Phish - July 24th, 2018

Although it keeps to the "46 Days" format, this show-opening version offers a surprising amount of atypical play, mostly from Trey who utilizes new tones to color the jam.

This siren song kicks off with Page on Rhodes and Trey on fast Leslie following Fishman to a quieter, warbly dynamic. Trey eventually goes whale call as the jam moves to bliss pastures in G, eventually moving to a patient build up to a mellow peak. Polyrhythm from Fishman and synth/wurlitzer work from Page ensue as the jam decrescendos. Eventually the jam winds to arhythmic space, until Fishman cues the band back for one final chorus.

2018's summer offers three strong versions (see 8/11 and 8/31), but the first, > from an extraordinary "ASIHTOS," before > into a classic "Carini," might prove to be the most interesting. While Trey still struggles early, the improvisation post-vocals marks a departure from solid 2017, and earlier, play. Less groove-oriented, the musicians create, as if for the purpose of allowing others to inhabit, distinct pockets of "space." Patient, pretty, and marked by an airy fluidity, the jam splinters into spheres of sound, while never fully losing its shape, before Trey's inspired, protracted, and truly cosmic soloing, dominates the conclusion.

Quickly moves from the song proper into a Mike-driven snappy groove with Trey adding some Echoplex-y color and Fish playing around with the rhythm at times. Switches up on a dime into a energetic "Golden Age"-reminiscent beat, Page adding a calypso vibe and Trey adding sparse but lovely accompaniment, then morphs into triumphant hose. Dies away after a massive peak and > into "Maze".