Jam Chart: Recommended Jams Seen by PhlyPhisher (52 entries)
| Date | Song | City | Timing | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1993-05-06 | Albany, NY | 19:44 | Very melodic jamming. "Sweet Emotion" and "Crimes of the Mind" jams as well. | |
| 1993-08-07 | Darien Center, NY | 10:30 | This classic version features a long, fantastic Page solo with solid backing from the others. As it continues, the energized nature of the playing increases, and Mike is noticeably strong before Fish fires off the Gatling guns to signal the closing section. Released on Live Bait 4. | |
| 1994-04-10 | 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 | 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. | |
| 1995-06-22 | Canandaigua, NY | 45:00 | The Finger Lakes "FLeezer." Another masterpiece of Phish improv that segues into "Tweeprise." Must-f'ing-hear. Includes Fish on vacuum for a spell, and a "My Generation" jam. | |
| 1995-06-22 | Canandaigua, NY | 2:43 | -> in from "Tweezer" to close out the famed "Fleezer." | |
| 1995-12-07 | 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 | 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 | 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 | 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. | |
| 1995-12-09 | 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.) | |
| 1997-12-11 | 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 | 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. | |
| 1997-12-13 | 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. | |
| 1999-10-10 | Albany, NY | 26:20 | TWO AWESOME JAM SEGMENTS!!!! (No B&D, no VJ.) | |
| 1999-12-05 | Rochester, NY | 12:55 | The closest thing to a "jammed out" version of "Taste" (before 2017), as the band stretches Trey's solo out into a very extended and mellow groove, before returning to more familiar ground. | |
| 1999-12-05 | Rochester, NY | 14:14 | Loosely segues out of "Mike's" and includes a very atypical jam that "goes type II" and RAGES before eventually cooling down, spacing-out, and seguing well into "Hydrogen." | |
| 2000-09-14 | Darien Center, NY | 9:19 | The band breaks into a fantastic rhythmic and slightly funky jam after the second verse which continues until 8:00. Following the final verse and customary conclusion, the band continues on, > to "Jam," an awesome "Suzy"-like set closing improv session. | |
| 2000-09-14 | Darien Center, NY | 11:33 | Although the jam travels within a narrow band musically, there are a lot of subtleties that make this one a real standout. Fish is awesome! | |
| 2000-09-14 | Darien Center, NY | 31:19 | Phenomenal masterpiece of improvisation that is largely Page, Mike and Fish directed. One of the more challenging jams to appreciate, it may take several listens to fully sink in. But it's well worth the effort to get your arms and head around this magnum opus that transitions (>) to "Crosseyed And Painless." | |
| 2000-09-14 | Darien Center, NY | 9:36 | Incredible show of force! Bonus outro-jam taboot! | |
| 2011-06-08 | Darien Center, NY | 8:45 | "Golden Age," "Happy Birthday," and "WTU?" teases worked in perfectly, along with a serious syncopated throwdown, make this one a must hear. Play this to impress others. | |
| 2012-07-08 | Saratoga Springs, NY | 15:31 | Multi-dimensional, very high quality jamming. "Piper" has come back a long way since '09. > to "Free." | |
| 2013-07-06 | 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 | 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." | |
| 2014-07-03 | 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 | 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 | 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." | |
| 2015-08-07 | Cuyahoga Falls, OH | 15:00 | Again, a jam emerges following the closing refrain. Beginning in a relaxed, minor mode groove, the mode shifts to major, and Trey works into a great theme/melody. After bringing the play to a peak and transition settling, the energy rebuilds and -> to "Tweezer." | |
| 2015-08-07 | Cuyahoga Falls, OH | 19:18 | Spectacular improvisation that traverses titillating terrain before mellifluously mellowing into "Lizards." | |
| 2015-08-09 | East Troy, WI | 12:27 | The 1st jam begins well with Echoplex-infused effects, before Trey drops into more familiar territory. Again, there is a 2nd jam, also with an unusual transition after the traditional closing chords. This time, a high octane section leads off, followed by a funky breakdown jam which grows intense with a "Help On The Way"-like sense around 9:30. Woos make an appearance, followed by more funk action. | |
| 2015-08-21 | 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". | |
| 2015-08-22 | 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 | 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 | 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". | |
| 2015-08-23 | 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. | |
| 2016-07-01 | 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." | |
| 2016-07-03 | 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." | |
| 2017-07-18 | Dayton, OH | 13:01 | "Wombat"'s second big ride shrugs off some dubious vocals to deliver a hard-charging "Ghost"-esque late night groove that morphs into delicious major key rocking out. Mike's work, in particular, is a joy to behold. Collapses into bubbly ambiance, then > into "Chalk Dust Torture". | |
| 2017-07-19 | Pittsburgh, PA | 15:26 | Inspired full-band play departs "Caspian" proper around the 5:00 mark. Trey shapes his tone, and his impassioned and varied soloing arrives as if from some astral plane. The jam then cools to float upon an atmospheric, yet highly musical wave, whose "No Quarter" undertones give way to trilling which slowly builds to the first of several very powerful peaks. | |
| 2017-09-01 | Commerce City, CO | 23:46 | Awash in 2017's signature synth and Trey's latest effects, an example, here, of space down to a science. As Page explores his keyboards, Trey sheds the guitar and uses a new device to create a hushed, astral plane. Back on guitar, Trey guides the musicians, who together shape a celebratory peak. | |
| 2018-08-31 | Commerce City, CO | 18:56 | A statement jam from Trey who takes the reins and solos extensively en route to a euphoric peak. | |
| 2018-10-16 | 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. | |
| 2019-06-19 | Cuyahoga Falls, OH | 23:30 | Fan favorite from 2019. Immediately moves into a warm and soothing zone with Page's electric piano leading the way, then briefly picks up steam and lets Trey cook before sliding into a grimy synth-laden groove that Fish drives with some thunderous drumming. A nice semi-tropical jam emerges and gives way to a woo/sample-off, and then the band rebuilds the jam and pushes for a super peak. The nifty little post-peak groove they tack onto the end is just icing on the cake. | |
| 2019-06-26 | Bangor, ME | 12:50 | -> out of a superb "Fuego". Gets deliciously, almost heavy-metal sludgy dark right out of the gate, Mike and Fish really powering this gruesomeness. Fish snaps into a wickedly danceable beat which the band rides for all it's worth (nearly swerving into "Sand" at one point), before they swing into a new key and pull out a sick -> into "The Final Hurrah". A wonderful jam. | |
| 2021-08-11 | Hershey, PA | 18:48 | Much like the also-superb 7/9/16 "DWD", mainly stays within the envelope of the usual "BOAF" jam at first, but finds some interesting avenues within thanks to Trey's handy effects pedals. Moves into major key with Page switching to electric piano and Trey playing some repeating notes, then Fish kicks into high gear and Trey briefly switches to chords before tearing off some gnarly solos. Moves into a stranger 2.0-esque zone with Trey building up a wall of sound with his effects, Fish really urging him on, then cools down and heads back to "BOAF" proper (a thing that happened a lot this year). Strong version from one of the Summer's strongest shows. | |
| 2022-07-23 | 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 | 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. " | |
| 2022-08-02 | Cuyahoga Falls, OH | 24:46 | The usual jam section is perfunctory, but improv continues after the normal ending and soon ascends to a more ethereal plane with thick bass counterpointing magisterial guitar and piano leads. Around 13:00, dirty synth sounds are introduced briefly and then melded into another round of upbeat melodic play which continues through 18:00 when the jam shifts to minor and becomes more rock-oriented, before a final delicate coda > "Esther". | |
| 2023-07-23 | Syracuse, NY | 18:46 | Firmly in the conversation for best "KDF" to date, this version diverges quickly with a driving, upbeat jam which then becomes more textural and hard-edged after 9:00. It then reverts to major for the stretch run to a strong peak which Trey hammers home with a memorable melodic hook. | |
| 2023-10-10 | Dayton, OH | 19:14 | After a standard and somewhat introspective first jam, the band once again charges into the fabled second jam, ready to explore. The music grows inward, as Page's rich, gorgeous grand piano catalyzes a delightfully layered and stunningly spacious melodic section, replete with gorgeous loops from Trey. At 14:25, a modulation leads the band toward a darker zone that builds to a shoegaze-y peak before yielding to the closing chords to finish. | |
| 2023-10-11 | Dayton, OH | 30:28 | A multi-section monstrosity that features highly inspired melodic playing, atypical modulations, an extended passage based on either "Roll with the Changes" or "Paradise City", and a false ending that catalyzes a deep dive of inter-dimensional sonic alchemy rarely heard in the modern era. Must-hear. |
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.
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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