1998-04-02 BOAF Uniondale, NY 9:19 Debut has a crescendo-oriented jam that starts off relaxed and picks up punch.
1998-04-02 Sneakin' Sally Uniondale, NY 12:39 -> in from "Wolfman's Brother." A heavy funk groove breaks out following the lyrical section with some great Fishman percussion. Great collective playing as the jam progresses and segues -> into "Frankie Says."
1998-04-02 Twist Uniondale, NY 18:34 Exceptional, multi-section version. The jam breaks away from "Twist" at 6:30 into a serene and lush ambient soundscape. At 13:10, an effects-laden darkness overtakes and continues until a > to "Sleeping Monkey."
1998-04-03 Mike's Uniondale, NY 13:47 Show opening "Mike's" has a funky, well played 1st jam with little touches of ambient sound. The 2nd jam kicks off with a dark and powerful tone that gradually mellows into quiet musing which warms in sentiment and -> "The Old Home Place."
1998-04-03 Weekapaug Uniondale, NY 16:26 Arguably the funkiest "Weekapaug" ever, this one is essentially "Weekapaug -> Funk Jam -> Weekapaug." Teases of the song that would become "Mozambique," "C&P" (sung, not played!), "Nellie Kane," and "Brazil" are just gravy in this extraordinarily improvisational version of the Phish classic.
1998-04-03 Roses Uniondale, NY 27:19 An incredible jam emerges out of "Roses" proper, opening Set II in a historic and highly regarded show. The improvisational jam combines dark sentiments, ambient sounds, major mode playing, and groove-based action. Must-hear version which > to a strong "Piper."
1998-04-03 Piper Uniondale, NY 16:14 After a gorgeous building intro, this version is somewhat unique in that the jam follows the ending coda that was common in early versions of "Piper." The jam itself is restrained and contemplative, based somewhat on the ending coda.
1998-04-03 Loving Cup Uniondale, NY 6:54 > in from "Piper." Sort of the icing in the cake which brings the incredible "Roses Are Free" > "Piper" jam to an upbeat and celebratory close, before launching into the comic "naked guy" madness which happens in the ensuing "Antelope."
1998-04-03 Antelope Uniondale, NY 14:16 Fish says, "If you're gonna run up on the stage, just don't let Carini get you" in the intro. This prompts hilarious "Carini's gonna get you" harmonizing throughout the song. Intense straightforward version with Funky Mike in the "Rocco" section.
1998-04-04 Tweezer Providence, RI 16:05 Some wonderful space-funk evolves into stellar, full-band, magnificent improv. Another version I underrated in the 1990s.
1998-04-04 Taste Providence, RI 10:55 Mike doesn't get a lot of mention on this chart, but he is really rock solid here, underpinning the harmonic base off of which Trey and Page shine. Still, this version doesn't have quite the "extra mustard" of many '97 versions.
1998-04-04 BOAF Providence, RI 15:18 Elongated and groovy version suggests several possible future jamming directions while never straying too far from "Birds" itself.
1998-04-04 2001 Providence, RI 16:40 Haunting intro and a grooving minimalist first jam. Trey pounces at the 9 minute mark and another Island Tour masterpiece is created.
1998-04-04 Brother Providence, RI 11:59 > in from "2001." About 4:38 into the conventional "Brother," this one departs into a great, funky jam. Way beyond the standard, it nonetheless builds in tension and dissonance as the jam progresses. Includes a brief "DEG" tease. After the song, the band played a brief "radio friendly" reprise.
1998-04-05 YEM Providence, RI 25:32 Spirited jam led by Trey. (No B&D.)
1998-04-05 McGrupp Providence, RI 10:28 Great first-set placement affords room for dark, contemplative playing. Although Page dominates, full-band interplay takes hold, with Trey providing strong counterpoint to Page. Fish serves as the unsung hero, adeptly using the cymbals to keep a vibrant pulse, and adding tension as this swirling version builds to a cathartic conclusion.
1998-04-05 Gin Providence, RI 11:25 Straightforward jam grows rhythmic, funky and exploratory legs, which lead to a seamless -> to a very good "Cities."
1998-04-05 Cities Providence, RI 10:36 -> in from "Gin." Initially funky, the jam gets a little more rocking before some Mike-led quiet space and a > to "Sparkle."
1998-04-05 Ya Mar Providence, RI 14:11 At about 8:00, Trey launches into an extended, beautiful solo that is joined by the others at about 11:15 in a light, airy jam that segues -> to "Prince Caspian."
1998-04-05 Caspian Providence, RI 11:20 -> in from a stellar "Ya Mar." Hard rocking but thoroughly upbeat jam in "Caspian" settles into some beautiful ambient space before closing and > to "Maze."
1998-04-05 Maze Providence, RI 8:05 Instead of Trey's solo, the band opts to -> to "Shafty."
1998-04-05 Shafty Providence, RI 5:04 -> in from "Maze." The band skips Trey's solo in "Maze" and debuts "Shafty" instead. -> to "Possum."
1998-04-05 Jam Providence, RI 5:56 -> in from "Possum." A sweet-ass funk jam follows the marsupial and paves the path by way of a top shelf -> to a slow-tempo and super funky "Cavern," to close out the Island Tour.
1998-04-05 Cavern Providence, RI 5:51 -> in from "Jam." Following an excellent funk jam, a very funky rendition of "Cavern" is delivered which includes original and alternate lyrics. Great way to close out the Island Tour!
1998-07-31 Ya Mar Columbus, OH 11:25 Pretty straightforward, but a nice, stretched-out, rhythmic jam with a cool closing.
1998-07-31 Roggae Columbus, OH 8:34 More relaxed and cerebral than the version from Prague, this style for the jam section would become typical for most versions through late '00.
1998-07-31 Cities Columbus, OH 15:17 Outstanding, R&B-esque, and quite melodic jam emerges from "Cities" proper that gets more and more rocking before cycling down. This is what the "HOSE" is all about.
1998-07-31 Free Columbus, OH 9:53 Sweet, funky, almost bluesy groove. A great version.
1998-08-02 Boogie On Noblesville, IN 7:26 Funk groove that sticks close to the "Boogie on" theme and features great contributions from all band members, especially Fishman.
1998-08-02 Possum Noblesville, IN 11:05 "Manteca"-like jamming, lots of great Page on the B-3, and very strong Mike and Trey. Fun version with a > to "Ghost."
1998-08-02 Ghost Noblesville, IN 19:03 Rock star Page driving the mothership into deep outer space. [Follows the typical format, but with great contributions by Page and Mike. Then after 14:30, the jam breaks into an excellent electro-rock groove wich gradually recedes.]
1998-08-03 Halley's Noblesville, IN 20:15 A "Nancy" double shot, with "Halley's" -> "I Didn't Know." A Mike and Fish led funky, percussive jam initially springs out. From there, at least 3 distinct movements develop in a masterful, wide-ranging opus which includes "A Love Supreme" tease from Page.
1998-08-03 Moma Noblesville, IN 10:26 A somewhat abbreviated intro leads to a funky, creative jam segment that's longer than you'd guess from the song's timing. "Sunshine of Your Love"-like jamming by Trey towards the end (9:30).
1998-08-03 Gumbo Noblesville, IN 16:43 Funky super groove with a lot of "Manteca" teases. Very melodic Trey before an awesome "Manteca" ending. Page rage throughout. One of the strongest versions ever.
1998-08-03 LxL Noblesville, IN 11:34 Fantastic version that has it all: delicate, intricate playing, a quiet tempered section that builds to a glorious peak, and then an orchestrated downshift concluding with serene, ambient space.
1998-08-11 Wolfman's Burgettstown, PA 11:10 "Type I" with extra mustard. Little sprinkles of improvisation all around on this solid version, including a great -> to the first "Time Loves A Hero" in 1,021 shows (last seen on 11/5/88).
1998-08-11 Fee Burgettstown, PA 8:27 A nicely stretched out version of a typical outro in this classic pairing of "Fee" > "Maze."
1998-08-11 Maze Burgettstown, PA 15:26 Obviously, Trey is playing the dissonance/tension card, but it's really Mike, Page and Fish in the background during Trey's solo who twist this extended version into the abyss.
1998-08-11 Runaway Jim Burgettstown, PA 34:47 An epic summertime odyssey of exploration, and among the best "Jims" ever. Loaded with improvisation and near-ambient sound, the opus closes with a "Maria" (West Side Story) tease and a triumphant return to "Jim."
1998-08-12 Ramble On Vernon, NY 12:24 After extending the normal outro, Trey brings back the bridge riff to usher in a calming, cyclical groove in vintage '98 style until -> "Slave".
1998-08-12 Slave Vernon, NY 11:39 -> in from "Ramble On." "Those Were The Days" and "Ramble On" teases. Page is great on the Fender-Rhodes before shifting back to piano with Trey leading a spirited finale that has a bit more gusto than most '97s.
1998-08-12 Mike's Vernon, NY 18:02 Opening with a thick, soupy groove, this long single jam has several sections. The basic groove builds up until 7:15, when things settle down into more ambient/funky terrain. Around 12:00, led by Fish, the guys bring the big guns back out for a few minutes, before closing out with a grundge-like, repetive theme.
1998-08-12 Simple Vernon, NY 13:52 A bluesy jam emerges at 9:00 on the back end of the standard outro. An unusual version which > to "Rift."
1998-08-12 Loving Cup Vernon, NY 8:59 The band rocked so hard in this mid-second-set version that they needed to cool down and segued promptly after it into "Sleeping Monkey." No joke.
1998-08-12 YEM Vernon, NY 19:50 "HYHU" and "Mission: Impossible" teases. "Who's Your Daddy?" VJ. (No B&D.)
1998-08-15 Divided Limestone, ME 16:34 Musically, 1998 falls somewhere between the crisp, hard rocking sound of the mid-90's and the subtle, layered grooves of 1999 and 2000. This excellent version provides glimpses of both.
1998-08-15 Gumbo Limestone, ME 13:31 "Manteca"-like jamming to start, then, slowly, a "Tweezer Reprise" jam develops, and once it peaks, it breaks down into a fun danceable jam with a nice segue into "Sanity".
1998-08-15 Tweezer Limestone, ME 15:59 Brief appearance by the MOOG.
1998-08-15 LxL Limestone, ME 11:30 1998 was also a strong year for "Limb." This Lemonwheel version is a case in point with a '98 style diminuendo ending.
1998-08-15 Loving Cup Limestone, ME 7:56 They just kill it to close the third set!
1998-08-16 Possum Limestone, ME 15:25 This extended jam is vintage '98 Phish sound, with technically astute, but patient playing, and with contributions by all band members. None of the frenetic, guitar dominated fury of '92 - '95. But also lacking any real improvisational elements.
1998-08-16 DwD Limestone, ME 18:37 Around 12:00, the jam breaks from the standard into 6 minutes of heavy funk-based jamming. > to "Piper."
1998-08-16 Ghost Limestone, ME 18:16 Relaxing cerebral massage with glow sticks and a "Foxy Voodoo" outro. [The jam here is ripe with iconic and lush '98-style ambient grooving. The most purely ambient of all versions, the band later molded "Ghost" to match its musical focus.]
1998-08-16 2001 Limestone, ME 18:17 First jam is cohesive funkiness and a clinic on full brand improv. "Crosseyed" and "Super Bad" with Trey on fire throughout. One of the greats.
1998-08-16 Wilson Limestone, ME 7:57 Unique ambient interlude ripe with feedback before BLAT BOOM and then continues after until > "Mango".
1998-08-16 Jam Limestone, ME 7:22 -> in from "Hood." A spacey jam follows "Harry" to accompany fireworks marking the conclusion of the Lemonwheel Festival. Fish plays the trombone for a portion of the jam, which -> to "Baby Elephant Walk" (last performed 12/1/92).
1998-11-13 Wolfman's Cleveland, OH 9:22 "Wolfman's" -> "MLB Jam" -> "Wolfman's." "MLB" from 9:22 - about 11:52. Returns to "Wolfman's" with "Manteca"-like jamming then ends.
1998-11-13 Mind Left Body Jam Cleveland, OH 2:30 -> in from "WB." Cool jam for a for a couple of minutes in the middle of "Wolfman's."
1998-11-13 Wolfman's Cleveland, OH 1:10 -> in from "MLB Jam." Brief return to "Wolfman's" with "Manteca"-like jamming to conclude.
1998-11-13 DwD Cleveland, OH 17:55 A hard rocking straightforward jam finally breaks into a great upbeat and swinging groove which works back to "DwD."
1998-11-13 BOAF Cleveland, OH 9:50 Stretching the boundaries of "Type I" jamming, this version is dark and ominous.
1998-11-13 Meat Cleveland, OH 10:48 A really nice, low intensity jam emerges on the back end of "Meat" proper, and continues until > to "Hood."
1998-11-24 Tweezer New Haven, CT 17:15 Fall '98 had some truly awesome versions!
1998-11-24 Possum New Haven, CT 13:33 -> in from "Tweezer." Extended jam that grows dissonant and off-key and also incudes "Born On The Bayou" teases.
1998-11-27 Ya Mar Worcester, MA 10:34 "I Dream Of Jeannie" theme tease in a well-played version that briefly breaks away into a new groove near the ending.
1998-11-27 Reba Worcester, MA 15:46 Staccato Trey, groovy, multi-keyboard Page, a little "Manteca"-like jamming from 8:55 - 9:25, and even some "Fly Famous Mockingbird"-like riffing from 10:30 - 11:10 provide solid content. Adding Trey's blistering, rapid-fire playing at the peak easily put this solid '98 on the chart.
1998-11-27 Vultures Worcester, MA 10:28 Rearranged and redefined (see History), the band offers another strong version, at home in another strong first set. The band breaks again for more ambient play, moored by some serious Trey sustain which fades to cool into a swirling ambient pool. After passing through a passage of concerted "noise", Fish drives the band to a rocking conclusion.
1998-11-27 BOAF Worcester, MA 8:36 An excellent straightforward version. Trey sounds like he's on a mission.
1998-11-27 CDT Worcester, MA 3:33 Great segue-oriented "CDT" launches and also includes multiple "Wipeout" teases.
1998-11-27 Mirror in the Bathroom Worcester, MA 0:58 -> in from "CDT." Brief jam on this English Beat tune before -> back to "CDT."
1998-11-27 CDT Worcester, MA 4:10 -> in from "Mirror In The Bathroom." The heart of the "CDT" jamming is in this section.
1998-11-27 Dog Log Worcester, MA 1:53 -> in from "CDT." A bluesy rendering of "Dog Log" -> back to "CDT."
1998-11-27 CDT Worcester, MA 0:53 -> in from "Dog Log." And back to "CDT" to wrap up this smoking hot version. > to "Sanity" for a nice cool down.
1998-11-27 Buffalo Bill Worcester, MA 3:33 Short, low-key fade out jam tagged onto the end, which -> to "Mike's."
1998-11-27 Hydrogen Worcester, MA 6:49 Fish begins the "H2" beat -> out of the post-"Mike's" fog, but the other members continue with a lengthy ambient intro before launching into the song fully, and then > to an epic "Weekapaug".
1998-11-27 Weekapaug Worcester, MA 7:52 Stellar version begins with energetic "Type I" jamming and some excellent funk work before a -> to "Wipe Out."
1998-11-27 Wipe Out Worcester, MA 1:38 -> in from a stellar "Weekapaug." "Wipe Out" makes its 2nd of three appearances in a thematic set, released on Live Phish Vol. 6. -> back to "Weekapaug."
1998-11-27 Weekapaug Worcester, MA 1:29 -> from "Wipe Out" for a fast-paced finish to the conventional section of "Weekapaug."
1998-11-27 Weekapaug Worcester, MA 9:06 > in from "Weekapaug." This "Weekapaug Reprise" starts out as a frenetic but typical jam, but quickly goes "Type II," relying heavily on effects to create a spacey groove. > "Antelope."
1998-11-28 Gumbo Worcester, MA 8:44 Unusually melodic and soulful soloing from Trey in the jam.
1998-11-28 Foam Worcester, MA 11:04 Solid Mike and Trey interplay during Trey's solo. Build-up is excellent and razor tight.
1998-11-28 Timber Ho Worcester, MA 9:38 Much different than its '95 and '97 brethren, the jam in this version has that '98 swirly, ethereal tone, and Trey's guitar is far less shrill and dominant than in most earlier versions. Very well-played, especially by Page.
1998-11-28 SOAMule Worcester, MA 9:39 Page solo > Mike solo > Fish solo > Mike and Fish duet > conclusion without klezmer.
1998-11-29 Theme Worcester, MA 11:00 Very fine soloing by Trey and great interplay with Page on this solid, straightforward version.
1998-11-29 LxL Worcester, MA 10:52 Fierce version that ends with a very cool jam and masterful segue into "Catapult."
1998-11-29 Simple Worcester, MA 20:40 The jam swiftly breaks from the melodic and blissful standard to a high-power and dissonant one.
1998-11-29 Possum Worcester, MA 3:36 "Possum" -> "Wipeout" -> "Possum." 30 second "Wipeout" jam occurs at the beginning of the "Possum" jam.
1998-11-29 Wipe Out Worcester, MA 0:30 -> in from "Possum." 30 second "Wipeout" jam occurs at the beginning of the "Possum" jam. -> back to "Possum."
1998-11-29 Possum Worcester, MA 4:10 -> in from "Wipeout" to return to the standard "Possum" jam.
1998-11-29 Gin Worcester, MA 18:25 A soaring, straightforward jam evolves into beautiful ambient space before before building into a rocking and funky groove.
1998-11-29 YEM Worcester, MA 23:54 FUNKASAURUS! (No B&D.)
1998-12-30 Reba New York, NY 14:56 Huge holiday version features extended "Manteca"-like playing (9:00), before Trey drops into familiar riffing. Super Fish propels the version, with Trey seemingly picking up "Manteca" again, before the band enters a great, full-band, mini-groove. Fluid and direct jamming builds to a false peak which dips to rise into playing warm with sustain and powerful trilling, before, surprisingly, drawing to a close, sans tomming.
1998-12-30 DwD New York, NY 20:59 Improvisational and intense. Several sections in this far ranging jam foreshadow the swirling sounds and groove-based jamming that would dominate '99 - '00. Triumphant return to "DwD" to conclude with a > to "Piper."
1998-12-30 Caspian New York, NY 14:04 Long serene intro. Trey's guitar is somewhat amped down from most '97 - '98 versions, and this restraint adds quality to the tone. Beautiful Trey/Page/Mike outro beginning at about 12:15 enhances the sentiment.
1998-12-30 Coil New York, NY 12:50 Full-band jam in place of traditional piano outro transforms Coil from predictable (if beautiful) set piece into surprising vehicle for textural improvisation. Unlike 5/8/93, this is not an unmotivated reentry by the rest of the band, but a smooth, natural progression: Rather than step back, the rest of the band just keeps playing. (Thanks @qushner for the lovely description).
1998-12-30 Possum New York, NY 11:19 Great intro with awesome Mike. The jam is basically a medley of "Wipeout" jams, with different little jams led by Fish, Mike, Page on the B-3, CK5, Trey, and Mike again. In the encore slot, this one sends the fans home happy.
1998-12-31 Mike's New York, NY 16:06 The 1st jam is pretty chill and just grooves along with typical melodic lines. The 2nd jam kicks in at 7:35, and immediately drops into serene and melodic heartfelt playing. The band seems completely at ease, enjoying the warm and upbeat nature of the jamming.
1998-12-31 Ghost New York, NY 15:45 Orgasmic "sleety" symphony which breaks down into throbbing B&D industrial metal that ratchets abruptly into "Ha Ha Ha." [The jam moves beyond the typical structure, breaking into gritty and pulsating play that bridges the ambient sound of '98 and sparser grooves of '99 and '00 quite well.]
1998-12-31 Tweezer New York, NY 14:45 Amazing -> "Cities."
1998-12-31 Cities New York, NY 8:31 Segues out of "Tweezer." Good funky version that gets eerie and spacey at the end before transitioning to "Velvet Sea."
1998-12-31 Antelope New York, NY 15:24 Jam breaks away completely from "Antelope" at 6:30 into a nice, slighty dark foray. Returns to the standard by 8:00.
1998-12-31 Simple New York, NY 18:31 Follows "Auld Lang Syne" with the sounds of balloons popping on stage. The initially straightforward jam grows rocking and dissonant, then eventually calms to a quiet space.
1998-12-31 Hood New York, NY 17:55 An extended and very unique intro to 7:30. The delicate and spiraling jam foreshadows the sound and tone of '99.
1999-07-16 Mike's Holmdel, NJ 12:20 A solid, mellow groove jam, with a fair amount of "Manteca"-like melodic playing from Trey. The energy level gradually builds, but the jam is generally pretty even sloped. Although there is a brief 2nd jam, it's little more than a quiet transition to "Hydrogen."
1999-07-16 Weekapaug Holmdel, NJ 10:36 A nice funky breakdown groove with strong Mike and Page concludes with Trey teasing "2001" several times before returning to "Weekapaug" to wrap up.
2004-08-14 WotC Coventry, VT 15:19 Jam breaks from the standard at 11:00 into a mellow groove that builds energy and > to "Runaway Jim."
2004-08-14 Runaway Jim Coventry, VT 12:23 Very improvisational, "Type II" version with a -> to a very improvisational, "Type II" "Gotta Jibboo."
2004-08-14 Jibboo Coventry, VT 15:23 The yang to 4/16/04's yin. Tight playing for '04. Dark and grimy up front, but once it pushes through to the heavens this "Gotta Jibboo" is breathtaking.
2004-08-14 Antelope Coventry, VT 13:10 Jam segment rages practically non-stop, and Tom Marshall assists with the "Rocco" lyrics.
2004-08-14 Bag Coventry, VT 20:07 Nimbly textured and surgically precise like the big '97 "Bags?" No. Highly improvisational, well played AND a great listen? Absolutely. This version is MUST-HEAR, like 11/21/97, 12/30/97 and 9/14/99. The Coventry "Bag" is full of "2.0-style jamming," is played very well overall, and it's highly listenable. -> to "46 Days."
2004-08-14 Bowie Coventry, VT 12:57 Trey talks about writing "David Bowie" for 4 1/2 minutes before the song - well worth hearing. The jam itself is pretty decent with a nice little shift to major mode and an intense ending.
2004-08-14 Twist Coventry, VT 16:36 A decent jam develops which has an underlying Mike and Fish fueled groove that continues almost throughout. Trey at times uses a lot of distortion, and his seeming lack of direction gives the jam a disjointed feel. Great -> to "The Wedge."
2004-08-14 Stash Coventry, VT 20:42 While the composed section is far from spotless, the jam is very good and multi-dimensional, including a nice move to major mode followed by some great exploration. Unfinished with a > to "Free."
2004-08-14 Free Coventry, VT 9:54 Some sweet Mike bass, then gets very quiet with just Mike and Trey playing, then Fish and Page jump back in.
2004-08-14 Drowned Coventry, VT 26:06 Very raw in parts (at least Trey), but a serious piece of improvisation nonetheless. At the 7 minute mark, the band gets very quiet and almost stops. Trey plays solo for a stretch, and briefly addresses the crowd. Around 12:30, the other band mates rejoin in a very upbeat and rocking jam that accelerates into near fury by 21:30.
2004-08-15 CDT Coventry, VT 13:46 Extremely improvisational version which leaves "CDT" behind near the end and -> to "Possum."
2004-08-15 DwD Coventry, VT 19:02 Very unusual version. The first jam segment is strange, spacey, and Trey sounds off-key at times. Then there's a second jam following the closing riff (without vocal refrain) which has some interesting moments and is pretty soulful.
2004-08-15 SOAMelt Coventry, VT 31:04 Skip the composed section (ugly) and go straight to the jam (released on Live Bait Vol. 5), which is excellent, extended and improvisational. The final 6 spacey minutes are a combination of sad, eerie and haunting, with a hint of optimism near the end. Unfinished with a -> to "Ghost." One of many great jams from the morass of Coventry.
2004-08-15 Ghost Coventry, VT 17:30 Through a crack in the fabric of space-time a horde of flaming orange locusts cascaded down the fetid slope of manure, became a cyclone of debris, limbs, and offal in the muddy bowl then coalesced into a sheet of light which rapidly withdrew upslope back into the void of infinity. [-> in from a strong "SOAM." The jam breaks into an angry, rocking groove that grows dissonant, tension-filled, and includes Trey's eerie yelling and digi-guitar effects.]
2004-08-15 Piper Coventry, VT 9:25 Blistering, fierce, machine-gun Trey, akin at times to Hendrix at his best!
2010-06-25 CDT Camden, NJ 16:30 Upbeat, rocking jam until things settle down and Mike adds some interesting bass effects at about 9:45. The jam then becomes at once both funky and spacey. Gets into a tight pulsing groove, and Mike is HUGE. A top 2010 jam.
2010-06-25 2001 Camden, NJ 5:57 The version to beat from the 3.0 era. This Michael Jackson-infused "2001" is not just a novelty. Serious funk and the interplay in the last couple minutes is top notch. This section -> to the debut of "Billie Jean".
2010-06-25 Billie Jean Camden, NJ 4:00 -> in from "2001." This debut version is sandwiched inside a strong 3.0 version of "2001" and includes a "Thriller" tease. -> back to "2001."
2010-06-25 2001 Camden, NJ 1:34 -> in from "Billie Jean" to complete this standout 3.0 version.
2010-08-17 BDTNL Wantagh, NY 14:14 Very good, multi-section "Type II" jam which starts off rocking, quiets down, then rebuilds with an upbeat sense.
2010-08-17 Caspian Wantagh, NY 5:20 Unique and unusual reading of the "Caspian" jam. Quality over quantity here.
2010-10-22 Julius Providence, RI 9:30 Trey lays down some different and interesting licks in the early parts of the jam, and Mike is great.
2010-10-22 R&R Providence, RI 12:49 Very high quality jam that covers a lot of ground and -> to an equally fast moving "Carini."
2010-10-22 Carini Providence, RI 8:01 -> in from "R&R." The Shapeshifter version. Don't be fooled by the timing, this version is all over the map with improvisation, changing forms multiple times within minutes. -> "My Problem Right There."
2010-10-24 Fee Amherst, MA 6:27 Another stretched out, harmonics-filled outro with added sirens and synthesizer. Excellent -> to "Time Turns Elastic."
2010-10-24 TTE Amherst, MA 16:08 -> in from a solid "Fee." Strong version with tight playing throughout the composed sections and some great and extended straightforward jamming on the tail end.
2010-10-29 Cities Atlantic City, NJ 8:49 All four team up in the well-played, extended jam that gets somewhat spacey at the very end.
2010-10-29 Sand Atlantic City, NJ 13:11 > out of "Punch You in the Eye." Another strong version with a dynamic groove and tension-filled playing from Trey. Also includes an upbeat, "type 2" outro jam that seems to hint at "Cool it Down" and a -> into "Carini."
2010-10-29 Fluffhead Atlantic City, NJ 15:44 Despite more frequent rotation from 2009 - 2012, this song continues to challenge the band from a precision perspective. In this strong modern version, Fluff's Travels and The Chase are largely free of mistakes, but then the band hits a few bumps in Who Do? We Do! Clod is solid, with call and response action between Page and Trey, followed by nice Fish and Mike support during Page's solo. Ending this second set with emphasis, Arrival is extended compared to most versions, showing a spirited, enthused band, with strong playing by Trey and Fish, taking a couple of extra victory laps.
2010-10-30 CDT Atlantic City, NJ 5:39 "CDT" -> "Whole Lotta Love" > "CDT" from the Zeppelin fest.
2010-10-30 Whole Lotta Love Atlantic City, NJ 1:14 -> in from "CDT." Brief jam, part of Led Zeppelin oriented thematic set. -> back to "CDT."
2010-10-30 CDT Atlantic City, NJ 1:37 -> in from "Whole Lotta Love." Returns to "CDT" to conclude.
2010-10-30 Wolfman's Atlantic City, NJ 10:13 A nice vocal jam is followed by some great "Manteca"-like jamming played in a funky, staccato and rhythmic style. The jam never builds to the typical release, but retains a rhythmic focus and -> to "Undermind."
2010-10-30 Undermind Atlantic City, NJ 7:49 -> from a notable "Wolfman's Brother." Cohesive, full-band effort in this solid "Type I" version. > to "Bathtub Gin."
2010-10-30 2001 Atlantic City, NJ 10:24 Want to know what Mike Gordon can do in the 3.0 era? Look no further than the second jam in this Cactus masterpiece. This is a dancing beast. A top 3.0 version.
2010-10-30 Bowie Atlantic City, NJ 12:07 A couple of brief major mode departures lend some melodic variation and grace to this one.
2010-10-31 Stash Atlantic City, NJ 13:28 Features an unusually melodic, major mode groove that builds beautifully before returning to the norm with great tension.
2010-10-31 Wilson Atlantic City, NJ 7:56 Looney vocalizations preceding "BLAT BOOM" lead to an extra-large, type 1.5 version, in which the band quickly hooks into a thematic blues rock riff. They collectively toy around with the riff, pushing the idea into a soupy mire, before dipping into a mystical Halloween outro where Trey recapitulates the blues rock riff over lush organ drones.
2010-10-31 Julius Atlantic City, NJ 9:17 With horn and percussion accompaniment. Fantastic version. The percussion and horns are added in a particularly complementary arrangement that makes this one a real standout.
2010-12-30 Tweezer New York, NY 18:16 Kind of a mixed bag until this spell-bindingly intricate, spectacular "staccato-esque" improvisation takes over.
2010-12-31 Sand New York, NY 10:23 Staccato jam with great full-band interplay gives way to a more typical guitar-led conclusion.
2010-12-31 Ghost New York, NY 13:48 May this one find you when you are feeling down, it will lift your heart and your feet from the ground; building the euphoric bridge that allows you to cross that river of tears. [A strong straightforward version. By shifting to D major just before 7:00 and staying in that place for over 6 minutes, the bliss or release section is accentuated.]
2010-12-31 YEM New York, NY 10:47 Short, but very fun. "Manteca" sandwich and goofiness everywhere. Trey briefly cracks up at start of vocal jam when Mike says "Crab in my shoemouth" instead of WUDMTF.
2010-12-31 Manteca New York, NY 0:32 -> in from "YEM." "Manteca" is sandwiched in the "YEM" jam.
2010-12-31 YEM New York, NY 6:04 -> in from "Manteca" to continue this short but fun "YEM."
2011-01-01 Divided New York, NY 14:54 An inspired, full power yet nimbly executed version. Like a great "Slave" or "Hood," you can really hear Trey and the band pour their hearts into this one.
2011-01-01 Simple New York, NY 11:34 Glorious version that, while not departing particularly far from the typical "Simple" structure, does have a unique closing coda-like structure that almost sounds like a new song. Rave reviews from fans.
2011-01-01 Makisupa New York, NY 8:16 > from "Sally," a version so chill you just might believe Trey did, indeed, get up from the sofa after rolling himself a blunt. Fish's kick-drum "solo" bleeds into hushed, atmospheric play, the four swapping scattershot sounds and eerie effects before a pure and patient -> into "Bowie."
2011-05-27 Walk Away Bethel, NY 7:04 Following a super -> from "Wolfman's Brother", Trey wastes no time choosing his line, and powers the band through an incredibly strong and spirited version.
2011-05-27 KDF Bethel, NY 12:48 A real hybrid that combines suave major mode playing with the expected minor rock.
2011-05-27 BOTT Bethel, NY 9:14 Great version with building energy and nice back and forth between Page and Trey.
2011-05-27 Boogie On Bethel, NY 9:03 Staccato jamming gives way to a "Type II" slowed down, effects-laden outro and > into "Waves".
2011-05-27 Waves Bethel, NY 13:51 Fantastic playing by Trey in the jam proper. Beautiful, lush and serene outro jam. In many ways the polar opposite of the haunting outro from "IT." Transitions to a solid "Prince Caspian."
2011-05-27 Caspian Bethel, NY 7:33 > in from a great version of "Waves." Although shorter, this version suggests the band's willingness to take the jam segment in new and different directions, with subtle and cohesive playing. > to "C&P."
2011-05-28 Cities Bethel, NY 8:58 Nice little extended outro with a good Trey-led peak.
2011-05-28 Halley's Bethel, NY 12:03 Percussion driven, exploratory version that manages to cover a lot of ground in a relatively short time.
2011-05-28 Gin Bethel, NY 11:47 "Gin" -> "Manteca" > "Gin." The "Gin" sections, although largely straightforward, include improvisational playing by Trey. "Manteca" includes "Golden Age" jamming, with fans thus dubbing this version the "GoldenGinTeca."
2011-05-28 Manteca Bethel, NY 1:44 -> in from "Gin." The jamming just before and during this "Manteca" includes teases of "Golden Age," causing fans to dub this version the "GoldenGinTeca." > back to "Gin."
2011-05-28 Gin Bethel, NY 0:59 > in from "Manteca" to end this fine version.
2011-05-28 BDTNL Bethel, NY 12:10 The band incorporates a lot of "DEG" teasing/jamming into the standard format. The mood shifts back and forth from bright to dark several times, with "DEG"-like playing at various times throughout, before returning to "BDTNL." A very cool version.
2011-05-28 Makisupa Bethel, NY 7:35 An energetic, funky jam emerges at around 5:30 after some chanting on "House." This is a fun, well-played version.
2011-05-28 Hood Bethel, NY 12:38 This "Hood" has a really nice jam that sounds similar to "Faht" at times. Returns to "Hood" to close.
2011-05-31 After Midnight Holmdel, NJ 11:16 The jam tracks "After Midnight" fairly closely for a stretch, then around 9:00 it breaks into a nice upbeat groove which swiftly settles down.
2011-06-01 No Quarter Holmdel, NJ 9:50 Debut of the "Led Zeppelin" classic emerges > from a foggy "Tweezer".
2011-06-01 BDTNL Holmdel, NJ 9:50 Fiery and rocking "Type I" version with a nice big peak.
2011-06-10 Curtain With Camden, NJ 14:28 There are a few spots here and there in The Curtain and the beginning of With that seem a bit off. Nonetheless, Trey soloing in With seems particularly inspired, and Mike is also noticeably strong. The jam reaches a fairly intense peak, before expectedly settling to conclude.
2011-06-10 Steep Camden, NJ 6:40 Trey's wonderful, pretty, and soulful soloing, accompanied by Mike's on-point, cascading runs, work to create a truly notable version. Per netter @jerryguscia, Trey quickly shifts towards a bit of jamming featuring some rhythmic, low-key strumming, play which breaks to become dark and funky improvisation before dissolving into those hazy waves of sound typical for the era.
2011-07-01 Moma Watkins Glen, NY 9:25 Powerful, extended jam segment with the crowd singing the melody line together with the band at the end.
2011-07-01 Wolfman's Watkins Glen, NY 11:45 Basically "Type I," but there is some fantastic Page/Trey/Mike interplay mid-jam before Trey leads a full-throttle ending.
2011-07-01 Jam Watkins Glen, NY 3:25 Sort of an evil sounding jam with occasional laughing by Fish and Trey opens Set II and > to "C&P."
2011-07-01 Simple Watkins Glen, NY 14:20 A straightforward but delicately played "Simple" fades away, leading to 6 minutes of '99-esque space.
2011-07-02 McGrupp Watkins Glen, NY 9:31 Strong vocals and snappy playing by Mike in the composed section give way to a great Page-led jam. Backed by the band, and with some inspired contributions from Trey, a nice little "McGrupp" jam emerges, which rises and swirls into the customary closing.
2011-07-02 Golden Age Watkins Glen, NY 13:07 Staccato funk jam before delays/effects creep in, foreshadowing the "Storage Jam" to come later in the night. > to "Prince Caspian."
2011-07-02 Tweezer Watkins Glen, NY 11:09 Unusually staccato-esque, repetitive jam, with some "elephant-like" noises from Trey thrown in.
2011-07-03 Wilson Watkins Glen, NY 7:31 The whole band is much looser than normal when they break into the solo, sounding more like a prodding "Carini" jam than "Wilson". Mike is especially eager to push the band into new harmonic (and inharmonic) territories, and the other members accept his challenge with expertly-tuned ears, adeptly following his unpredictable turns on the bass, and delivering a "Wilson" unlike any other version before or after. > to an equally inspired "Mound".
2011-07-03 Mound Watkins Glen, NY 8:01 Great version which includes an unusual straightforward outro jam.
2011-07-03 ASIHTOS Watkins Glen, NY 10:15 Stunning exploratory "Type II" version. The jam departs "ASIHTOS" at 4:00 and arrives in a desert haze where the band proceeds to lose itself in a mirage-filled dream, wandering deliriously until emerging in heavenly bliss at 7:00. Led by Mike, this serene music patiently morphs into ambient space, and gradually fades to silence with no return to "ASIHTOS."
2011-07-03 Reba Watkins Glen, NY 16:07 Great Trey and Mike from the jump, the jamming soulful and melodic. Awesome Page accents characteristically strong Fish, as the jam morphs into extended "Dave's Energy Guide" teasing. The band then crafts an atypical, and totally welcome groove. A pretty powerful build seems to break convention, with the whistling section dissolving into goofy antics which bleed into the noise informing the > into "David Bowie."
2011-07-03 No Quarter Watkins Glen, NY 9:32 Strong, effects-laden playing that pushes a psychedelic edge to match the dark heaviness in the song's lyrics. Firm and confident playing leads to a satisfying peak; a prototypical type I "No Quarter." Fans of this version should also check out 8/17/11.
2011-12-28 Cities New York, NY 10:09 The jam soars beyond "Cities" into some rhythmic, exploratory, and gorgeous territory, but seems to fizzle out prematurely.
2011-12-28 Carini New York, NY 9:08 Psychedelic raging at first, with Fish screaming in the background repeatedly. Mode shift into some more serene space with some really nice subtle playing, before a great -> to "Tweezer."
2011-12-28 Tweezer New York, NY 12:22 Segues nicely out of "Carini" and features a tight, melodic, soulful jam that dissolves beautifully into "My Friend."
2011-12-28 R&R New York, NY 12:18 The typical jam slows, and Page takes over on the B-3, leading a short, good foray with a nice rhythmic pop. -> to "NICU."
2011-12-28 Hood New York, NY 13:03 Some really nice variation by Trey throughout the jam, plus a strong ending section distinguish this "Hood."
2011-12-29 YEM New York, NY 18:54 Very good jam with a strong peak, albeit short.
2011-12-29 Weekapaug New York, NY 9:42 Solid jam which includes some plinko action early on, then covers enough non-standard terrain to make it interesting, before finishing with a particularly nice peak.
2011-12-30 Piper New York, NY 15:16 A rhythmic, swirling, and improvisational jam develops with nice work by Page. Becomes serene and dreamy towards the conclusion and transition to "Twist." Really an excellent version.
2011-12-30 2001 New York, NY 7:23 On the shorter side but chock-full of fresh ideas. The second jam has some sweet stop-start and Trey drops one of the sweetest tones around. No dull moments here.
2011-12-31 Steam New York, NY 10:35 Performed during the NYE "gag" (stunt), this exceptional version ends with a ferocious "Llama"-like jam leading up to "Auld Lang Syne."
2012-06-15 Tube Atlantic City, NJ 6:33 Strong 3.0 version with start-stop jamming and fantastic playing from Mike as per usual. Spacey outro into "Cities".
2012-06-15 BOAF Atlantic City, NJ 14:37 Following a good straightforward "Birds" jam, this one moves beyond "BOAF" proper into an upbeat, pulsing jam. From there, it shifts again into 3.0-style ambient space, before regaining some rhythm and -> to "BOTT."
2012-06-16 Light Atlantic City, NJ 5:01 A fast break from "Light" -> to a quick rendition of "Manteca." Fantastic stuff. Remainder of the jam is Fish-driven and unlike another "Light" jam. There is quality "Type I" jamming as the band shreds over "Manteca" and "Crosseyed" teases.
2012-06-16 Manteca Atlantic City, NJ 0:32 -> in from "Light." Brief rendering of the Dizzy Gillespie classic occurs early in this "Light" jam. -> back to "Light."
2012-06-16 Light Atlantic City, NJ 8:36 -> in from "Manteca" as the strong "Light" jam really takes off in its aftermath.
2012-07-03 Sand Wantagh, NY 10:50 Each band member puts their stamp on this one in a great collective effort, which includes an "Izabella" tease. Shifts at 6:50 to allow Page to lead on the Wurlitzer as Trey lays back. Ends with staccato playing from Page, loops, and a -> into an exceptional "Golden Age."
2012-07-03 Golden Age Wantagh, NY 13:15 -> in from "Sand." There is fantastic interplay between Page and Trey throughout this jam, and Mike also does his part to punctuate the groove. Concludes with a beautiful ambient passage led by Page on the Wurlitzer. A top "GA."
2012-07-03 Antelope Wantagh, NY 11:54 Rhythmic changes, mode changes, suspensions, and melodic variation are key elements which make a version, and thus more interesting than the typical "average-great" one. This strong old-school, new-sound version uses all of these.
2012-07-08 Party Time Saratoga Springs, NY 8:39 Really solid and extended straightforward jamming with great Page and Trey.
2012-07-08 SOAMelt Saratoga Springs, NY 11:45 One could argue that they dick around and waste several minutes in the land of "meh." But after the 8:00 mark, this one suddenly gets pretty damn solid with some good old fashioned tension and dissonance. Hell, even throw in a little chaos.
2012-07-08 KDF Saratoga Springs, NY 10:44 Intense "Type I" jamming continues after the final lyrics before dipping into some darker playing that quickly brightens before ending with a -> to "MFMF."
2012-07-08 Piper Saratoga Springs, NY 15:31 Multi-dimensional, very high quality jamming. "Piper" has come back a long way since '09. > to "Free."
2012-07-08 Hood Saratoga Springs, NY 11:22 A very well played version overall, but the ending section in particular is extremely powerful.
2012-12-28 Wolfman's New York, NY 14:24 An excellent version that includes some really sweet bass action from Mike, a jam on the "Little Drummer Boy," and strong improvisation all around. The jam eventually winds its way back to "Wolfman's" to close.
2012-12-28 Tweezer New York, NY 20:23 A mesmerizingly incandescent psychedelicious soundscape of elephantine proportion.
2012-12-28 Bowie New York, NY 13:17 Although essentially "Type I," Fish-directed rhythmic variations, which Trey and the others pick up on, leads to some excellent tension building as the jam progresses. Old-school style "Bowie."
2012-12-30 Divided New York, NY 15:55 Minor flubs in the composed section notwithstanding, a very good jam segment, and long for 3.0.
2012-12-30 BOTT New York, NY 9:00 Crescendo-oriented jam, but this one has a false peak followed by bigger exclamation point.
2012-12-30 DwD New York, NY 19:00 Phenomenal improvisation. Dark, bright, introspective, spacious, beautiful, powerful, riveting - all applicable descriptors for this far-ranging, exploratory and must-hear version. > to "Twenty Years Later."
2012-12-30 Carini New York, NY 14:43 Righteous, improvisational version bucks the recent trend of mode-shifting to an upbeat groove, instead sticking to dark and eerie themes that evoke a Pink Floyd-like sentiment. Very exploratory, must-hear material.
2012-12-30 Slave New York, NY 10:33 Great Mike/Trey interplay early in the jam, a serene middle, and soaring finale to end a very strong 2nd set.
2012-12-30 Hood New York, NY 12:01 Great interplay, but what really stands out is varied and well-executed soloing by Trey as this "Hood" builds up power.
2012-12-31 Wedge New York, NY 9:04 Not only is "The Wedge" used to help pull off the golf gag, this NYE version is highly atypical in that it features lengthy and notable late-show jamming, playing that would remain unrivaled until July 20, 2014.
2013-07-05 Bowie Saratoga Springs, NY 11:33 -> in from "Cities." Very solid and interesting "Bowie" that shifts back and forth between minor and major modes several times. Upbeat jam contrasts nicely with the more "classic" 12/28/12 version.
2013-07-05 Light Saratoga Springs, NY 15:07 A chaotic atonal interlude from the standard jam gives way to a pulsating, reverberating major mode section that settles into a melodic space before -> to "Mango."
2013-07-05 46 Days Saratoga Springs, NY 9:10 The jam settles down gradually, then Trey and Fish have a little back-and-forth jam, followed by a Page/Mike back-and-forth jam which -> cleanly to "Steam."
2013-07-05 Steam Saratoga Springs, NY 10:21 Perfect segue out of "46 Days." Powerful, popular version, yet that is also controversial, given Trey's heavy reliance on the Digitech Whammy pitch shifter to call entire schools and species of whales.
2013-07-06 Tube Saratoga Springs, NY 6:43 Begins with the usual Page-led funk on the clav, settles briefly, and picks back up with Trey leading the way. Later, Trey reverts to a rhythmic role as a second, different groove is explored before the closing guitar solo. Here's to more "Tubes" like this in the future. > to "Julius".
2013-07-06 SOAMelt Saratoga Springs, NY 18:17 Very exploratory jam that contrasts sharply with the "old school" style 8/18/12 version. This one more closely resembles standouts from '96 - '04, and includes mode modulation. Messy closing section; needs practice.
2013-07-06 Carini Saratoga Springs, NY 12:08 Serious "HOSE"! Jam quickly breaks from the typically dark, throttling form into the now commonly upbeat, major mode style with good modulation of intensity. It then darkens in minor mode, lightens briefly and -> to "Architect."
2013-07-10 C&P Holmdel, NJ 16:06 Trey seems less interested in the typical type-I shred fest and more interested in a nice space funk jaunt. He sits back on rhythm, but his lack of presence in the lead position does not cause this jam to suffer. Gordon and Page bring a lot fresh ideas and deliver a jam that never lacks direction or focus.
2013-07-12 Reba Wantagh, NY 13:03 Bizarre version. After swinging through the composed section, Trey augments his tone, and the pitch can easily be considered grating. But his playing remains distilled and deliberate, and, if nothing else, interesting. Any problems here, however, are offset by the others. Page is great. And Fish is a machine. But it is Mike who drives this version, his playing superb throughout, and, in spots, it seems as though he is running lead.
2013-07-12 Bowie Wantagh, NY 11:34 Another good one with multiple minor/major mode shifts. There's also some nice rhythmic shifting and percussive coloring from Fish from 6:53 - 7:57.
2013-07-12 R&R Wantagh, NY 19:02 All in all, a quality, multi-section jam. Mike, Page and Fish are strong throughout. If you can just mentally tone down Trey's frequent use of the pitch shifter, it's all good. > to "2001."
2013-07-12 Tweezer Wantagh, NY 12:33 Page drives the jam into an outstanding peak in the final few minutes, and an excellent segue into "Cities" occurs with Fish playing the rhythm of the "Wedge."
2013-10-23 Gumbo Glens Falls, NY 5:12 Standard Gumbo but a great, funky clav outro from Page.
2013-10-23 LxL Glens Falls, NY 7:46 A very solid version all around which includes an unusual vocal jam type ending, setting up nicely for "I Didn't Know."
2013-10-23 Twist Glens Falls, NY 13:58 The "Twist" jam itself includes some nice playing by Mike and Page. Then at 6:30 the jam breaks into some mellifluous, semi-"HOSE," which settles down into thoughtful space before rebuilding energy and then cyling down to end.
2013-10-23 Velvet Sea Glens Falls, NY 7:55 Following a strong "Twist," this heartfelt rendering of "Wading" provides a graceful interlude before a powerful "Hood."
2013-10-23 Hood Glens Falls, NY 13:21 Early in the jam, the band pays homage to the great Worcester '10 version. After some quieter musing, the jam picks up a really great head of steam and peaks in an exultant and powerful manner.
2013-10-25 Waves Worcester, MA 12:44 The second jam swells to blissful heights once, recedes, then builds to a Freedom Rock peak, finally crashing into Carini.
2013-10-25 Carini Worcester, MA 9:49 Solid jam that retains a dark sentiment throughout, and is also infused with great staccato, funk, and rhythmic playing.
2013-10-25 BDTNL Worcester, MA 7:40 High quality "Type I" version with spirited soloing by Trey and strong Page backing. > to "Ghost."
2013-10-26 Drowned Worcester, MA 18:50 A quality multi-section jam emerges. A quiet spacey section breaks first, followed by punchy and rocking playing with an "Oye Como Va"-like vibe. From there, a nice dose of 3.0-style "HOSE" develops and > to "Light."
2013-10-26 Light Worcester, MA 13:14 An excellent jam breaks from the "Light" at 8:00 into a funky and rhythmic groove. The melodic content gradually increases, Fish add "Hey" vocal interjections, and Mike's bass takes the con.
2013-10-27 Fee Hartford, CT 6:49 Slightly extended outro with nice melodic contributions from Mike. > to "Maze".
2013-10-27 Maze Hartford, CT 9:43 Fish, Page and Mike really crank the tension up during Trey's solo, combining for a fiery peak to this "Maze."
2013-10-27 Tweezer Hartford, CT 17:31 Overrated by your friends, this version captivates with brilliantly melodic soloing by Trey for several minutes, before flaking out a bit, and becoming aimless. (Still worth your while to hear to be sure.)
2013-10-27 Golden Age Hartford, CT 16:47 Ferocious start-to-finish, with magnificent accompaniment by Page, Mike and Fish as Trey solos.
2013-10-27 2001 Hartford, CT 8:03 Trey changes the soundscape to this constantly. Second jam is a funk Echoplex exploration. Band takes all kinds of chances here.
2013-10-31 Stash Atlantic City, NJ 10:05 Excellent short "Stash" with mounting tension. Like a '93 or '94 version!
2013-10-31 Wingsuit Atlantic City, NJ 6:12 Debut of the song leads off the "musical costume from the future" set at this Halloween show.
2013-10-31 Fuego Atlantic City, NJ 10:47 Debut. First version hints at future jamming potential for "Fuego."
2013-10-31 Wombat Atlantic City, NJ 6:34 Debut with "Abe Vigoda" and the Abe Vigoda Dancers.
2013-10-31 Winterqueen Atlantic City, NJ 6:23 Phish debut includes Page nicely jumping around from the Fender-Rhodes to the B-3 to the piano, and a rock driven jam from Trey.
2013-10-31 Carini Atlantic City, NJ 18:41 Serious heavyweight version kicks off with rhythmic and swirling playing. The jam brightens for a stretch, then IT builds and builds as the "HOSE" is turned on. Finally the jam recedes delicately as the spigot is turned to "off."
2013-11-01 Possum Atlantic City, NJ 11:04 A quality "old school" version with a lot of good "Type I" variation in the jamming, building up to an intense peak.
2013-11-01 Twist Atlantic City, NJ 21:02 The jam breaks away at 6:15, growing melodic and upbeat. Mike adds some great bass effects before a euphoric groove emerges. Then a fun "Under Pressure" jam develops, followed by beautiful low-key jamming.
2013-11-01 Makisupa Atlantic City, NJ 8:11 Another fun, funky version with "Kush" and "Bush" chanting, lots of weirdness, and a few genuinely musically impressive passages interspersed here and there.
2013-11-01 Boogie On Atlantic City, NJ 5:42 > from "Meatstick". There's some extra funky mustard on this one and it also includes alternate lyrics referencing bush and kush, as well as a tease of the "Theme from the Rockford Files." Ends with a > to "The Wedge".
2013-11-01 Sneakin' Sally Atlantic City, NJ 11:06 A solid and funkified breakdown jam follows a good vocal jam and includes Trey banter near the ending.
2013-11-02 Theme Atlantic City, NJ 13:58 As a standard "Theme" jam draws to a close, it morphs into a jam on the "Theme From Shaft" with amusing banter from Trey and Fish. Some good funky jamming follows the banter before returning to "Theme" to end.
2013-11-02 DwD Atlantic City, NJ 16:18 The jam breaks into a good percussive and rocking groove, then it lightens and brightens, re-energizes, and -> to "Piper."
2013-11-02 Roggae Atlantic City, NJ 7:36 A delicate and beautifully played version with a dreamy quality to it, but which also builds to a powerful peak. > to "Waves."
2013-11-02 Tweezer Atlantic City, NJ 15:22 Very repetitive, melodic, spirited, funky jam... check. this. OUT!
2013-12-28 Wolfman's New York, NY 10:49 A great "Wolfman's" which, while essentially straightforward structurally, includes some excellent and rocking playing by all four before a typically strong release section.
2013-12-28 Sand New York, NY 12:30 A typical "Sand" jam ensues before shifting to some ambience and then locking onto a repetitious riff from Trey. > to "Piper."
2013-12-28 Steam New York, NY 12:21 Among the finest versions to date, Trey's Echoplex adds extra power to the jam, which also features great playing from Page, weird shouts from Fish, and monstrous energy all throughout.
2013-12-29 It's Ice New York, NY 8:21 This one has a bad-ass "Ice" jam with some wild and rocking playing by all four. It almost sounds like some of the crazy versions from Spring '94 and also makes a nice clean return to "It's Ice."
2013-12-29 Gumbo New York, NY 6:31 Another clavinet-led outro, but with added mind-scrambling from Trey.
2013-12-29 DwD New York, NY 18:27 Great version which rocks along in familiar territory before becoming deep, dark and thought-provoking. The jam lightens in sentiment around 12:00, breaks into a power-rocking groove and makes a stately return to "DwD" to close.
2013-12-29 Carini New York, NY 15:16 > in from "DwD" (only the 2nd time ever). A very good exploratory jam that retains a largely dark sentiment throughout, features great playing by Mike and Page, and concludes with brief "Woo" jamming.
2013-12-30 CDT New York, NY 18:39 Extended, multi-section "CDT" which sticks close to the standard at first, settles a bit, then gathers up into some serious and fiery rocking.
2013-12-30 Simple New York, NY 10:24 Essentially straightforward, but the outro jam is a little different than the norm, is nicely played, and includes teases of "The Line," "Fuego," and "Magilla" from Page.
2013-12-31 Reba New York, NY 12:09 Back on the bus, pretty, direct, and straightforward play makes this "Reba" a highlight of a career moment. As usual, Fish is great, shuffling through various tempos and rhythmic shifts. Mike bounces around the room, and Page is particularly on point, his play lilting and airy. Trey opts for patient, sweeping sustain, which opens space for sweet syncopation, before alighting upon a perfect series of cascading notes, measured trilling, and the "note."
2013-12-31 Light New York, NY 16:49 Exceedingly good version. As with most of the 2013 Holiday Run the version itself doesn't stand out with noticable highlights, but the entire version is well above average. Focused throughout with a great peak.
2014-07-03 Gin Saratoga Springs, NY 14:34 The typical "Type I" "Gin" jam continues through 10:30, then the chording and harmonics shift into quasi "Type II" jamming (quasi because Fish never really breaks the rhythm until this "Gin" grows spacey and transitional). > to an improvisational "LxL."
2014-07-03 LxL Saratoga Springs, NY 12:55 Improvisational version which begins to peel away from the standard as Trey and Page play unusual chords and harmonies to the base "LxL" rhythm, then makes a clean "Type II" break into a rhythmic, pulsing and somewhat dark jam. > to an impressive "Winterqueen."
2014-07-04 Reba Saratoga Springs, NY 13:06 Precise, delicate, and moving, very pretty play informs subdued jamming, featuring notable full-band interaction. Trey deftly shapes his tone, and the version becomes somewhat hypnotic and enchanting, with the musicians responding one to another before driving the jam to an expansive, emphatic peak.
2014-07-04 Fuego Saratoga Springs, NY 19:31 The first improvisational "Fuego" works away from the song structure gradually, making a full break by 11:30 into some very nice, light and fluttery interplay. The intensity builds to a crescendo before smoothly sliding into "DwD."
2014-07-05 Carini Saratoga Springs, NY 10:56 The jam breaks into the now predictable major mode section in a quieter and relaxed manner, which then builds energy and power and -> to "Waves."
2014-07-05 Piper Saratoga Springs, NY 13:22 "Piper" is restored to some form of its former self, including an intro (short), bridge (short), and some good "Type I" jamming before breaking into "Type II" ground with nice rhythmic-based playing with strong Page, followed by a short Trey-led "hose" section.
2014-07-05 YEM Saratoga Springs, NY 21:01 Lots of Mike in the groovy jam segment (though there's no peak).
2014-07-11 Gin New York, NY 16:21 A high intensity "Type I" jam breaks away at 9:45 into some low-key exploration. Page adds color as he switches keyboards, and Trey reignites the intensity with some moderate "hose." Finally, the jam gradually ramps down, closing with a return to "Gin."
2014-07-11 DwD New York, NY 18:22 The jam breaks at 8:00 into some funky stretching, but Trey quickly seizes on a great riff, which the band coalesces around. As the boys bring the jam up to celebration mode, there is some brief "Woo" jamming before it settles to quieter play with great Page.
2014-07-12 Ghost New York, NY 16:32 Those who believe in wormholes will shout "Timber" when they catch a chilling thrilling glimpse into a future haunted house during the early moments of this quarter speed heartbreaker that evolves into a twirling fountain of incandescent sparks passes through a cyclotron and emerges as a multi-dimensional space funk groove. [A strong, rocking "Ghost" includes jamming that is the likely genesis of "Timber," as well as an extended pulsing and electric outro jam that is well regarded by many.]
2014-07-12 Wingsuit New York, NY 9:24 Rising from "Ghost's" super spacey >, Trey takes us higher still, his patient soloing inspired and emotive, complimented by Fish's shuffling, upbeat drumming. An early example of the song's potential all but fully realized.
2014-07-12 Hood New York, NY 16:32 For the 2nd time in 2014, the band takes "Harry" for a ride into uncharted waters. This time, while Trey and Page alter the harmony away from the familiar, Fish keeps a steady hand on the rudder, eventually guiding the ship safely back to home port.
2014-07-13 SOAMelt New York, NY 12:34 A nice "old school" version with good dissonance and tension building, and also has some cool chanting by Trey and others towards the end (very '93 - '94ish).
2014-07-13 CDT New York, NY 27:49 A fantastic, improvisational and exploratory "CDT" that stands very comfortably with the best "CDTs" from any year or era of Phish. Must-hear material, the jam includes multiple sections, with each building smoothly and cohesively to the next.
2014-07-13 Light New York, NY 11:34 Near the 8:30 mark the band really keys in on the jam and Trey absolutley takes off for hyperspace at 10:00 for an amazing, albeit brief, crescendo.
2014-07-13 Tweezer New York, NY 15:54 Slow, steady, melodic climb to a triumphant peak, and then an old school ending with a few twists.
2014-07-13 Velvet Sea New York, NY 8:01 What a difference an era makes. Or not. Mike surprises, early on, offering just a bit more. Pushing through a few sour notes, Trey, playing with his feet almost as much as his hands, lays into an impassioned solo, offset by, no surprise, on-point Fish. Of course Page is nearly front and center, and is right there to bring this Randall's Island play to a memorable close.
2015-08-11 Martian Monster Philadelphia, PA 4:16 The band neatly -> into the second "Martian Monster" of this show from the ultra rare "Skin It Back." This version seamlessly combines "Skin It Back" themes into the Martian atmosphere, including two separate teases. Proving beyond doubt the presence of water on Mars, the spaceship hovers in a dense atmospheric cloud with an "ASIHTOS"-like quality, before jumping orbit with a loud, sampled scream and revisiting "Skin It Back" on the journey home.
2015-08-11 Bowie Philadelphia, PA 10:49 Some variation away from the boiler plate standard, including a brief major mode modulation, nice Trey/Page/Mike interplay, and a solid tension-filled trill section put this one in the jam chart zone.
2015-08-11 SOAMule Philadelphia, PA 10:50 Page solo with Trey comping on guitar > "Martian Monster" vocal quote > Fish with a spacey Marimba Lumina solo > klezmer > prayer-like Mike chanting > conclusion.
2015-08-11 Fuego Philadelphia, PA 16:19 For the 2nd straight year, the Mann gets a big "Fuego." This jam begins in a subdued manner, then builds energy and feel-good sensibility before revisiting the "Fuego" theme with an uplifting spirit.
2015-08-11 46 Days Philadelphia, PA 8:17 The customary instrumental bridge has some filthy, raw tone, then there's a great compact spacey but upbeat jam at the end which covers a surprising amount of terrain and -> to "Taste."
2015-08-12 Cities Philadelphia, PA 10:35 Trey's Echoplex leads the second straight solid "Cities" to some extended between-verses jamming, before the whole band picks up where he left off and explores a pulsing, minor mode space before the 'plex is left behind for a more straight-ahead jam that eventually fades out.
2015-08-12 Stash Philadelphia, PA 12:14 Traditional "Stash" jam which dwells in the domain of darkness throughout, covers some different terrain in this realm, and ups the tension nicely before releasing its underworld grip.
2015-08-12 It's Ice Philadelphia, PA 9:03 After a Jekyll (jam) and Hyde (composed section) take just four shows earlier, Trey redeems himself with the Mann "It's Ice". The whole band jumps into the jam feet first, coalescing around a "Manteca"-like theme for a few minutes during which Page goes absolutely nuts on his clavinet.
2015-08-12 Twist Philadelphia, PA 20:08 Continuing a run of excellent renditions of "Twist", this exceptional version starts in more typical "Twist" jam territory before some more delicate playing is laid on a bed of bombs and loops. Like the Shoreline rendition, the band circles back to the main theme briefly before veering back off into a darker, fuzzier, mine-field of Mike before Fishman pushes Trey and Page towards nirvana and eventually the main theme once more. Must hear!
2015-08-12 Scents and Subtle Sounds Philadelphia, PA 14:43 Only the second "S&SS" with intro (SBIX) in 3.0, this version shows few signs of rust and has excellent vocals throughout. The jam starts off largely in-the-box, but Trey and Mike slowly tug at the seams until Fishman pushes the rest of the band towards a throbbing two-note pattern and a brief peak before more clean vocals bring it back home.
2015-08-21 Simple Watkins Glen, NY 11:08 The Magnaball-opening "Simple" wastes no time in getting the festivities underway. After some standard jamming in the typical chord progression, the band opts not to resolve to F and instead stays in B-flat, churning out a fuzzy, pulsating groove led by the rhythm section.
2015-08-21 Gin Watkins Glen, NY 22:50 Exceptional version including diverse jam segments. Hard-edged rocking, murky funk, and melodic "hose" all feature in this top-shelf "Gin".
2015-08-21 CDT Watkins Glen, NY 18:15 Yet another "CDT" boasting a post-refrain jam, and yet again does Phish deliver the goods. The jam starts off sparsely and rebuilds to a low-key, part melodic, part hard-edged passage with a "WTU?" tease before > Ghost.
2015-08-21 NMINML Watkins Glen, NY 11:45 Doubles down on the Mann version with two separate rock-oriented jams, occasionally hinting at the climax of "CYHMK." Returns to the "NMINML" ending twice, then dissolves into an ambient fog and -> neatly into "Slave."
2015-08-22 Antelope Watkins Glen, NY 10:57 With an exception or two (11/30/94, 8/11/04), "Antelope" always begins and ends the same way. What's in between separates the great from the typical. This version nicely strays from the ranch from 4:50 - 6:15, and includes a nasty, gnarly and tension-loaded push to the peak.
2015-08-22 46 Days Watkins Glen, NY 14:15 The jam moves beyond the rocking norm to some dark probing, before gradually shifting to serene and introspective exploration. After swelling to a modest peak, the jam -> to "BDTNL."
2015-08-22 Tweezer Watkins Glen, NY 17:39 Fierce, punchy version that soars from the get-go, with Trey employing killer effects. The jam then plateaus, and then launches into melodic, major key mode for a while before dissolving into Caspian.
2015-08-22 Caspian Watkins Glen, NY 16:10 The jam that emerges from this "Caspian" at around 6:00 is superb and must-hear Phish. Whether you think of this as a "Tweezer" or "Caspian" jam is a pedestrian concern; just enjoy this band kicking asses in its 33rd year!!
2015-08-22 Blaze On Watkins Glen, NY 16:01 At the 7:45 mark, Trey's chording shifts this top-notch "Blaze On" from straight ahead bopping to deep melodic exploration for five minutes, when suddenly the band flips a switch and begins a psychedelic horror show filled with off-kilter intervals and eerie effects that last until the jam somehow careens swiftly into (and leaves explosive residue on) -> "Possum".
2015-08-22 Cities Watkins Glen, NY 7:22 Another strong and typically funky "Cities" -> "Mind Left Body Jam" sandwich.
2015-08-22 Mind Left Body Jam Watkins Glen, NY 0:58 -> in from "Cities." Last heard in 1998, 17 years earlier, this throwback recalls great moments throughout the band's history.
2015-08-22 Cities Watkins Glen, NY 0:57 > in from "Mind Left Body Jam." Concluding section sets up a nice transition to a solid "Light."
2015-08-22 Light Watkins Glen, NY 15:57 Particularly delicate playing from Trey in the first jam which is broken off by Fish in thunderous fashion. Second jam features calypso rhythms reminiscent of the Augusta version.
2015-08-23 Maze Watkins Glen, NY 9:30 Trey's comping during Page's solo really adds good tension, then his shortish but intense solo puts this version in the "win" category.
2015-08-23 Stash Watkins Glen, NY 12:21 Some good and varied playing, in addition to a warming modulation to major mode provide the differentiation that make this version well worth checking out.
2015-08-23 Martian Monster Watkins Glen, NY 8:32 Although the first half of this version is played in a now predictable manner, the second half breaks orbit and heads into the Exosphere, nearly achieving true outer space exploration. Trey's heavy use of effects play a decisive role, as the band seems more intent on jamming this "Martian Monster" than focusing on funk or comic relief. This strong version eventually drones-out, and slides neatly into "DWD."
2015-08-23 WTU? Watkins Glen, NY 5:26 -> in from "Scents & Subtle Sounds." Dies away to a near hush at the 2 minute mark, then wonderfully explodes back to life. The Kent '94 "Hood" version of "WTU?," and proof that you really can teach an old dog new tricks.
2015-08-23 Twist Watkins Glen, NY 7:45 Though short, this "Twist" isn't lacking in creativity. As @n00b100 points out, the jam almost immediately pulls itself apart, leads to a Trey-Mike duet of sorts, and moves into a Chilling Thrilling Drive-In space that swings into a "My Soul"-esque take on the main riff, before a heavy metal theme morphs into "Immigrant Song" for a moment and segues -> Weekapaug.
2015-12-30 CDT New York, NY 22:06 After a relatively straightforward first jam, albeit with a dash of dissonance, this "CDT" takes off post-refrain like all the other heavy hitting versions from 2015. A crunchy MuTron / Clav' groove kicks off the second jam. Things appear to be coming back to earth when Fish and Trey kick it into high gear, leading to a major mode bliss section that winds down into a freaky carnival vibe that -> Ghost.
2015-12-30 Gin New York, NY 15:17 After a kooky vocal jam the band eschews the typical "Gin" jam style, instead opting for a graceful groove which flourishes in stunning fashion.
2015-12-30 WTU? New York, NY 6:46 Unbelievable -> out of "Weekapaug." Drops into silence like Magnaball, then builds to a glorious peak. Sounds like a late '90s "Hood" style peak. -> back into "Weekapaug" without hesitation. Superb version.
2015-12-31 KDF New York, NY 13:38 Around 6:30, Trey leads this one into the "Type II" zone, where it remains for the duration as it drifts through some low-key psychedelia before a > to "Piper".
2015-12-31 Twist New York, NY 16:17 The final "Twist" of the year clinches its title for "Jamming Song of 2015". Like the Shoreline and Mann versions, after a relatively straightforward first jam, the band comes back home to the opening riff before taking off again. After some probing and warping and abstracting of the riff, things grow darker and sparser, before Fishman steps on the accelerator after the 11 minute mark, Trey goes Pink Floyd, Mike Meatballs, and Page plays Cap'n Crunch, leading to a Tweezer Reprise-like peak.
2015-12-31 NMINML New York, NY 21:02 Awesome NYE prank version. The jam begins in a mellow zone with sprinkles of bliss. After a sparse, ambient section, Fish kicks things back into a solid groove, before "Drive-In Jam"-like effects and sounds overtake. Must-hear Phish. Note: a few minutes were probably pre-recorded as part of the NYE "gag".
2015-12-31 Blaze On New York, NY 15:35 There's a reason Phish chose "Blaze On" as the song to open 2016, and this version delivers the celebratory goods. Like the past few versions, near the seven minute mark, Trey's chording sends the jam out into a world of spacey effects. These effects are reeled in quite quickly this time around, and Trey opts for a clean tone as he plucks beautiful trichords high on the neck and leads the band through a major mode passage that takes on a rough edge to it, grows percussive, and winds back to finish the tune.
2015-12-31 Bowie New York, NY 11:29 Clever major/minor mode contrasting by Page and Trey at a couple of different points, plus some good old fashioned tension provide the finishing touches for a solid year for "Bowie."
2016-01-01 Undermind New York, NY 11:15 Includes an additional segment of solid Type I jamming and teases of "Stash", "STFTFP", and "HMPAY".
2016-01-01 Light New York, NY 17:41 Trey thankfully abandons the typically atonal, dissonant "Type I" jam in favor of a more melodic and rock-oriented approach. Then Mike leads some solidly mellow grooving, before Fish steps it up into more rhythmic, percussive play. Trey hints at a peaking bliss finale, but instead sticks to the Fish plan. There is adept use of key modulation throughout this "Light."
2016-01-02 Tweezer New York, NY 21:36 With thrilling, melodic contributions from each band member, this version requires repeated listenings to fully appreciate, and peaks wondrously well.
2016-07-01 CDT Saratoga Springs, NY 22:37 Trey powers through "Carini" like a cold front, and a perfect storm ensues with "CDT." After breezing across familiar territory, the band embarks less upon a jam than an eclectic sort of symphony. The jam floats through a calm yet unsteady passage, atmospheric and effects-laden, before disembarking in comforting bliss, swapping instruments for a spell, and sailing into > "Caspian."
2016-07-02 Fuego Saratoga Springs, NY 12:27 One of those jams that straddles the fence between "Type I" and "Type II". They never quite leave Fuego's structure, but some warm Trey interplay with Page make for a nice departure from the "Fuego" norm.
2016-07-03 SOAMule Saratoga Springs, NY 11:01 Solid Page solo > Fish on Marimba Lumina > Weird, spacey electrified bass action from Mike > klezmer, prayer-like chanting from Mike > conclusion.
2016-07-03 Possum Saratoga Springs, NY 8:02 Colorful bluesy licks. "Southern" swinging lines. Page and Fish might set this "Possum's" steady, swampy shuffle, but it's Trey who dominates this dense, extremely solid version.
2016-07-03 Moma Saratoga Springs, NY 17:34 One of the longest and most improvisational "Momas" to date isn't just an extended exercise in vamping and grooving. The jam pushes further from shore at the 6 minute mark, modulates by the 9 minute mark, sails through an octave-alternating thump, and the moment doesn't end until Mike drops his bombs and Trey weaves his friends into > "Twist."
2016-07-03 Hood Saratoga Springs, NY 11:00 Ever versatile, in the past few years, "Harry Hood" has spanned the range from a centerpiece improv-heavy jam to a lilting, polished encore. Here, after really cool, rarefied, and old-school stylings, Trey works this powerful classic to an archetypal peak.
2016-07-09 BDTNL Hartford, CT 8:36 A strong version which features contemplative, quiet, and delicate playing, unusual for "BDTNL." Ultimately, this warm, restrained playing gives way to a traditional shredding and trilling peak.
2016-12-28 Wolfman's New York, NY 12:41 A swampy groove propels the jam forward in the first half before Trey revs up and caps it with a strong peak.
2016-12-28 Golden Age New York, NY 20:37 Coming effortlessly out of the song proper and oozing with wah-funk, the band comes running out of the gates. A thoughtful, almost ambient jam emerges before descending into a Page-led section; Fish consistently building up the percussive attack and Trey doing much the same on guitar. The transitions are seamless throughout, and the end result is a cohesive revelry of celebration. Like 10/28/16, > to "Simple."
2016-12-28 Martian Monster New York, NY 5:32 Starts off slower and funkier than the usual, then unexpectedly -> into "Tweezer Reprise".
2016-12-28 Tweeprise New York, NY 2:28 Part of a segue sandwich with "Martian Monster". Trey and Page sing "your trip is short" in lieu of the usual "Tweezer Reprise" vocals.
2016-12-28 Martian Monster New York, NY 0:32 -> back out of "Tweezer Reprise", with a "Tweezer Reprise tease thrown in at the end for fun. A tremendously fun version.
2016-12-29 Makisupa New York, NY 9:57 This version starts with fun banter and slips into a breezy, mostly bass-led jam. At around 4:40, Trey moves over to the Marimba Lumina, and then Mike and finally Page join in and a full-on percussion jam develops. It's enjoyable, but typical of the percussion excursions of '16. At around 9:20 the drumming stops on a dime and the band drops right back into Makisupa, finishing off the most musically significant version of the song since 11/19/97.
2017-07-21 Timber Ho New York, NY 8:29 Unusual take. Unlike 11/16/97, which also features play that begins in traditional "Timber" style - before shifting to major mode play - here (just after the 4:00 mark) the move is neither delicate nor serene but, rather, is driven and forceful, so providing the foundation for the version's spirited conclusion.
2017-07-21 Seven Below New York, NY 13:02 Drops into a darker zone right out of the composed section, with Trey's fine guitar work and Page's synths leading the charge. Mike helps keep the jam at a low boil, before Trey makes the call for major key and they move to a blissful jam space, if a bit more restrained than previous jams from this tour. They build to a nice peak as Trey sustains one note before heading to Allman Brothers land, then they wind to a close on a bed of synths and > into "Billy Breathes".
2017-07-22 Moma New York, NY 17:30 Trey quickly strays from his typical "Moma" solo but the jam retains its usual character until around 9:20 when he introduces a brief darker-tinged passage. Strong group play continues as the mood shifts again, this time to a wonderful major-key zone with strong accompaniment from Mike and Page, and intensifies briefly before exiting with a > to a jammed "Breath and Burning".
2017-07-22 Breath and Burning New York, NY 10:08 > from 'Moma," the band breaks from the song proper to produce a sudden, unexpected jam, just the second since its debut. Trey works atop a great groove, alternately riffing and picking a lilting little melody, while Page provides fun, whirling fills. Strong bass and nifty percussion propel the version to a spacey outro and > into "Funky Bitch."
2017-07-22 Roggae New York, NY 10:26 Beautiful "Baker's Dozen" version quickly assumes a measured, metered pace, affording all four musicians room to seemingly solo independently, yet in unison, resulting in that special sort of cohesion wherein the band uses music to channel their collective energy to uncover a particular charmed and enchanted space.
2017-07-23 BOTT New York, NY 10:59 Super summertime version finds Trey channeling some sunshine to warm the Garden. Following a great groove - which slowly builds to gain serious traction - "Streets of Cairo" teasing functions as a change of sorts, with Trey skipping through a sweet little set of notes before shaping his tone and taking what amounts to a second solo. Bright and shimmering, this soon yields to a "simple," yet euphoric, release.
2017-07-23 It's Ice New York, NY 15:14 An absolutely outstanding version. Right out of the gate, Mike pushes the jam into a darker mode, and the band slides into a seductive groove, Lil' Punkin meshing beautifully with Trey's effects-laden playing while Mike and Fish hold down the fort. Trey fires off some lovely trills as a fog creeps over the proceedings, with Mike really stepping up his game in the latter half. The jam winds down into noise, then returns neatly to the "It's Ice" theme. Longest version to date.
2017-07-23 Wolfman's New York, NY 14:53 At the jam's onset, Trey takes the lead and pours it on for a powerful peak, after which there is some "Type II" exploration, including a beautiful and stylistically refreshing spacious segment. Out of this space, the jam rebuilds for a nice finish and transitions to "Twist".
2017-07-23 Twist New York, NY 15:59 Page's synthesizer gets a workout in this jam which goes from pleasant major key playing to boisterous rocking before returning home to close.
2017-07-23 Waves New York, NY 11:15 A delicate but somewhat perfunctory customary jam is followed by an outro jam which shifts from soothing piano play to more dissonant, eerie outer space exploration.
2017-07-25 Sample New York, NY 9:11 "Jam"-flavored show opener, Trey wastes no time busting "Sample" wide open, the spirited intro a sort of anthemia which unfolds via a huge, warm, solo. Play considerably cools, and the band enters a jam proper, with Page providing great fills, alternating between electric and acoustic piano. Trey works the version up and through a euphoric build, before a perfect change delivers the band to the song's closing verse.
2017-07-25 Lawn Boy New York, NY 29:59 Page keytar solo + sharp and funky groove + dark and lovely Mike-driven minor-key rocking + smooth turn into major-key bliss featuring a sustained note from Trey and excellent piano from Page + blastoff into a charging fiery jam that devolves into spaciness + immense playing from Trey as the band drives towards a massive peak + delicate finale and > into "My Friend, My Friend" = an all-time jam. Yes, in "Lawn Boy".
2017-07-25 My Friend New York, NY 11:39 > from a "Lawn Boy" so incredibly long that Trey forgets some of song. But what of it? Page assaults any semblance of calm with his "screaming" effect, and Trey, following some great interplay with Mike, sparks an extended improvisational passage, working a funereal line to create a sedate and spooky atmosphere, awash in a spray of Fish's cymbals. Page's stately play resurrects the jam from this welcome darkness, and the jam bleeds to brighten before a period of pleasant ambiance closes what was, at the time, the longest "MFMF" to date.
2017-07-25 Fuego New York, NY 18:41 Patient and serene, the play here illustrates a band at the peak of their collective powers. Trey's smooth and textured play is matched by Page, whose work on the piano adds an effortless air. A subtle shift finds Page going electric, and the version assumes a sound surreal, with Mike working his drill, which seemingly opens a portal through which any number of ideas are released. Trey's tranquil strumming cum soloing provides a colorful legroom, which is filled by particularly fine play from Fish and produces a super > into "Thread".
2017-07-25 C&P New York, NY 33:07 An astounding version which opens up with some exquisite, melodious grooving and surges to a peak that would serve as a worthy finale, but as this took place in the "jam-flavored" show, there's still lots more to come. The second half begins with some quiet, uneasy space, only for another lovely progression to emerge from the void and produce one more exclamation point. A final funky segment leads back into the song's refrain to wrap up a magnificent display of improvisation and the longest "C&P" to date.
2017-07-26 Tube New York, NY 14:34 A wonderful Set One-ending surprise, this fabulous multi-part "Tube" features a groove not unlike "The Very Long Fuse", syrupy effects-laden rocking out, clavinet-driven gnarled funkiness, and warm, lovely major-key jamming, before neatly returning to the "Tube" theme.
2017-07-26 Carini New York, NY 16:02 A terrific "Type II" venture with multiple parts woven smoothly together. Inspiring major-key play gets its due early on and is contrasted nicely by a mysterious theme which takes hold in the latter part of the jam. Ends with a -> to "Mr. Completely" initiated by Fish.
2017-07-26 1999 New York, NY 14:37 After busting a 524 show gap, the band breaks from "1999" proper and drops into a synth-heavy and funky jam, the four seemingly pushing for maximum freak-out effect. Each musician's contributions deserve attention, their collaborative effort adding much by way of subdivision value. Trey's soloing adds gain and grit, before a marked shift into major mode play produces a spirited release. Cools. Super -> into "Steam".
2017-07-26 Steam New York, NY 13:39 The jam between verses begins with some guttural Trey soloing and briefly hits upon a riff close to "CYHMK". Mike then drives the band into a segment befitting the supernatural tone of the song with some propulsive bass, while Page and Trey add to the haunting atmosphere with effects and delays. Continuing after the final lyrics, a short outro serves as an effective bridge to the thematically similar "No Quarter".
2017-07-26 Character Zero New York, NY 9:41 Woah. Sweet show-closer finds the band biding their time, and taking it slow. Straightaway, the jam assumes a smooth, bluesy feel, tinged with some stomping "Martian Monster" texture. Trey augments his tone to shape a cool solo, Fish and Page drop out, and great guitar is met in equal measure by Mike, whose liquid tone gels as the two share a solo. Casually, the version builds to regain its customary intensity, and Trey leads the band through "Zero's" impassioned conclusion.
2017-07-28 Divided New York, NY 16:25 After a sluggish start, Trey settles in nicely, employing huge, warm blasts of sustain. Play cools to enter a quiet passage rich with texture and great full-band play, before Trey, toying with the song's familiar meter, altering his phrasing and timing - akin to 11/9/95's sublime version - works the jam to an inspired conclusion.
2017-07-28 CDT New York, NY 24:13 A sweeping "Type II" masterpiece brimming with inspired thematic jamming capped off with an outstanding peak. Unfinished.
2017-07-28 You Sexy Thing New York, NY 11:02 Hot Chocolate cover (befitting that night's "Double Chocolate" theme), with Mike using every last bit of his vocal range to sing it. Just like "1999", it turns into a surprising improv vehicle, with a weird Page-led groove emerging from the back end as Trey goes to the wah-wah and utilizes his effects. The jam grows in power, then gets deep and dark, with Mike really pushing things forward. > into a great version of "Mercury", which this song actually sandwiches.
2017-07-28 You Sexy Thing New York, NY 3:00 Hilarious -> out of "Mercury". Trey takes a soaring guitar solo, then things move into brief punchy funkiness. > into "BDTNL".
2017-07-28 BDTNL New York, NY 9:34 Finds its footing on the outset by way of near-telepathic melodic interplay from Trey and Mike, spring boarding a ride that takes us from warm-breeze chill-mode play to inspired, spirited classic rock riffing to close.
2017-07-29 Wilson New York, NY 9:10 Longest "Wilson" since their reunion, Phish has fun and throws down a version featuring two distinct jams, one truly bizarre "Blatt! Boom!" vocalization, and a spacey > into "STFTFP."
2017-07-29 STFTFP New York, NY 8:25 A really great version, with a easy-going, lilting, and generally upbeat instrumental jam section.
2017-07-29 Ya Mar New York, NY 8:27 Although somewhat brief, a cool little jam develops where Trey typically solos, and here, Trey and Page incorporate some interesting spacey effects, signature sounds from the historic Baker's Dozen run.
2017-07-29 Water in the Sky New York, NY 4:30 Unusual, up-tempo version, reflects the studio recording, but with a twist: Page's "synthesized" solo. Accompanied by beautiful play from Trey, Page creates a warm wave ethereal and gorgeous, before once again teaming up with Trey, going acoustic, and working through the conclusion with a spirited flourish.
2017-07-29 Blaze On New York, NY 23:20 Fish's dynamic drumming drives the jam early while the band probes for a hookup until a more defined, upbeat segment forms 13 minutes in. The next big shift occurs around minute 18 when Trey fires off some echoing chords and Page whips out the synthesizer as the jam heats up and climaxes strongly with Trey back in the lead. > to "Twenty Years Later".
2017-07-29 Hood New York, NY 16:05 Departing from the traditional jam, excellent Trey/Page interaction swirls atop dark, minimalist bass and percussion. Trey's well-placed and sustained "There is a Mountain" teasing functions almost as a cue, with the band transitioning from a dark, mysterious majesty, to "Hood's" characteristic build and euphoric release.
2017-07-30 Drowned New York, NY 21:27 Moving beyond The Who classic, the jam initially settles into some mellow, synth-infused grooving. Around 12:30, the sentiment brightens, and as the power builds, Trey unleashes some effects and trilling which recall the unique style and tone of '00. The jam gradually mellows into probing space.
2017-07-30 ASIHTOS New York, NY 18:02 After a nice low-key standard jam, the music dissolves into a delicate guitar scratch/minimal percussion duet, almost like King Crimson's "Moonchild". Page and Mike jump in and add color to the proceedings, then Page and Trey hit on a repeating pattern that reignites the jam. The band wallows in odd '94-style atonality, weird vocals and Mike's envelope filter and all, then a pitch-black late night groove emerges with Page's electric piano at the forefront and Fish adding a militaristic edge. Exceptionally deep music.
2017-08-01 Golden Age New York, NY 20:02 A bit slow to get going, but really takes off when an uptempo groove kicks in around 11:30 with Trey and Page providing leads over the swiftly moving rhythm section. Continues to pick up steam as Trey takes charge with some exciting playing and peaks the jam before it ends with some brief space.
2017-08-01 Steep New York, NY 12:37 Surprising jam vehicle from the Baker's Dozen. Grows dissonant out of the verses, then darker and more powerful as Mike fires off his meatball and Page leads the jam into cerebrally modulated pastures. Fishman's ride picks up and leads to some fine finger work from bluesy Trey.
2017-08-01 46 Days New York, NY 12:01 Seriously rocking version becomes seriously percussive. Strong, funky, full-band play finds Trey, Page, and Mike breaking from their rigs to join Fish upon his kit. Trey picks a nifty little line upon the Marimba Lumina - lifted from his play preceding "Drums" - and a cool, upbeat jam ensues. Seriously percussive version then becomes seriously spacey. Back with their instruments, the four gel to create a sonic outro which smartly >'s into "Piper".
2017-08-01 Piper New York, NY 13:05 A typically upbeat, rocking "Piper" jam more or less through 7 minutes then shifts into a raw and funky groove recalling a style of jamming commonly found in its "2.0" brethren. Gets more out there after 10 minutes and takes on a darker tone with "46 Days" quotes and lots of bass effects.
2017-08-02 Meat New York, NY 9:21 Baker's Dozen Hole-themed "Meat" - dropped as means to further develop the first set's "morbid" milieu - takes a humorous turn when, from deep within the silent section, Fish jumps the band and butchers the beat. This miscue unearths a slow sort of zombie stomp, which, rising from a bit of primordial ooze, assumes a life of its own. Inventive soloing from Trey, and super contributions from Page, slowly bleeds into "Maze."
2017-08-02 Mike's New York, NY 22:07 After a conventional first jam, this longest version since '96 (until being surpassed by 8/4/23) transitions in the back-in-the-day typical way (i.e., after the "tramps segment closing chords" are played) to a Second Jam that is anything but typical. The lengthy exploration peaks triumphantly at minute 20 and segues into "O Holy Night" of all things after a brief foggy outro.
2017-08-02 Taste New York, NY 18:30 "Taste" gets its first true jam, and it's a doozy, too. Darker-than-usual jamming leads to a lovely shift to major-key blissfulness, Trey's chord playing giving the jam some real warmth. The music shifts to more powerful, if still low-key rocking out, Page's piano at the forefront, then builds to a superb finish. Dies out and > into a superb "Wingsuit".
2017-08-02 Wingsuit New York, NY 11:02 > from a huge "Taste" to cool a historic "Mike's Groove". While the version slowly builds with customary intensity, Trey (6:00) enters a passage of excellent inward play before joined by Page. This develops into pointed, inventive, and, for "Wingsuit", unusual full-band improvisation, before yielding to a strange, restrained, conclusion. > "Sally".
2017-08-04 Scents and Subtle Sounds New York, NY 16:34 Moves quickly into a sprightly upbeat zone with sharp playing from Trey and Page giving the ivories a good workout. The band shifts to a new gear and builds to a squealing fireball peak, replete with a "NMINML" tease. Downshifts into a casual, almost tropical groove (helped by Mike's relaxed basslines and Fish's metronomic work), a groove reminiscent of some 2.0 jams. > into a superb "Caspian".
2017-08-04 Caspian New York, NY 10:06 Blistering version > from an experimental "SaSS." Trey wastes no time finding his line - a huge blast of sustain ripped from the vocal refrain - and, accompanied by pounding Page, simply lays waste to any idea of melodic variation. Incendiary soloing seems to arrive from some other place before Page moves to his keys, Trey fades, and "Caspian" sinks into an eerie sort of abyss. Dark effects and "EIIRP" quotes float to color the surface space before the band breaks for "Fluffhead."
2017-08-05 Jibboo New York, NY 12:23 Some mildly meandering jamming at the beginning occurs as the band seeks a direction, but patience pays off as they eventually all lock into the groove and build energy together. This delivers a decent piano and whale call-dominated peak as the band continues to feed off the audience's energy.
2017-08-05 Plasma New York, NY 10:50 > from "Alaska," serious, introspective play stands out amidst a series of standout moments. "Plasma," at its finest, often evokes early "Timber" jams, with impassioned improvisation by Fish and Trey. There's much of that on display, here, before Trey, deep in a liquid pocket, rides a watery blast of sustain, the band in tow, working the jam to crest and deliver a sunshine of feeling.
2017-08-05 Ghost New York, NY 20:40 After YEARS of sustained lobbying by site users for its chart induction, it's time to have your doughnut, and eat it, too. Twelve shows in, it was just a matter of time before the band delivered a centerpiece "Ghost," and, following a smoking set-closing "Plasma," the band wastes no time, taking the stage and bathing the arena with a smooth sort of "pastiche," a accumulation of BD sounds that manifests around sixteen minutes in when Trey fires a series of notes (which Page traces in a sort of descending pattern) before Phish enters one of its most august moments.
2017-08-06 Most Events Aren't Planned New York, NY 10:49 Impressive debut. While colored with shades of Straus, the version remains true to Vida Blue through Page's vocal delivery. Trey then leads the band on a wonderful odyssey, swapping ideas with Page, who alternates between slinky synth and pointed acoustic, the duo driving the version to a rousing conclusion.
2017-08-06 Simple New York, NY 25:28 A multifaceted capstone, assuredly anchoring the final show of the historic Baker's Dozen run. Luxuriating in each movement, the playing morphs from dark, electro-funk, to brighter, swinging, groovy fun, and then to appropriately celebratory hose. The final winding down is a fitting glaze for this big doughnut.
2017-08-06 YEM New York, NY 24:01 Fiery jam segment with Trey really tearing it up. Mike teases "Izabella" during B&D, leading to a very cool full-band tease. The vocal jam includes quotes of songs previously played during the Baker's Dozen.
2017-12-28 Tube New York, NY 8:06 Page's signature '17 synthesizer, Trey's new organ tone, and Mike's bass effects all enhance this jam's texture which energizes and peaks with Trey out front.
2017-12-28 BOTT New York, NY 9:40 Cool, slight spacey sounds and effects are intermixed within the conventional jam structure, giving this version a decidedly altered tone. Page's return to the baby grand initiates a rousing finish to a solid performance.
2017-12-28 NMINML New York, NY 24:10 Quality NYE version. Drops down to minor key out of the verses as Trey switches on a gloopy effect and Page matches him on the synths, with Fish keeping the snappy "NMINML" beat. The jam grows more warm and upbeat, thanks to some really nifty electric piano work from Page and Mike stoking the mood, then melts away into gossamer-thin ambiance, albeit still pushed forward by Fish's insistent drumming. The tempo picks back up as Trey fires away with squealing notes and Page hammers the ivories, and they triumphantly return to the "NMINML" theme before the jam dies away and they make a neat effects-laden > into "Twist".
2017-12-28 Twist New York, NY 16:20 Nifty > out of "NMINML". Pushes its way to a really lovely major-key jam with Trey stepping up to the forefront, then gets gruffer and nastier thanks to Mike before collapsing into a stomping synth-laden finale and > into "Everything's Right".
2017-12-29 CDT New York, NY 21:02 Drops into a spartan jam right out of the gate, then makes a move to a major-key jam via some memorably neat playing from Trey. A relaxed low-key groove emerges, led by Fish's insistent rhythms and Mike's melodic basslines, then Trey steps back in front and drives the jam to a triumphant peak before maneuvering into "Ghost". Very fine version.
2017-12-29 SOAMelt New York, NY 13:14 Departs standard "SOAM" rather quickly and dips into some nebulous improvisation which straddles the line between light and dark before growing more tense and returning home.
2017-12-30 Tweezer New York, NY 19:30 Key modulates a few mins into the jam, and a bright, effortlessly soaring groove transpires. Excellent interplay by the band as well, including as the jam mightily peaks before they return to the theme and conclude it old school.
2017-12-30 DwD New York, NY 28:21 Big-time version from the NYE run that moves smoothly through powerful grooves that touch upon several shades of darkness, thanks to some really heavy work from both Trey and Mike, before turning upbeat and anthemic and dazzling the crowd with a wonderful feel-good journey to The Land of Bliss. The band gooses some "woo"s, then wind down and segue neatly into "Steam".
2017-12-30 Steam New York, NY 14:09 -> from "DwD", a typically strong "Steam" dissipates well before the 8:00 mark. The band concentrates their effects to create an extended passage of pure space, its chilling, thrilling sounds informing an eerie and impressive din.
2017-12-31 Jibboo New York, NY 14:58 The most exploratory "Gotta Jibboo" since 7/4/00. After standard quiet interplay at the beginning, Page gets funky on the clavinet and Trey heads for funkier and bluesier pastures, until on a dime, the band modulates the key, and a light-hearted and bubbly jam warps time and space to ring in the new year.
2017-12-31 ASIHTOS New York, NY 18:54 Serving as the anchor of NYE's nautically themed set, this jam rides a current of warm major-key play into a funky groove and then sails to a swell peak before receding into the depths.
2018-10-16 Tube Albany, NY 10:27 Page digs into his bag of tricks at 4:15, layering synthesizers on top of the groove, and later Trey takes charge as the jam becomes more rocking and peaks.
2018-10-16 Everything's Right Albany, NY 13:03 Retains an understated intensity throughout and after 7:30 takes on a graceful, ethereal feel, coalescing at 9:30 with a truly beautiful sequence of soaring guitar and deep impact bass. Around 11:30, a Page-led groove is introduced which brings things to a close with a slick -> "Cities".
2018-10-16 Twenty Years Later Albany, NY 14:25 A sick and twisted, evil monster. At first, it sounds like the band is content to tinker with the basic song. But at about 8:00, Fish and Mike hook up and develop a high-power, pulsing and driving base. Chaos ensues, as spacey effects, unusual keyboards, and sick Mike create a throbbing, mind-blowing sensory assault.
2018-10-16 Show of Life Albany, NY 8:55 Regardless of your impression of this song generally, this version deserves a listen. Featuring heartfelt, emotive play and strong communication and interplay, the band, especially Trey, is clearly "in the zone" here, and fans are rewarded with an exceptionally strong version, a cathartic relief following the insane "Twenty Years Later" which immediately preceded.
2018-10-17 CDT Albany, NY 14:54 Following the instrumental bridge and final verse, a pleasant, upbeat groove takes hold. Gradually, the energy in this jam increases to a celebratory peak, before finally returning to "CDT" to conclude.
2018-10-17 Set Your Soul Free Albany, NY 13:35 Somewhat dark grooving, with strong Mike emerges from the song proper. The sentiment brightens with a warmer tone, before returning to darker, more rocking place.
2018-12-28 Set Your Soul Free New York, NY 15:40 Synth lord Page pushes the jam to light and airy bliss pastures. Mike teams up with Fish's ride cymbal to create a delicate pad upon which Trey launches layers of whale call on the backs of delay. Mike uses effects to create a reverberant wash that blanket the fray; this leads to a passage marked by heavy rhythmic downbeats.
2018-12-30 Mike's New York, NY 9:14 Although no "second jam," the post-tramps-segment jam is extended, with Trey passionately soloing (and even trilling) quite fiercely, and there's an excellent peak to the jam taboot.
2018-12-30 Weekapaug New York, NY 12:38 Perhaps the real giveaway that this is a stellar, ferocious, extended 3.0 version is the segue into Crosseyed (which could certainly be smoother, but is still welcome).
2018-12-30 Tube New York, NY 6:04 Abandons funk for a spacey groove with plenty of synthesizer and twinkling staccato notes and then makes a surprise -> "Weekapaug."
2018-12-30 Weekapaug New York, NY 2:19 -> in from "Tube." Hot little "Weekapaug" reprise jam before -> back to "Tube."
2018-12-30 Tube New York, NY 1:36 -> from "Weekapaug" into the breakdown to wrap up another strong 2018 "Tube."
2018-12-30 Everything's Right New York, NY 15:30 Subtle, magisterial, and grand, the jam, bright as DMT (if, in actuality, colored with "WTU?" DNA), slowly builds, gently rising more than gaining intensity, the band riding Trey's wave of sound which crests to swell to become play notably restrained and pretty. This, then, into a perfect > for "Plasma."
2018-12-30 Plasma New York, NY 9:09 As a platform for improvisation, "Plasma" continues to impress. Here, > from a huge "Everything's Right," the band does not cool so much as they are cool. Trey lays way back, yet still manages to inform much of the version's signature sound. Fish's play is polyphonic. Page answers. And Mike offers some of the run's most interesting, and varied, runs. An awesome, cerebral, jam.
2018-12-30 Light New York, NY 20:01 Slides into a warm and relaxed Page-driven jam with Fish's woodblock adding color, then dives into a space not too far away from the preceding "Plasma" at Mike's urging, before building to a huge trill-laden finale and dying away into spaciness. Tremendous version.
2018-12-30 SOAMelt New York, NY 16:47 Almost one year later, the band closes another holiday set with a crazed "Melt." Like 12/29/17, the version sheds form after assuming nothing more than a perfunctory structure. Unlike the 17, however, the musicians - and Page in particular - expand upon 2018's "SOAM" sound, creating that haunting, Phishy sort of shoegaze; another mind-bender; in nature more spectral than musical.
2019-12-28 Free New York, NY 9:42 Active Trey/Mike interplay makes for a more dynamic jam than typical in this plus version.
2019-12-28 Piper New York, NY 10:30 The jam develops an upbeat, celebratory sentiment, with strong contributions from Fish and Page. The intensity continues to build and build, to a furious peak, before finally cycling down to quiet transition space.
2019-12-28 Drowned New York, NY 12:40 The jam first turns for dark, goopy textures on the coattails of Page's synths and Trey's effects. Eventually, this yields way to a spirited "Guy Forget" quote driven by Fishman.
2019-12-29 Carini New York, NY 13:20 After coursing through typical "Carini" territory, the jam breaks beyond at 7:30 into a pulsing, probing phase with cool effects by Page. The intensity ratchets up, then transitions to lighter, warmer exploration, which mellows and resolves to "BOTT."
2019-12-29 Gin New York, NY 15:44 Splits from typical "Gin" at 5:45, first moving through a darker rock section, then a lively organ-led romp and finally a spacey washout.
2019-12-29 Hood New York, NY 17:42 The jam swiftly shifts to minor mode, but the band takes some time to really probe and explore this darker terrain. The intensity increase, settles, re-builds, and shifts back to familiar "Hood" territory. As the jam begins to peak, Trey deploys a long sustained note, for 115 seconds, much to the delight of MSG fans, before finally releasing into the familiar conclusion.
2019-12-30 Blaze On New York, NY 17:17 A bouncy shuffle is led by Page's clavinet and Mike into a "Mind Left Body"-like chord progression. This returns to a mild shuffle, eventually turning into a bliss passage in Eb. A very pleasant melody erupts from Trey and Page, and a pleasant peak evolves. While not a prominent jam peak, it has some longevity and gets to a nice place before winding back down. A pleasant though not intense journey.
2019-12-30 Tweezer New York, NY 34:58 Symphonic in scope, this version features a host of strikingly disparate sections with tempo and key and harmonic and melodic changes galore. Inarguably among the most sublime masterpieces of improvisation in Phish's illustrious history.
2019-12-30 Tweezer New York, NY 2:26 Punches out of "Steam" and soars triumphantly, hearkening back to the peak of the set's opening version, before seguing into "Ruby Waves."
2022-07-22 Golgi Bethel, NY 6:38 While there are scores of clever ways to approach this surprise show opener, it's simple enough to say that those with a stub in hand were on hand for some of the summer's best music. Forget that those who simply love the song heard precision play; Trey, post some of his coolest rhythm guitar (it's such a great song), tacks on an utterly atypical jam segment, but one that, like charming a snake, feels mesmerizing, organic, and pure. And the crowd is there to help stick the landing. What a terrific moment. (See 8.6.22 for more fun play.)
2022-07-22 Sample Bethel, NY 14:18 > from a jammed out "Golgi Apparatus", the band plays what was at the time the longest version of "Sample" to date. Some slinky work by Page kicks this jam off and the rest of the band follows suit. The jam eventually winds its way back to the song proper, as was custom in Summer '22.
2022-07-22 Gumbo Bethel, NY 9:23 In a summer full of surprise jamming tunes, the return of the "Gumbo" jam is surely one of the most welcome for fans of the song's output from '97-'03. This longest version since that heyday (now surpassed) touches on familiar staccato funk and upbeat calypso before ending with a rough-and-tumble -> to "Saw it Again".
2022-07-22 Timber Ho Bethel, NY 8:37 Before there was "Plasma," Phish explored similar sonic terrain via "Timber," a soulful cover with dark undertones, rich and dynamic Fish, a tune affording space for Trey to deliver some of his most devilish licks. No surprise, then, that following one of 22's most inventive opening sequences, the "science" here so applies, a version arguably featuring the best "Timber" full-band improvisation since... Well, who cares: Just tune in for some of the Finest in the Nation.
2022-07-22 YEM Bethel, NY 24:17 The ongoing "YEM" revolution of '21-22 continues in the idyllic setting of Bethel Woods. After a competent if not perfect composed section, the band delivers a potent Type 1 romp in the post-tramps jam. This then gives way to a lively, if brief Drums and Bass section with Mike slathering edgy distortion all over the place. A brief vocal jam ensues, followed by Trey picking up his guitar and building a 60s soul-esque groove out of the VJ ether. This builds to an uplifting, spirited jam with multiple Trey-led peaks.
2022-07-23 Vultures Bethel, NY 7:33 There's Utica. There's Mann. Since 09, however, one can easily argue this is the band's best performance of a song that, when examining its history -- like "The Wedge," or, to a lesser degree, "Esther"-- shifts shapes through a number of manifestations and, as such, deserves extra consideration. Or not. Simply enjoy an excellent rendition that, true to any form, features on-point Fish and incredible Trey.
2022-07-23 Undermind Bethel, NY 13:05 After a strong Trey led first jam, rather than the expected ending, we get 6 or so minutes of extended jamming kicked off by a "Moo" sample from Fishman and delay runs from Trey. Never straying too far, but enhanced with synthy flourishes from Page, the jam becomes moodier and darker before taking on a relaxed and dreamy vibe that brightens to a conclusion and > to FEFY.
2022-07-23 C&P Bethel, NY 16:45 Leaving "Crosseyed" behind after 6:00, this version gallops into a beautifully layered jam on the back of some great work from Fish which runs through 14:00 when it tilts back towards home with sludgy electro effects until > "Miss You".
2022-07-23 Set Your Soul Free Bethel, NY 21:01 "Fourth quarter" magic. No two ways about it. A brief straightforward jam follows the song proper, followed by a brief "Crosseyed" tease/jam. The band then proceeds to dive perilously deep into wide-open space. Musical pivots abound everywhere without hesitation. The band members challenge each other both rhythmically and harmonically to deliver a jam that is high energy, dark, complex, and dissonant at times while never becoming disjointed. Imagine the 8/6/21 "Simple" crossed with some of the deepest moments of a Summer '95 "Tweezer" jam. Magnificently intense music, must-hear. "
2022-07-23 Twist Bethel, NY 12:57 The celebratory yin to the set's preceding yang in the form of a wickedly dense "SYSF", this jam starts off pretty mellow and gets slightly more askew with a descending pattern at 7:00 and shortly thereafter starts the climb to the mountaintop and later erupts with an exaltation of "Still Waiting" at the summit.
2022-07-23 Fire Bethel, NY 5:58 Google: "Trey Anastasio and Chris Cottrell" and you'll find a very real post from Trey expressing just how much he loved Chris, and the love they shared for Hendrix. Best friends, they regularly played Jimi on the stereo, standing in front of the speakers together with Chris leaning into Trey's face yelling: 'Stain!!! Listen to that sustain!' Chris, frequently backstage, would cheer as Trey walked on, saying: "Stain! Sustaaaiiiin!" It'd be nice to think that Trey, back at Bethel, channeled not just his inner-Jimi, but Chris, as well, when, improbably, closing an impossibly cool encore, he lays the "Star Spangled Banner," just rife with sustain, atop the others who continue to run through "Fire." Amazing.
2022-07-27 Wolfman's Wantagh, NY 13:36 > from "Mike's Song" (in a show that would, ultimately, become a "Groove") slinky play emerges as the lyrics fade, the band riding a wonderfully-paced, feel-good wave. Check out Page, around the ten-minute mark, as he shakes things up, via his concert grand, a really cool passage that Trey responds to in kind. Page shifts to his keys, and play becomes refreshingly rocking, with a set of repeated riffs that are as pleasant as the surf smacking the shore. Trey breaks free, working the version to a strong peak before play uniquely cools to a perfectly placed "Ya Mar."
2023-07-30 Bag New York, NY 11:38 More Burlington than Boise, the jam brings to mind early play where the band, opening a set, deftly moves through a song to extend bend-but-not-quite-breaking-free improvisation. Make no mistake, though: Trey and Fish, ticking like a bomb, decidedly get the show on the road.
2023-07-30 My Friend New York, NY 10:06 No clever ruse, "MFMF" goes big again, Trey working the song's melodic outro into a dark, driving solo; this is impassioned jamming that, in spots, sounds like "Fuego." Fire play, either way, that, incredibly, sees Page jumping from his piano to his keys before -> for "Gin" and, of course, a return to his piano.
2023-07-30 Theme New York, NY 10:47 Playful, sprite, and inventive, this is no deep dive, a la 1997, but rather a reflection of Trey's recent penchant to embrace, then explore, recent goofiness. Whacky vocals, "funky" otherness, Trey, way out front and in full effect, moves through his bag of tricks, offering a version that settles to become quite serious, a take on this classic that's not to be missed.
2023-07-30 Life Saving Gun New York, NY 12:57 Debut. Trey and Page's new "Gunn" inflected banger goes big in its live debut. Focused and inventive play moves with purpose through several layers of varying texture, weaving a tapestry of sound that is a true stand out among tour highlights. Breaks > for "No Men".
2023-07-30 NMINML New York, NY 18:15 A fully realized version that feeds on the preceding improvisation, launching itself off ferocious peaks to unfold into a layered and looped blossom of effects that provides a space where melodic lines and muscular leads can weave into a taut and textured fabric. Trey is fluid and confidently in charge throughout, guiding the improvisation over multiple peaks to a smooth decrescendo.
2023-07-30 Light New York, NY 13:10 Strange and cool jam. Play quickly, and especially for "Light," becomes muddled and murky. This isn't to suggest the version isn't musical or, in parts, melodic; rather, the first part of the jam possesses many unique qualities. Just for a bit. Pleasant bleakness considerably brightens, and that by way of experimental play is erased by a bright, peak-driven conclusion.
2023-08-01 Timber Ho New York, NY 9:24 Stretching out "Timber" in one of the the longest versions the band played since returning in 2009 is a great indicator they are feeling comfortable four shows into 2023's MSG residency. The jam stays true to the song for a while before taking on a decidedly Allman Brothers Band feel. Very fun version.
2023-08-01 Wolfman's New York, NY 17:03 Exiting the song proper, Trey wastes no time finding a fat, heavy line. Doing well to push past "The Well" quotes, a truly unique musical conversation ensues, with Mike, in time, dominating much of the discourse. Page is perfect on his piano before jumping to his keys, splashing sound, and moving the jam in a new direction. Worth repeated listens, this is one of Summer 23's actual blockbusters.
2023-08-01 Sample New York, NY 16:36 If Phish plays a residency at MSG, chances are you'll want to hear the version of "Sample" they play there. This second set opener is the longest one played to date. Trey and Mike have some fun interplay which sets the tone for the jam. The band latches onto a real fun groove around 13:30. The end of the jam is awesome and makes you wish they'd keep it going, instead Trey > "Kill Devil Falls."
2023-08-26 Golden Age Saratoga Springs, NY 13:15 A guest appearance and surprising cover selection lead to shimmering play that transcends expectations. Even in the composed section, what the estimable Derek Trucks brings to this special flood recovery benefit performance makes this version, and what follows, must-hear.
2023-08-26 Everything's Right Saratoga Springs, NY 15:42 > from "Golden Age." The first "Everything's Right" with a guest featured is must-hear. From the beginning of the song, Derek Trucks adds a layer to the song that makes it feel fuller and more whole. Around 10:00, Trey and Derek lock in after having traded licks back and forth and within a couple minutes, the jam takes on (as one might expect) a distinctly Allman Brothers' Band feel. This is most certainly a unique take on "ER."
2023-08-26 First Tube Saratoga Springs, NY 8:08 This song closing the second set is about the only thing normal about it. Part of the Derek Trucks sit-in, this standout version is unique in "First Tube" history. Derek and Trey's play is complementary as they navigate the song. Derek then takes center stage with some truly deft playing, sounding almost like he is playing with a slide. Things eventually reach a screaming, soaring peak. Must-hear version.
2023-08-26 Possum Saratoga Springs, NY 10:30 With Derek Trucks, whose slide-like guitar work greatly enhances "Possum's" bluesy flavor. The jam first features DT and Trey trading lead duties before culminating with the two joining forces for a blistering conclusion.
2023-12-30 Fuego New York, NY 16:40 Soars out of the verses into mild weirdness with Trey and Page synthing it up while Mike and Fish keep things on track with a strong pulse, then locks into a tremendous heavy-duty groove just before 11:00 and rocks out until a short interlude and -> "Train Song".
2023-12-30 Life Saving Gun New York, NY 13:08 > from "It's Ice". The song's first set debut and it fits the role of set-closer like a glove. The jam is a raucous, high-energy affair. It peaks, keeps on going and then peaks again.
2023-12-31 Bag New York, NY 18:50 In the shadow of a resurrected rhombus, the "March of The Multibeast" opens an improvisational portal fitting of the historic moment. At once dark and strident, sinister and celebratory, what would be an exceptional excursion under any circumstances becomes transformational in context and relentless in effect. Trey's beastly snarl is finally cooled only by the arrival of the mysterious Tela herself.
2023-12-31 Wilson New York, NY 4:11 Although you may dislike or even hate it, this version involved a chorus and co-lead actor-vocalist Jo Lampert (who also helped narrate the "Gamehendge" performance), to Trey's delight in particular.
2023-12-31 Loving Cup New York, NY 8:03 Erupting from the song, proper, Trey lays into a series of fist-pump power chords, pushes through some "Woos," and pours it on. Infectious, electric play finds Page pounding his keys as the band plays a perfect take for their punchdrunk fans.
2023-12-31 Possum New York, NY 10:05 This extra-mustard thrasher of a version serves as a fitting capstone to a legendary night. Seemingly unwilling to let the night end, Trey and Co. blow past the goal posts with unbridled joy, with a series of false peaks giving way to a mountain-top crescendo and fanfare conclusion.
2024-08-09 NMINML Bethel, NY 14:17 Trey augments his tone just so- a great nod to the song's roots- and wonderfully solos. There's a super, however subtle shift, following the 5:00 mark, and the jam assumes a different register. Blasts of sustain and more great Trey (nifty melodic and thematic variation) builds to bliss tinged with that "Allman's" twist which culminates in a fire conclusion offset by the song's vocal refrain.
2024-08-09 My Friend Bethel, NY 17:27 Atoning for a somewhat ugly composed section, Trey slashes his way through a jam ignited by near full-band "Fuego" teasing, the four then yielding to a cool idea come 8:45, which builds to scattershot, yet engaging and musical improvisation, Trey finally finding a fun, atonal line before turning all "Crosseyed and Painless," which, bettered by Page on his piano, leads to raucous improv, all of this building to inform a fun, playful, 'What the hell was that?' conclusion. Maybe so? Why not.
2024-08-09 Tweezer Bethel, NY 24:10 Like a labyrinthine Hall of Mirrors, this "Tweezer" shifts through several moods and themes in impressionistic fashion. Fishman's cerebral, yet grounded grooving keeps the ship afloat as the band modulates between locked-in funk, abrasive dissonance, nearly rudderless psychedelia and finally a super catchy, Allman Brothers-inflected country rock section that turns anthemic. This then resolves back to the "Tweezer" theme and > a powerful "Pillow Jets".
2024-08-09 Pillow Jets Bethel, NY 13:17 > from "Tweezer". If you didn't know any better, you might think the beginning of this jam was out of "Melt" and not "Pillow Jets". Out of the muck, Trey leads the band into an upbeat, driving jam that oozes energy. Trey weaves his way back to a smooth segue -> "Tweezer".
2024-08-09 Tweezer Bethel, NY 3:03 -> from "Pillow Jets," Trey and Fish work their way into a snappy, musical and inventive "Tweezer" segment featuring rather cool contributions from Mike and Page. Fish is just fantastic and clearly having a blast, while Trey does his thing. A bit by way of noise drops; Trey strums; and the band -> into just what you'd want: "Piper." // Part "Piper" and "song-"outro, a return to the iconic "Tweezer" riff unquestionably caps this incendiary Summer 24 segment.
2024-08-09 Piper Bethel, NY 15:20 Led by Trey's relentless invention and energy, this version is all gas and absolutely no breaks. Fiery group play abstracts at will, downshifting and upshifting without ever sacrificing cohesion, coalescing into a breakneck psychedelic rock clinic with Trey's guitar practically shooting off sparks. A brief return to the "Tweezer" theme (albeit in a different key) provides a fitting reprieve, before finally cooling off for "Shine a Light".
2024-08-09 CDT Bethel, NY 11:46 Don't let the timing deceive you, as this "Chalk Dust" is packed to the brim with ideas and energy. Trey and Mike's inspired, high-energy interplay lead the band through multiple modulations, a "Yankee Doodle" tease, and finally a burn-down-the-house peak, closing up shop on a killer set 2.
2024-08-10 DwD Bethel, NY 17:56 Breaks out of traditional "DWD" space almost immediately for a swirling, psychedelic zone, featuring excellent dynamic play from Mike. With a steady rhythmic attack providing a platform, play grows more and more densely layered, with tonal shifts popping up like wormholes along the way. The train rides on undeterred, before executing an excellent ->"Waves".
2024-08-10 KDF Bethel, NY 17:24 Centerpiece of a strong, cohesive set. > from "Twist," the band directly exits the song and throws just about everything, except Billy Strings (whose sound from the recent Michigan sit-ins looms) at the wall, creating, in fact, not so much a wall of sound, but a light/dark, bright and breezy psychedelic tapestry. Truly great version. And evidence, perhaps, why "just" Phish is more. > to "BASOS."
2024-08-11 46 Days Bethel, NY 9:23 Trey screws around early, setting a great (if strange) tone, and an excellent, somewhat demented jam develops. Naturally, Mike features heavily. Some of the most off-beat Phish - the sort of improv one could listen to for days - does, in time, sync up, building to an upbeat, if familiar, conclusion.
2024-08-11 Gin Bethel, NY 18:28 After toying a bit with beat and meter, play calms at 6:30, and Trey, atop Fish, runs through a nice solo, informed by a (welcome) melody you've heard before. A few minutes later play nearly stills, with Mike and Page emerging to inform much by way of synthy sound. Trey latches on, and in time the jam, pushed by Fish, breaks to become a full-band celebratory affair - music, perhaps at its best, when Page jumps to his concert grand.
2024-08-11 Bag Bethel, NY 21:21 Another big "Bag" following NYE 23's masterpiece, though in lieu of tracking a multi-beast, Trey follows his instincts and summer's touring sound. Halfway through the version Trey discovers a great theme and we're off on another, special, voyage (somewhat reminiscent of MSG's sound), the jam then moving through a number of highly charged and disparate improvisational passages.
2024-10-25 Theme Albany, NY 10:50 "Theme" has frequently featured on the Jam Chart in recent years (this being the 7th entry since '22), with most versions distinguished by play that goes beyond the traditional format, but here the band delivers big time in a relatively small package with a vibrant, purely "Type I" rendition.
2024-10-25 Piper Albany, NY 18:05 Pivots quickly from the usual high-flying "Piper" jam into a moderately suspenseful minor-key zone and gains direction and drive after 8:00 with Mike and Trey riffing in tandem while Page paints the background with synths. After a brief sojourn back in major, the jam reverts to its more foreboding tone as it builds anticipation for an explosive finale and -> "Light".
2024-10-25 Wedge Albany, NY 7:22 Emerging on the back of a sneaky segue from "Tweezer", the band, led by Trey, delivers a version notable for its bounce and heft. More confident than exploratory, Trey's lines never falter or hesitate on the back of the band's rhythmic punch, particularly Page's fine piano play.
2024-10-26 Gin Albany, NY 14:59 > from "Tube". Brooding and searching from the outset of the jam, the tempo and intensity gradually pick up steam. By 11:00, the jam is a vortex of energy; the band functioning as one organism. Trey's guitar shines as Page underscores with great play. Trey winds things back to the "Gin" riff to put a bow on this one.
2024-10-26 Fuego Albany, NY 15:43 Continuing their capacity to surprise, Albany's "context collapse" comes when, exiting "Fuego" proper, Trey directly ignites another creative spark. It's fun to hear a callback to "Jimmy .... Jimmy ...." playing as the band follows an impossibly cool, unprogrammed pattern. After the 9:00 mark, Mike offers an idea, and while the improv doesn't change direction, a slew of sonic sounds emerge, bathing the audience in bending musical 'modes' pleasantly atonal, much different from, yet similar to, a "modern" Melt. Listen to the run's "Mercury" for a completely inverse improvisational approach.
2024-10-27 KDF Albany, NY 17:51 Bursting out of the compositional portion of the song, "Kill Devil Falls" finds inspiration early yet again in 2024, as an engaging Type 1 attack breaks for uncharted waters at the 7:00 minute mark. Fishman's indefatigable pulse anchors an effects-heavy, psychedelic buffet that traverses from minor key pastures towards serene major key play and back again, at points abstracting into a polyrhythmic synth-filled Eden. The music then shifts towards a celebratory major-key romp, before resolving back towards "KDF's" jam/vocals for one last crescendo.
2024-10-27 CDT Albany, NY 22:35 Chalk Dust becomes fuel for a thunderous full burn by the rhythm section which propels the improv irrepressibly forward, arcing through low earth orbit by way of a brief "Stash" tease and yet beyond, the band shedding stages, pushes into a space where relative motion becomes obscured and transmissions are sent and received without atmospheric interference. Rather than merely glancing toward the rafters, Trey rides the band to the starry realm of The Muse and back, splashing down triumphantly.
2024-10-27 Mercury Albany, NY 14:04 Emerging from the compositional portion of "Mercury" with ample aplomb, the jam immediately takes on a family-style, delayed-out electro funk vibe. With each member actively engaged in the melodic conversation, the jam stays in "Type 1" territory, opting for dynamic escalation over deep exploration before closing out with "Mercury's" vocal ending.
2024-10-27 Velvet Sea Albany, NY 7:22 Showing up as the penultimate song in Set 2, this "Wading" is not at all perfunctory. Beautiful and emotive play shines through, hearkening back to the nascent days of the song.
Jam chart versions are selected because of improvisational and other characteristics that distinguish these from typical versions of the song.
The jam chart team has highlighted some versions with a yellow background; these are the versions the team believes to be especially improvisational, or otherwise notable.
A purple date indicates that you were in attendance.


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