This Mike's is an ancestor of 1997.

I've been plowing thru '96 shows to get a better sense of how the '97 funk evolution came about, and this Mike's provides a window into the future.

There is an extended funk section, and an extended Trey-taking-a-backseat section. Neither of those things were commonplace during '96 (at least not to the extent that would become perfectly normal in '97 and '98).

You can find fun Europe Summer '97 shows that also hint at the funk emphasis that was about to unfold. But having listened to every show of '96 for the sole purpose of seeking out when the guys started to sound different, this is the first obvious precursor I've found of what's to come. Worth a listen!