Bonus Phish
9.14.11 - Essex Junction, VT (Graham Lucas / webcast)
And then Phish came home to Vermont. The prodigal band of The Green Mountain State put its best foot forward on Wednesday night to help in a statewide relief effort in the wake Hurricane Irene. Or if looking at the show from a Phish-centric perspective, Summer 2011 was so phenomenal that it needed an encore. And in their home state, the band delivered a high-powered performance with portions of stellar improv in a fun-filled summer finale. Legions of fans descended upon Burlington for the quickly-planned benefit—a bonus round of Phish tacked on to a marathon touring season that has finally come to a close.
Essex Junction Official Print (J.Helton)
An unpatrolled and peaceful free-for-all at Champlain Valley Expo was highlighted by the opening sequence of the second set, “Carini > Down with Disease > Slave.” Only the second appearance since August, the set-opening “Carini” (dedicated to Pete Carini, himself) built into a summer highlight—a refreshing rendition after several innocuous outings (less Hollywood Bowl’s). Diving deep into the song’s menacing sound for some quality time, just when many recent versions have ended, this one took off. Following a tremendous hard rock peak, Trey took a step back and the band settled into melodic three-man canvas. On top of this uplifting plane, Trey began to narrate universal tales of splendor. Dripping soulful melodies over an increasingly abstract backdrop, Trey garnered the spotlight as the band came together in a gorgeous mélange of harmony and melody. Traveling a blissful path of convergence between the spiritual realms of music and consciousness, Phish brought this jam to the Promise Land before coyly steered the ending into the murky, bass-laden intro of “Down with Disease.”
9.14.11 (Michael Stein)
The entrance into another guaranteed launch-pad had the show in an elevated state and the audience raging right along. Sailing into the high-energy jaunt, Phish took this “Disease” in an exploratory direction without ever losing speed. Trey exited the shredding composed jam using hard-edged rhythm chops to bridge a very dirty solo with all sorts of rhythmic features as well as lead qualities. Mike stood head to head with Trey, crushing bass line after bass line while the band locked in for the long haul. Gradually peeling away layers, the guys entered a more percussive realm anchored by break-beat action from Fishman and larger than life offerings from Gordeaux. Page tickled his organ while Trey comped the exercise with a series of rhythm chords that offered a new progression into the mix. Passing through a constantly morphing groove, the band, collectively, migrated into a more ambient plane that was getting particularly heavy when the band resolved the jam rather quickly and entered “Slave.” A unique version, this “Disease” packs a heavy punch while exploring new ground. Combining with “Carini,” this set-opening combo formed a particularly meaty sequence.
9.14.11 (Michael Stein)
I always like it when the band places songs like “Slave” or “Hood” in the middle of the second set rather than as closers. It is in these slots that they get the full treatment. And last night’s mid-set “Slave” was another perfect example of this scenario. Taking all the time in the world to float amidst the jam’s ethereal opening, it took a bit before Fishman even slid into a subtle groove. A patient and intricate rendition brought the audience through a mid-set catharsis, as the band juiced each note for full emotion. Picking up a powerful solo late into the collaborative piece, Trey tactfully picked his spot and struck, initiating the “Slave’s” final build.
And as soon as the first segment set concluded, the band kicked out a mid-set “Rock and Roll.” Sticking to high-energy rock for the duration of the jam, the band seemed to be building into more substantial music when Trey came in with the out of place beginning of “Twist.” The band adjusted quickly and the move came off quasi-smoothly, but any potential of a deeper excursion was quickly erased. On the back end of this one-two punch came a version of “Twist” that didn’t veer from its theme, but still managed to get into impressive interplay. The band’s well-honed communication skills shone in this succinct version that wrapped up the second mini-segment of the set.
9.14.11 (Michael Stein)
Up through this point, the band had the audience in the palm of their handsand the high-quality set deserved a more emphatic closing sequence than it received. Following a spirited, guitar-led “Number Line” that Trey peaked with a geyser of emotive licks, and a soaring “Theme From the Bottom” that paired odes to friendship, instead of choosing a larger set closer like “David Bowie” or “You Enjoy Myself” that would have really punctuated this set with a “complete” feel, Phish took the “Suzy,” “Character Zero” route. And while each song’s individual performance was noteworthy in its own right, the combination fell a bit flat. A “Loving Cup” encore, though common this year, was a fitting end to a summer filled with so many beautiful buzzes.
And thus the night of bonus Phish— a pair of musical extra innings—came to a close. In a summer of thrills, the band scripted one more night for the benefit of its birthplace. Returning to the Vermont for the first time since Coventry’s 2004 debacle, the vibe could not have been more polar opposite at Essex Junction last night. And when Phish took their final bow in the cool New England air, concluding the special evening, joy was the pervading feeling—a far cry from the bittersweet farewell in Vermont seven years ago. Summer 2011 had finally ended. From Bethel to Denver and then to Vermont, Phish blazed a trail of fire throughout the country from late-May to mid-September, and did so in style as the undisputed pimps of the galaxy.
First Set Thoughts:
9.14.11 (G.Lucas / webcast)
Vermont’s first set carried a very song-heavy feeling right from the start, and most of the songs were common first-set fare. “Moma Dance” featured the energetic funk that has fueled a summer revival of the recently-stale piece. Impressive versions of “Bathtub Gin” and “Wolfman’s Brother” bookended an “Alaska,” “Possum” sandwich before “Julius” closed the set. And coming from someone who has no love for “Julius” whatsoever, this version actually had something to it. Featuring more creative full-band interplay than normal, the set ended with a highlight version of the song. But the gem of the set lied in “Wolfman’s.” Taking the piece into growling, uncompressed realms, Trey directed the funk in a dirty direction right out of the gates. Page added his own layer of dissonance and Fish and Mike churned out a gooey pocket. Concluding a summer that has seen “Wolfman’s” transcend its straightforward funk of the last two years, the band infused the grooves of this version with aggressive textures. While never totally departing from the theme, the band crafted a heavy-handed highlight late in the opening set.
I: Chalk Dust Torture, The Moma Dance, NICU, Funky Bitch, Sample in a Jar, Cavern, Bathtub Gin, Alaska, Possum, Wolfman’s Brother, Julius
II: Carini > Down with Disease > Slave to the Traffic Light, Rock and Roll > Twist, Backwards Down the Number Line, Theme From the Bottom > Suzy Greenberg, Character Zero
E: Loving Cup
9.14.11 (Graham Lucas / webcast)
You bet alf! After I get through with this years shows, and before tackling Trey this fall, I’m going to go back to summer 10 and then fall 09 and summer 09 and try to sort through all of those. Some of those lack seeds, but I’ll do the best I can. That should keep me busy until spring Europe tour right?
I’m a duck-fan-in-law, my wife is a UO grad
I like the offense in general but am pretty critical of the obvious matchup problems with bigger teams as nick fairley proved in the championship game…
so I do root for them of course but I’m not an Oregon homer. I was bummed for my wife and kid who were all fanned up but my takeaway form that game was that Cam Newton is legit. I wasn’t sure he’d have NFL decision making speed and accuracy but I thought he showed enough in that game to earn himself the benefit of the doubt.
I mean his ceiling is a much stonger/tougher Mike Vick. Think about that. Even if there’s only a 20% chance of that happening I think you have to roll the dice.
Plus who has ever cared about the Panthers? To succeed you have to put fans in the seats and Cam will do that.
nick fairley too. he won’t be as dominant in the nfl because he won’t have the size advantage, but he def has a proper passrushing mentality and all that…
Cuse over USC this weekend. Go orange!!!
LSU all the way baby
@ bearito – thinking we might tackle that green chile this weekend!
Lions are straight legit but are stuck in a super brutal division
Bills are at least semi legit but also in a really tough division. 4 games vs jets and pats is no fucking joke.
both teams are on the right path but could end up with records that don’t really reflect how good they are
Fan-in-law … I can understand that.
I graduated from Auburn so last year was a complete gift for me. Wasn’t expecting it (never am with the Tigers) but was very glad to be in Glendale for the big game in January.
Wasn’t sure what Cam would be able to do in the NFL – his play last week sends good signals that he can produce. Will be interesting to watch and since I’m pretty close to CLT, I will probably watch him in person with Guyute, El Dude, and/or Leo Weaver at some point this season.
I’m a Bills fan and I tell you honestly that they are not legit. KC was awful in that game. No way the Bills improved that much in one stirke shortened off season. I have faith, but that’s a bit much.
Don’t tase me bro!!!
http://www.wwl.com/–Expanded—security-checks-for-fans-going-into-t/10926525
if the ducks can start recruiting outside their traditional areas and get some O-linemen who are fast enough to work the spread but big enough to block SEC type rushers….damn
worth remembering how close that championship game was. they’re not far from turning that final corner.
football on friday? really?!
oh yeah it is fall.
my dad actually believes, i mean really believes, that the bills are going to the playoffs every year. told me this year they would have the best defense in the league (halfway through pre season: ‘merriman is making plays all over the field, watch out’)
couldn’t have had a worse outcome in week 1. really hope they get beat down like the shitty team they are in week 2 so he’ll calm down a little bit.
though i’m guilty too of nonsensical faith in a western ny team, along with at least one other BBer (go sabres, and hi stitch)
I would say something positive about the Colts and Boilers, but really, there’s nothing to say. ***hangs head in shame***
deal with it x 50 @pham b
I don’t think the Bills are a playoff team or anything but I do think they’re on the right path. when I say legit for them I really just mean they’re headed towards respectability, not contention.
da bears. @mr c – revised your bears analysis i see? good call. urlachers mom passed unexpectedly this week so he may be out against the saints. but when he comes back, season will be for her. i pity the poor fools in his way this year.
lions have done nothing yet to prove they are legit. one win against a good team doesn’t prove anything. they have a couple of weapons, but still need to win some more games.
it’s still a Bears, Packers battle.
Hope for Colts = completely sucking this year, Collins knocked out, starting Painter the rest of the way, drafting Andrew Luck, who learns behind Peyton for 2 seasons and then passes the torch.
Nice @ stapes
I forgot to mention a crucial step in my recipe the other day
Coat the cubed pork shoulder liberally in a spice rub before browning
Really caramelize well, in batches
Makes a HUGE difference in the end result
My basic go-to rub: Equal parts
Smoked Paprika
Hungarian Hot Paprika
Dry Mustard
Garlic Powder
Onion Powder
Dried Chipotle Powder
Ancho Chili Powder
Himalayan Pink Salt or Grey Salt
Cinnamon 1/2 Part
Tellicherry Black Peppercorns, ground fresh of course
Freshly Ground Toasted Cumin Seeds (important)
Sabres have a real shot at the cup this year, there I said it.
well all preseason opinions are 100% subject to revision in the face of actual facts, so yeah
but I think what you say about the Lions goes for the Bears too. One win against a good team is all either one has done, and I’m not even really sold on ATL as a good team this year – TB might be better than ATL, TB is very much an unknown right now. I moved the Bears out of “potential huge falloff” category into “might actually be good” category for now and am really in Need More Data mode
I still suspect the Packers are vastly superior to the Bears though. We’ll see.
Detroit is probably the third best team in the division, but it’s a really good division.
In their case what I mean by legit is: they look like a real wild card contender to me.
just went to espn.com to see when the hockey season starts, and the front page is the bills with an article about them & the lions making the playoffs
thought for a minute i logged onto the onion by mistake
Urlacher will play and have a huge game.
I am legally required to add the caveat “if Stafford can stay healthy” to all comments regarding the Lions, so here it is
I hope not Guyute!