This show's Llama is indirectly responsible for my now massive love for this band. Years ago, I watched a video on YouTube that included sped-up footage of two llamas that had escaped from a zoo and evaded capture by animal control on live news. Over the video, Bela Fleck joined Phish for one of the best versions of Llama ever played. I'd never heard the tune, and only knew YEM. Immediately, I went and listened to A Picture of Nectar and became hooked. Funnily enough, I would start undergrad at Vanderbilt University a few months later. I've spend many hours watching Vandy lose basketball games in Memorial Gym--would've been fucking awesome to see these guys there.

This show is a ripper. Very strong Stash and Divided Sky in the first set, plus a nice early Guyute. Second set Bowie is unique in working in a lot of major-third notes over the dark background, giving a very exotic feel to the jam. Reba is a fucking powerhouse with plenty of rhythmic play (which Page never quite abandons) and a nice atypical harmonic section akin to 7/6/94 in Quebec. The DEG tease into the peak seals the damn deal.

Once Fleck joins the band, it's nothing but highlights. Mule is phenomenal, Lifeboy breathes passionate life, and the bluegrass tunes are all-the-more authentic. Llama is required listening. Second-longest version ever, and grows awesomely from an understated acoustic rendition to a blazing electric delivery.