Phish - December 29th, 1995

Very improvisational considering this version largely stays in bounds. Like many versions from '95, the band stretches the duration, creating a psychological thriller, but the music is less exploratory than '93 - '94. Not a good trend for "Stash."

Fish is the superhero in this exceptional version. A great Fluff's Travels gets the ball rolling, while safe passage through the Siren-like perils of The Chase leads to a great Who Do? We Do! It's during this section that Fish really cranks up the intensity of his highly precise rhythmic base. From the swift, complimentary snare drums in Bundle of Joy, to the cannon-like power drumming in Arrival, this is a great example of the drummer's talent and importance in holding this complex composition together.

"Gin" -> "The Real Me" -> "Gin." Fantastic, inspired and rocking version. The "Gin" sections that bookend the Who classic are improvisational fare, but all fit together seamlessly into one flowing jam. -> to "McGrupp."

-> in from "Bathtub Gin." Following their 1995 Halloween costume, the band surprisingly revisits this Who classic in the middle of a fantastic, rocking and "Type II" Gin. "The Real Me" includes more exploratory jamming than its debut 3 months prior. -> back to "Gin."

-> in from "The Real Me" with more great improvisation before returning to the "Gin" theme to conclude and -> to "McGrupp."

-> in from the historic "Real Gin." "McGrupp" features an airy opening, replete with Trey's signature '95-style, Leslie-infused shimmering tone. Wonderful playing throughout. Page breaks for a dark calm, marked not so much by eeriness, but a general psychedelia, enhanced by an exotic, Eastern sentiment, combined with nice restraint by Trey. Great fills from Fish lead to a powerful conclusion.

> in from "BBFCFM." An excellent bass duet jam with Mike and his instructor, Jim Stinnett. The duet includes teases of "Keep It Greasy" and Bach's "6th Brandenburg Concerto" (aka the "Masterpiece Theater Theme"), and -> to "La Grange."