Definitely check this soundcheck out. It's pretty much all jams of varying styles, including some nice funk. I always find it interesting to hear the band discuss their jamming, and there's some of that here, as well. This is also a nice opportunity to hear extended jamming that features Page on theremin and Moog. Throw in some comedy with the Mr. Sausage tribute, and you've got some very entertaining listening.

Magnaball has prompted me to revisit past shows whose names are August fest. Finally listened to the SBD of this soundcheck for the first time. The AUD fragment that I've had for years doesn't do it justice. The SBD provides a wonderful glimpse of an improbably tight band playing loosely. The 1st jam, joined in progress, rocks hard. The 2nd jam is actually more of a Tweeprise jam than a HYHU jam, at least to my ears. Jam #3 is an exquisite melody. Sounds familiar, but I can't place it. Simply beautiful. Jam #4 is the big one. Starts with formulaic blues-rock riffing, but it gets good and weird for several minutes before it ultimately fades out.

Incredibly underrated. The band sounds so tight. The opening jam which is around eleven minutes is a total precursor to the tight jamming style that would come in 97. Trey absolutely shreds. Page gets exploratory on the theremin and moog at times. It's absolutely awesome to hear the band talk about jamming. Really is a nice look into their minds in an era that was so crucial to the bands development.

This was awesome arriving early for the first fest. We were treated to a lengthy sound check. Some call it an actual show. Very peaceful and mellow for the small gathering. We got as close as we could to hear, everyone dancing and having a good time. We brought fluff the cat up with us. We tried the leash thing but just let him wander. He just roamed about mingling with everyone enjoying the scene. This was just a taste how wonderful the crowd was going to be for the next couple of days and a welcomed change from the fall 95 crowd.