Phish makes good use of new and old tunes.

Gin doesn't cover much territory, but having it as a show opener is always special. Foam is the business, top shelf version without a doubt. It expresses all the nuances of Foam and it's all the better because of it. Samson Variation was really cool after Foam. You can clearly see it's connection to Foam, and how they're similar. You get a couple new songs in Dirt , Vultures and Twist, slowly simmering and getting character. Twist has a nice little jam coming out of it testing it's potential. Also the segue from Twist to Jesus Just Left Chicago is superb, JJLC is also noteworthy because of Pages extended and inspired solo.

This is definitely a show where I prefer the 1st set over the second. The second set has some ideas that would eventually grow to make great sets later on in the year. Julius has a little stretch to it but isn't anything new and spectacular. Simple is strong but not exploratory. Fluffhead is a very straight forward version, well played but still bare bones. Lifeboy is a great choice after the ending coda to Fluffhead. Highlight of the Set is likely Taste, slowly growing the delicate intensity that would eventually lead to bigger and better things as the year progressed.

Solid Encore. Slave is strong and Bouncing is bouncing.

Overall not a top tier '97 show. But an inspired 1st set is always welcome.