Moments In a Box: Jams of June I
6.8.2011 Darien Lake (Craig Carson)
Following last Friday’s ten tunes that were focused on some of the outstanding improvisational passages from June, today let’s look at some other stellar jaunts from the month. With so much amazing music from June and Super Ball, some of the deeper cuts of leg one just might get lost in the shuffle. These selections, all coming from second sets, have other jams in the same frame that overshadow them (except “Steam”), so let’s take a moment to give these jams their propers.
***
“2001” 6.8 II, Darien Center, NY
6.8.11 (C.Carson)
When Phish dropped into this “2001” within a set of heavy grooves, nobody expected what was to follow. Though always fun to hear, despite a few select versions, “2001” hasn’t exactly been the jump off during this era, but that all changed this time around. Weaving the rhythm of “Golden Age” throughout the opening segment, the band infused the space-funk with added zest while a palpable energy filled the pavilion. Following the first theme, the band continued to play with “Golden Age” within the grooves before Trey decided to throw a “What’s the Use?” tease into the mix. Picking up on this idea immediately, the entire band hopped onboard and got into some of one of the coolest segments of “2001” we’ve heard in a while.
[audio:http://phishthoughts.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/2.09-Also-Sprach-Zarathustra.mp3]***
“Reba” 6.17 II, Charlotte, NC
6.17.11 (E.Battuello)
After dropping a tour-defining jam combo in “Rock and Roll > Ghost” at the beginning of this set, the band took a small exhale in “Free” before launching into the first second-set “Reba” since Knoxville ’09 (and before that, Allstate 2000). Obviously feeling it, the band attacked one of their most complex compositions and blissful jams with fury. And they absolutely slaughtered IT. Precisely cruising through the fugue, the band splashed into the cathartic groove with fierce intent. Standing out with superb full-band interplay and an unrelenting peak, this is one of the top-shelf versions of the modern era.
[audio:http://phishthoughts.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/2.06-Reba.mp3]***
“Steam” 6.12 II, Columbia, MD
6.12.11 "Steam" M.Hoyt)
After debuting “Steam”—the only new song of tour—in Cleveland, the band broke it out for the only other time of June at Merriweather Post Pavilion. Slightly altered and more complete than it’s Blossom predecessor, this rendition featured lyrical refrains as the band drifted into the jam, and a hell of a lot of “steam!” Word has it that the band actually mic’ed Kuroda’s onstage smoke machines to get make the “steam” sound so authentic—a new level of particpation for CK5. Anyway you cut it, this sinister groove is going to be a monster, and to be honest, its hard to believe that the band didn’t throw down a festival-sized version at Watkins Glen. Leg two awaits…
[audio:http://phishthoughts.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/phish2011-06-12s2t04.mp3]***
“YEM” 6.5 II, Cincinatti, OH
6.14.11 (J.Crouch)
All of a sudden, in 2011, “You Enjoy Myself” has become a rarity! Only appearing three times in 21 shows, this version that closed Cincy gets my nod for Leg One’s gold medal. Veering the band away from “YEM’s” classic theme, Trey infused divergent leads into the mix and the band followed his direction. One of the most creative renditions in recent memory, this “YEM” contains a whole lot more than a bit of funk.
[audio:http://phishthoughts.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/ph2011-06-05t20.mp3] Tags: 2011, Jams, Summer, Summer 2011
“Plenty of great beer in a can”
I know right, High Life comes in a can.
Hey all! A friend of mine got hosed on Gorge tickets – he bought a bunch for friends that all bailed on him. So he’s got 6 per night (!) he’s trying to unload. And a premiere camping pass.
Since it is not sold out, he’s willing to sell them for less than face. So if you aren’t squared away, let me know and I’ll put you in touch.
My user name at gmail. Thanks
That sucks negev. Not in my plans but you never know as time gets closer. I’ll keep that in mind.
Sumo, beer in a can is clutch if for no other reason than it gets cold faster and you can pound em easier. Then smash em on your cranium. You were at a neck car track after all.
I’m to the point anymore that if fat tire isn’t ice cold from a cooler I don’t dig it like I used to. Cans might help with that in fridge situations. I’ll try this week now that I got paid again.
I didn’t know BK made cans. Cool. Next time you’re in the city we should hit the brewery. Always a good time.
Thanks G7. I’ll repost a few times I’m sure.
His friends should help him not eat the full cost.
I guess he can look on the bright side. Better too many than not enough. (I’m trying here)
Gorge is always an easy ticket tho. Tell him to unload before he sticks em in the fence as decorations and miracles.
gdad, you hitting furthur at the mann on saturday?
Hey fluffers
Yeah he’s doing what he can. I’m not sure why he got so excited and bought so many tickets, but he did. And he and his wife just adopted a little girl, so his wife isn’t even going now.
supersonic.
is your friend local to PDX @n79?
No he’s in San Diego. But I have his premiere camping pass if someone wants that. He’ll be bringing the tickets with him and we’re driving up together for the shows.
I’d be quite surprised if it turned out they didn’t practice in that style, and talk through what they were going for in at least general terms. seems like a conceptual art piece as a whole, one part of which was an improvised musical segment, if you see what I mean. so the music was made to fit the surround sound and the setting…and I think I hear the Storage style creeping in prior to the set itself so I think they did work on that style some…
or could be wishful thinking, would be nice to think they’re back to practicing jamming
They totally practiced jamming in my opinion. I kept hearing that style of jamming the following day. Could have been me or what I took but I swear I did.
Would be funny if they did it home alone style with the shades down. Chilling on their bus smoking fatties watching it on tv, seeing everyone digging it while it’s all prerecorded.
@Vegas Wolfman’s – Thanks for the heads up on Road Trips 1.1. I haven’t really paid any attention to what they’ve released in the Road Trips series
Fall ’79 highlights remastered sounds like a good thing to me
Brooklyn Summer Ale comes in a can -that was my SBIX choice
can also get Brooklyn Lager, but I passed as it was too pricey
suppose the Gorge will only strengthen my canned beer taste -bring on the 100F heat…NOT!
as for Phish… haven’t been the hugest 3.0 YEM fan but I’ll admit I kinda was hoping for one to close SBIX (if only cause it’s so damned long). MSG ’10 YEM remains my 3.0 fav (though best vocal jam belongs to Albany ’09)
fortunately for us the hottest thing at gorge will be the band on stage. i’ve got a feeling with our collective happiness, whoever the hell runs the weather is gonna look on us and smile and give us sunshine and a cool breeze.
and the band is gonna use the see thru backdrop.
@Sumo – re 100F heat: we’ve been having an unusually cool (and rainy) summer here in Portland. We’ve had only a few 80+ days and I think no days over 90 degrees yet. Was curious so checked Gorge forecast – currently sunny or partly cloudy and mid 70’s to low 80’s during the day and mid 50’s at night for the rest of this week.
Fingers crossed the cool weather sticks around for a bit after that….maybe we’ll all get lucky.
Mitch, you and I are on the same page, clearly.
maybe we will get super lucky and have lots of hot single ladies taboot taboot. but im not pushing it 🙂
night fools
“voops, come to the tt for some tt fun”
sorry aj, my TT trips are typically 12-3pm PDT…didn’t visit today ’cause I’m recovering from a sucky summer cold, and wasn’t in the mood. Evenings are dependent on other schedules. Should be there tomorrow, feeling much better that I was earlier toady.
Anyone up?
Negev97- Are u an Arsenal fan? Sorry just threw up in my mouth….
Can’t wait to meet you guys!! This is gonna blow up!! Walk On…..
SBIX Waves vs. Bethel Soundcheck Waves? Who’s the winner, besides all of us listening to both. 🙂