Phish - February 24th, 2023

Terrific Phish. Yes, the old-school "Stash" formula continues to melt, but the band, while eschewing tension and release, doesn't break for "major," or "bliss" jamming; instead, driven by Fish, the friends quickly enter an extended passage of full-band improvisation - a jam (given there are two) better left playing than reading someone labor to describe. Or, if you like: It's as if current runs at "Melt" and "Stash" produce a love child. All this and the band doesn't veer so far that "Stash," as song, becomes unrecognizable. Amazing.

A version that takes its cues from the terrain of the Yucatan, dives into sonar laden depths and emerges through sunken caves to march up erupting volcanic peaks. A journey from the sublime to the menacing, "Melt" continues to offer some of the band's most forward looking improvisation.

Fish sets the tone early with some stellar play that shines through. As the jam breaks from the song proper, a dark, subdued tone accompanies a slower tempo. Music served better for a mystery than on the beach. The tempo gradually rises again and the jam builds to a frenetic, heavy-effects peak-adjacent. > "Ruby Waves" setting the stage for the first ever pairing of the two Waves tunes.

Veritable monster of a version. The band enthusiastically sets up a passage of dense, funky psychedelia off the back of Fish's propulsive engine. Inspiring play follows as Trey, Mike and Page all shine with affected tones and loops. Without ever dipping in energy, the band then patiently builds to a seriously rocking peak section before returning to the main theme of "Ruby Waves."

This short powerhouse immediately leaves "CDT" behind for dark and choppy waters, surging ahead until 6:35 when it blurs the line between melancholy and ecstasy in brilliant fashion. More impassioned bliss follows, and then the jam slowly dissipates over the closing minutes and > "Gin".

> from a barnburner "CDT". Everything one would expect from a set-closing Gin. No lulls or slow tempo, just upbeat and fun the whole way through. Around the 12 minute mark, Mike comes barreling in to push the jam to another level as he takes the lead. Things eventually lead to the set-closing peak that doesn't disappoint.