The Return of the 29th

12.29.13 (Jake Silco)

12.29.13 (Jake Silco)

The 29th of December holds a special place in Phish lore. For several years in the mid to late ‘90s, this date yielded many of the band’s most prolific exploits and most outlandish shows of their respective New Year’s Runs. After a standout showing on December 29th of their comeback year in Miami, Phish had played a couple of genuine stinkers on this date in 2011 and 2012, after skipping it all together in 2010. Needless to say, the hallowed date of the 29th had taken a hit in pantheon of Phish dates. Within these more recent years, the guys had made a practice of knocking the first show of any given tour or run out of the ballpark. On 12.28 of both 2011 and 2012, Phish kicked off their MSG run with high quality performances that were, arguably, the best two-setters of their respective runs. But when the band came out on the 28th of this year with a fairly straightforward show, the entire run picked up a different trajectory. And so did the potential of the 29th.

12.29.13 (J.Silco)

12.29.13 (J.Silco)

The opening set possessed a palpable energy right from the start, as “Moma Dance” and “Rift” persuaded our souls to ignite. “Roggae” and “Sparkle” provided two quasi-rarities early in the game, and two of Wingsuit’s well-loved songs “The Line” and “555” gave a fresh feel to the set as a whole.  Between the two songs, “Stash” led the band into their first jam of the night, one who’s ominous vibe provided a foreshadowing of what was to come. “It’s Ice” and “Gumbo” both featured enhanced improv—mostly between Page and Trey—and continued to raise the creative bar of the show. A searing rendition of “Walls of the Cave” punctuated the most complete first set of the run, while setting the table for the band’s most impressive playing of the year.

The opening 35 minutes of the second set, simply put, was a Phish fantasy; a deranged, indoor Eden, the likes of which we haven’t visited in quite some time. Straight up, “Down with Disease > Carini” was the stuff of legend. Not only were both jams developed and completely realized in concept, they contained lock step jamming and mind-bending creativity that covered a massive amount of the Phish spectrum. “Disease” traveled with criminal smoothness from its rock platform into a consciousness-altering ambient journey that was drenched in majesty. Melting into a dark, drone soundscape, the band showcased utter patience in allowing this excursion to unfold one note at a time. In the depths of the void, Trey unleashed mystical leads that cut through the darkness and formed a soulful peak. And then, in a genius maneuver, Fishman changed the shape of jam as he kicked into an upbeat rhythm, an idea that Trey jumped onto instantly. From this point, the band, collectively, worked their way back into an uptempo groove and seamlessly merged back into “Disease,” bringing the house down with their artistic triumph. But instead of basking in the glory, Trey wasted no time at all, morphing the final note of “Disease” into the first note of “Carini!” Ummm, yeah. The 29th was back.

12.29.13 (J.Silco)

12.29.13 (J.Silco)

Following the most prolific year of its career, with standout versions popping up almost every time played, “Carini” was the jam everyone was waiting for at MSG. Having gone in so many different directions in 2013, “Carini” had become the newest open-ended adventure, and its last three versions of fall were all highlights of the year. After scripting one all-time jam in “Down with Disease,” Trey was feeling IT, picked his moment, and went for another in “Carini.” And boy did he succeed.

When Phish are improvising at their highest level, their jams can reach a staggering fluidity in which every note is in the perfect place with a purpose—almost as if rehearsed. In their peak moments and passages, the band is able to compliment each other with such an airtight proficiency, it is as if they are controlled by a single mind. MSG’s “Carini” is one of these jams. Stylistically divergent from “Disease’s” multi-tiered jaunt into ambient space and beyond, this “Carini” was a clinic in evil, larger-than-life dance groove. Gritty, spacious and demonic, this jam evoked both the sound and feeling of vintage late-‘90s MSG Phish. The Garden—literally—shook with the intensity of sound and energy during “Carini,” a jam that united the band and audience like none other of the run. This was the filth, the gnar, the straight dope, the business, the bees knees—pick your colloquialism, because they are all true. Phish was locked and loaded with a comic book level of superhuman power, and they demolished this jam like the mechanical monster of lore. In the jam’s final sequence, used his Echoplex to create a dramatic and distorted delay pattern with which he nearly crumbled the foundation of New York’s legendary round room. This “Carini was one of those experiences in which time froze; one where you’ll always remember where you were and who you were with when it went down. This was a memory of a lifetime.

MSG 2013 (A.Nusinov)

MSG 2013 (A.Nusinov)

At this point in the show, Phish had dropped two consecutive first-ballot, Hall of Fame jams in a row, and upon the ending of  “Carini,” Trey began “Waves!” Had we all died and gone to heaven? One couldn’t have predicted such a move, when a ballad or rocker seemed like the more probable call. But this was the 29th at MSG and the band was neck deep in an all-time performance—Trey wasn’t gonna’ let song calls throw off the night. A gorgeous, jamless version of “Waves” provided the ideal cool down from the set’s opening fireworks, and the end of the song melted into the beginning of “Twist.” It was clear that the guys were going to see this set through.

Instead of their usual late-set ballad, Phish popped into “Golgi” to bridge the main event to its closer, “David Bowie.” A focused and intricate version took several twists and turns before arriving at the song’s final peak, and when the guys, collectively, nailed the last note of the song—and of the six-song set—they put down their instruments, stood before us and bowed. But in all reality, we should have been bowing to them.

The 29th was a real deal, two-set Phish show that will stand among the best ever played at Madison Square Garden. Finally, the band dropped a modern-era MSG show that can hold up to those cassette and DAT tapes we wore to death back in the day! With world-class improvisation, an awesome setlist, creativity throughout and nary a lull, this show stood out not only witihin the run and the year, but within their 30-year career. Going into this MSG run, a distinct energy coursed through the community following an incredible Fall Tour. With so much momentum and with four nights to play, something monumental was bound to happen. And on the second night of the run—on a date that is now restored in the Phish universe—that something happened.

12.29.13 (Jake Silco)

12.29.13 (Jake Silco)

I: The Moma Dance, Rift, Roggae, Sparkle, The Line, Stash, 555, It’s Ice, Gumbo, Walls of the Cave

II: Down with Disease > Carini, Waves > Twist, Golgi Apparatus, David Bowie

E: Possum

746 Responses to “The Return of the 29th”

  1. Mr. Palmer Says:

    Phish break here… Any new music recs?

  2. ElJefe Says:

    The thesis broke the BB.. Every bodies studying w Red Pen?

  3. BingosBrother Says:

    Ueah, I’m the 1st to bust on Treys musical love, but without that skill set I may have never fell in love with Phish. I love lyrics and I love the way Trey juxtaposes them against the music. Forbins, Mock, Its Ice, Lizards, etc. Really the first thing that drew me to them. Genius.

  4. phishm Says:

    That’s what I love about Phish fans. Most of their music was written by a genius. Sometimes it’s hard for such a cognitive individual to get others to appreciate their views due to it being above most people’s heads. Phish fans get the genius of the work and as such are a bunch of pretty smart music loving nerds. My favorite type of people.

  5. Mr. Palmer Says:

    VWE….

  6. Mr. Palmer Says:

    Never read it ( TMWSIY) and likely never will..

  7. phishm Says:

    That come in all shapes and sizes. My kids find it astonishing that I talk to each and every person that I come in contact with. Not only talk to them, but normally start up a good conversation if I like what I feel from the first impression. I personally just get a trip out of people. Their stories intrigue me. I love the fact that each and every individual on this planet has their own story that brought them to meet me at that very time. I don’t normally find coincidence in things that happen. Anyway, that brings me back to Phish. I went to New York alone, but never felt even the least bit alone. I love Phish and what they represent. They bring the finest folks in the nation with them wherever they go. Long live Phish and the vibe that follows them. I guess in the end I’m just babbling as usual. Just very quiet around these parts. Must be fun to have a lot going on. I personally like not having a lot going on. I have fun no matter what I do. I hope you all do too.

  8. Type III Jamming Personality Disorder Says:

    When the guy with the user name “Mr. Palmer” admits he will never read the book, surely there is no hope for the lizards after all.

    ::face palm::

  9. Mr. Palmer Says:

    This is cool. 1970 Live Sabbath show.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=clySTJtd81c

  10. phishm Says:

    I guess some folks don’t need to read it. They just know it. I unfortunately need to read it every so often. I look up to the people that don’t need reminders. I’m not sure how they do it. Their lives must be so perfect. That would be so cool.

  11. BingosBrother Says:

    Well, Palmer was the evil accountant right?

  12. BingosBrother Says:

    Well, Palmer was the evil accountant right?

  13. phishm Says:

    On another note, I think Manning will win his 2nd super bowl. I hope it will shut the debate up about whether he’s the best ever. That’s like saying the Stash I’m about to be listening to is the best ever. There is no best ever. There can’t be when the individual behind your entertainment is striving for best ever most of the time. When it happens then it’s just as good as that other time IMO. Anyway, go Broncos I guess is what I was trying to say.

  14. BingosBrother Says:

    Thus far…

    Trey spent time between semester in Ireland with an actual troubadour, learning that people like to sing along with songs they know. This is how he came up with Lizards and why it starts the story.

    He spells gnarly with a k. Knarly.

  15. phishm Says:

    OK, it just may very well be the best Stash I’ve ever heard. At least tonight it’s the best.

    http://www.phishtracks.com/shows/1997-07-02/stash

  16. Type III Jamming Personality Disorder Says:

    Well, Palmer was the evil accountant right?

    …who was then hanged by the ACDC Bag after getting caught embezzling funds from Wilson to help the rebels.

    ::pushes glasses further up on nose::

    This may be one of the phish-nerdiest convos I’ve ever been a part of here and I have participated in some doozies.

  17. BingosBrother Says:

    Wilson is a powerful song that people will remember.

    The Sloth mid section sounds slothful.

    Possum is written by Icculus.

    Trey was one cynical young man.

  18. BingosBrother Says:

    Yeah, as a kid I tried to explain Gamehendge while high to a friend. We didn’t really hang out after that night.

  19. xpun Says:

    nope thats the best any night phishm

  20. Stoney Case Says:

    Plamer,

    Blank Realm. On Spotify.

  21. Jason Moleton Says:

    Mr. Miner,

    Can someone PLEASE write a column on the best ever Trey Anastasio Band (TAB) show ever pre and post retirement???

    I looked everywhere on the internet and only found 1 mediocre list from Hidden Track that has not been updated in quite some time.

    Thanks,
    Jason

Leave a Reply