Mr. Miner's Phish Thoughts

After such an extensive summer of Phish music, I haven’t been keeping up with Trey tour as usual. I haven’t listened to a full show or many jams, but reports have been solid all around. The most interesting aspect of Trey tour for me, however, has always been its proving ground for new songs and the potential they may hold for Phish. Trey’s larger band slayed 33 shows over the summer while debuting exactly one new original, thus I would imagine that on the first tour of 2012—whenever that may be—we’ll hear a batch of new songs. With work on an album forthcoming as well, one has to wonder what new Trey debuts might crossover to the Phish stage. With more than half his tour left, we may see  Trey unveil more pieces yet, but for now, lets look at his first four debuts.

***

“Land of Nod” – 10.7.11, Myrtle Beach, SC

Trey’s most recent debut, “The Land of Nod”—first played in the encore of the Myrtle Beach show—is my favorite and the most original of his new pieces. Written by Trey, alone, the song begins with a heavy, bass-driven groove and when the horns come in over this rhythm, the piece resembles genuine Israeli gyspy-dub (a la Balkan Beat Box.) With ridiculously danceable rhythms, Phish could slaughter this piece if they could adapt the horn lines to the quartet. The middle of the song moves into an uplifting and melodic passage with the refrain, “I was asleep for so long…”— a total juxtaposition of styles within the piece. When the song moves back into gypsy-dub stylings, TAB winds it down, though this is where Phish could just get going. Then again, this is one tune that could be tailor made for his solo project.

[audio:http://phishthoughts.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/tab2011-10-08t14.mp3]

***

“Glacier” – 10.1.11, Burlington, VT

The first Anastasio/Marshall composition of tour was debuted late in the second set of Higher Ground’s opening show, and that is exactly where I can see it fitting in a Phish show as well. Though the piece has already been pegged as Trey cheese by many fans, but I actually enjoy it quite a bit. While the lyrics are bit over the top about the Winter Queen and the Prince of Music, the guitar melodies and sparse supporting textures are both ethereal and cerebral. Trey and Tom usually write songs for one band and one band only, so I wouldn’t be surprised “Glacier” in the bigger pond at some point.

[audio:http://phishthoughts.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/tab2011-10-01s2t08.mp3]

***

“Snake Head Thumb” – 10.1.11, Burlington, VT

Inspired by a dream had by the Dude of Life in which Trey’s thumb was a snake’s head, this debut came in the first set of the first show at Higher Ground. A slow and filthy groove, “Snake Head Thumb” illustrates how 2010’s Halloween cover of Little Feat has influenced Trey’s songwriting. Crafted in collaboration with the Dude of Life, the chorus makes way for a slow and infectious groove that methodically moves to dirtier and dirtier places. The only debut that had included a jam, Trey unleashed his compressed growl over heavy organ swells in this percussive piece. A jam that Phish could take to sinister realms, this could be the second new-school Anastasio/Pollack contribution to the rotation (with “Show of Life”).

[audio:http://phishthoughts.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/tab2011-10-01s1t06.mp3]

***

“Frost” – 10.6.11, Asheville, NC

Beginning with beautiful vocal harmonies, this song’s opening gives way to a minimalist and chilled out groove, allowing its focus to remain on Tom Marshall’s lyrics. “Frost,” the second Anastasio/Marshall debut of tour could easily translate to a powerful Phish ballad. Containing the refrain of “Maybe you could sail away,” this section seems tailor-made for big-time Phish catharsis. Though more straightforward than many of Trey and Tom’s playful numbers, the more I hear this one, the more I like it.

[audio:http://phishthoughts.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/trey2011-10-06s1t08.mp3]

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DOWNLOAD OF THE DAY:

MINER’S PICKS: Summer 2011 – Denver/VT

Here are the final download links for the Summer 2011 Miner’s Picks series—all with the best sources available. Thanks again to Chris Keiner of Phish Listening Room for all the hard work!

TORRENT LINKS:

Miner’s Picks: Summer 2011 – Denver (FLAC)

Miner’s Picks: Summer 2011 – Denver (Mp3)

***

DIRECT DOWNLOAD LINKS:

Miner’s Picks: Summer 2011 – Denver (FLAC) Pt.1

Miner’s Picks: Summer 2011 – Denver (FLAC) Pt.2

Miner’s Picks: Summer 2011 – Denver (Mp3)

 

Trey kicked off his solo tour on Saturday with a benefit show for Vermont Flood Relief efforts in Burlington. From all reports, Trey’s band was far more patient and focused on jamming than last tour. He ditched the acoustic sing-along for two sets of electric work, and included the horns in the jams far more than last year. And Trey even debuted two two tunes! I wasn’t able to make it to Vermont, so I asked another fan, and reader of Phish Thoughts, Jonathan Tran, to do the honors. His review is below and links you over to the “Reader Reviews” page. If anyone is interested in writing a review for one of the upcoming TAB shows, please shoot me an email at mrminer@phishthoughts.com.

I: Cayman Review, Simple Twist Up Dave, Liquid Time, Gotta Jibboo, Snake Head Thumb*, Burlap Sack and Pumps, Money, Love and Change, Magilla, The Devil Went Down to Georgia, Drifting

II: Acting the Devil, Alaska, Clint Eastwood, Push On ‘Til the Day, Sand, Let Me Lie, Valentine, Winter Queen*, Tuesday, Windora Bug, First Tube

E: Hey Ya!, Show of Life

*debut

=====

TAB @ Higher Ground, Burlington, VT: 10.1.11 / by Jonathan Tran

Trey and his solo band opened their tour with an inspired effort Saturday night in Burlington, where the band played the 750-person Higher Ground for a show that was only announced two weeks ago. With proceeds benefiting Vermont flood recovery efforts TAB threw down a musically relevant show that only foreshadows good things to come this tour.  Before you wonder any longer, yes, Trey decided to drop the acoustic first set in favor of two electric. And, yes, this was a welcome move by just about every fan in the room. Also of note was the return of improvised horn parts (instead of leaving stage) during jams, which was absent from last February’s winter tour. In short, all signs pointed towards “Go!” on the first night of Trey tour.

With the energy already at a peak before show time, the band came out firing with the up-tempo “Cayman Review” followed by the ever-requested “Simple Twist Up Dave.” It seems as though Trey’ has decided that TAB tour is where “Liquid Time” will stay, and the band crushed the tune last night. The uplifting jam fit the Irene recovery vibe of the evening and this lesser-played song went over as well as anything with the crowd.

The fireworks came out next as the band grooved into “Gotta Jibboo.” This version veered away from recent Phish versions and turned into a full-band dance showcase with Trey comping Ray’s clav and organ parts, while Russ and Tony held down the low end. The presence of the horn section throughout the jam seemed to push Trey further into the groove, all the while filling space with well placed musical accents. The debut of “Snake Head Thumb” came next, and was also well received by the attentive Burlington crowd.  A “Stealing Time”-“Steam”-“Ocelot” mash-up, this gritty blues number developed into a hard-edged jam that fits Trey’s current guitar style. I could see this song making it to the Big League, and it would be a welcome first set addition…READ ON HERE!

–

Following a similar schedule as last year, days ago, Trey announced a two-week tour Classic TAB tour over late-February and early-March with the well-loved lineup of ’09 featuring Tony Markelis (bass), Russ Lawton (drums), Ray Paczkowski (keyboards), Natalie Cressman (trombone), Jennifer Hartswick (trumpet), and Russell Remington (tenor saxophone and flute). Though the timing of his tour is similar to last year’s, 2011’s circuit will bring his Classic TAB ensemble to the west coast for the first time since re-uniting the band in 2008, and will feature one solo, acoustic set and one electric set — the original set up of Trey’s power-trio tour in 1999.

Starting in Portland, Maine on February 18, and winding their way to Oakland, California on March 5, Trey’s band will play twelve shows primarily in the east while also hitting Chicago, Denver, Los Angeles and the Bay Area. Denver is this year’s luck winner as the only city to host two Trey shows, as every other city will be one and done. Playing intimate clubs and theatres, Classic TAB will hit only one room with any Phish history in Albany’s Palace Theatre on February 19th. Otherwise, besides the recently refurbished Fox Theatre in Oakland, no venues jump out as particularly special or unique; but that never stopped Trey from tearing a room apart.

While 2010’s TAB tour provided stepping stone for Trey to hone his still-improving chops between Phish tours, this year, his skills won’t be in question. In fact, it was last year’s Trey tour that many fan’s pointed to as the time they really heard the Trey of old emerge. With more freedom in a band created as a personal showcase, Trey could liberally explore solos while also practicing rhythm textures when the horns took the lead. Always a breeding ground for new Phish material, we will likely see a couple up-and-comers for summer tour along the path of Classic TAB. If addition, we’ll likely hear “Liquid Time” resurface after a year of wondering when it might debut in Phish’s repertoire.

Having found a renewed stride with his solo band last year, Trey revamped many songs with lyrical horn arrangements written in collaboration with Don Hart of Orchestra Nashville. With the addition of now-20 year old, Natalie Cressman on trombone last year, and Russell Remington on tenor sax and flute, the powerful chops of TAB-mainstay, Jennifer Hartswick, gained some stellar brass accompaniment. And with the core of Tony, Russ, and Ray — who go it alone with Trey for portions of the show — Classic TAB has never been stronger. Ever since Trey downsized TAB, focusing less on conducting and more on playing guitar, the blazing solos and six-string drama displayed of his earlier tours came back to life. And with Red’s current state of shreddery, we are sure to see some fireworks next month.

Ticket presale for these shows begins today, January 14, at 10 AM Eastern, and public on-sales start a week later on January 21.

TREY and CLASSIC TAB ACOUSTIC/ELECTRIC WINTER TOUR

2/18 – State Theatre – Portland, ME

2/19 – Palace Theatre – Albany, NY

2/20 – House of Blues – Boston, MA

2/22 – Terminal 5 – New York, NY

2/23 – Electric Factory – Philadelphia, PA

2/25 – StageAE – Pittsburgh, PA

2/26 – Lifestyle Pavilion – Columbus, OH

2/27 – Riviera Theatre – Chicago, IL

3/01 – Ogden Theatre – Denver, CO

3/02 – Ogden Theatre – Denver, CO

3/04 – The Music Box – Los Angeles, CA

3/05 – Fox Theater – Oakland, CA

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Jam of the Day:

“Twist” 1.1.11

[audio:http://phishthoughts.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/ph2011-01-01t151.mp3]

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DOWNLOAD OF THE DAY:

I’ll be back on Monday with new selections and requests from the archives. Feel free to send requests at anytime to mrminer@phishthoughts.com

Over the weekend, Trey finished up his three-week solo tour, a swing that drew critical acclaim and copious enthusiasm from all of the Phish community. Throughout his tour, Trey grew more and more comfortable, letting loose with his musical expression, aided by the pressure-less environment of TAB. The development of his chops in February bodes well for this summer, when Trey will rejoin his school of Phish. And just as Trey winds down, Mike is about to hit the road for a eight-date mini-tour of the eastern seaboard. Like Trey, Mike has spent a week in rehearsal for his upcoming dates, yesterday releasing a newly-created track called “Birth of the Universe,” giving us a glimpse into the band’s sessions. Let’s take a look at each of these solo tours, and what effect, if any, they will have on Phish come summertime.

********

Trey and Classic TAB

Trey is the unquestionable creative force behind Phish, hence his solo efforts always present more relevance for Phish’s future than other member’s side-projects. Many songs have migrated from TAB to Phish over the years, and this tour also left us with a series of potential crossovers. Often times, the songs he drops infrequently over a tour are the ones he is reserving for Phish to define. In this case, one obvious choice would be the new Anastasio / Marshall composition “Obstacle of Course.” Played only three times over the three week tour, the catchy song seems destined to be an addition to the Phish catalog come this summer. Additionally, the reworked “Love Is Freedom” from Shine, played only once at Connecticut’s Oakdale Theatre, seems like a perfect groove vehicle for Phish to adopt. Rife with the lyrical happiness that defines the band these days, don’t let the title fool you, this could be a serious improvisational springboard. Another song that could surface this summer is “Liquid Time.” Since Phish soundchecked the song twice last year, in Chicago and Indio, Trey, with the help of Don Hart, rearranged the piece to include TAB’s horn section, forming an alternate incarnation of the song that worked quite well. But with the piece’s genesis on Party Time as a Phish song, one would imagine it would jump back into the big pond come summertime. With one stellar version from Indio’s soundcheck already under their belt, one can only assume “Liquid Time” will become a larger launchpad for Phish in the future. The other song that I originally had slated for entry into the Phish universe,”Show of Life,” was played ad infinitum during Trey’s tour, making its transfer to Phish somewhat nebulous. Still boasting the sublime sound of Phish, this piece could fit quite well into a late-second set slot before a larger closing jam. Lyrically appropriate for the band’s current state, Phish has “found [them]selves right here” and “Show of Life” is a thematic piece focusing on redemption and the present moment, two prominent themes of Phish’s modern era. Only time will tell, but this could easily become a cathartic Phish anthem.

“Obstacle of Course” 2.11.10 II

[audio:http://phishthoughts.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/02/tab2010-02-11t11.mp3]

“Love is Freedom > Simple Twist Up Dave” 2.13.10 II

[audio:http://phishthoughts.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/02/trey2010-02-13.cmxy4v.d2t16.mp3,http://phishthoughts.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/02/trey2010-02-13.cmxy4v.d2t17.mp3]

“Show of Life” 2.8.10 II

[audio:http://phishthoughts.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/02/TAB2010-02-08d3t05.mp3]

*****

The Mike Gordon Band

While Trey’s side projects always have a direct influence on Phish’s catalog and musical direction, Mike’s band has provided him an opportunity to distance himself from Phish, a place where he feels he often plays second fiddle. Mixing his own originals, primarily from The Green Sparrow, with an eclectic array of covers, Mike’s band puts on a collaborative show that engages in more whole-band jamming than Trey’s. Mike, no doubt, leads the way with his rhythmic and melodic sensibilities, but opens the door to more free form jamming, inviting his bandmmates to join in the experiment more earnestly than in Trey’s groove machine. With the bass player as bandleader, and also the best musician on stage, a very divergent musical dynamic emerges in Mike’s band. Concentrated on bass-led improv within the context of a five piece, Mike’s shows divert from the Phish sound quite a bit. With a solid band surrounding him, Mike’s ideas often push the band into engaging places. Gordeaux posted a glimpse into his preparation for his tour on Facebook yesterday. His post is excerpted here (and his newly released track can be listened to below.)

“On the first day of practices, we decided to come to the studio and invite the muse to control us for a day. I led a guided meditation in which we imagined tapping into universal energy that connects from the spheres, through us, and into the center of the Earth, and then we imagined being on stage as the music played the band and the coolest sound we could fathom came out. Each band member then described his aural vision, directing the others to create it. And this little sampling is Craig Myers’ vision, entitled ‘Birth Of The Universe.’ He described ambience wallowing from nothingness, and then mouthed out a rhythm that Todd could then interpret, helping to kick the thing into rock-ass gear. Nice work, Craig.”

“Birth of the Universe“

[audio:http://phishthoughts.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/01_Birth_Of_The_Universe.mp3]

Throughout Phish 2009, Mike easily ran away with the player of the year award, commanding his instrument as if it were his fifth extremity. Building off two successful solo tours that clearly bolstered his confidence and musical assertiveness, he came back to Phish like a man possessed. His contributions to Phish jams often stood out as the defining facet of their musical adventure, and growing through the year, Mike absolutely owned Miami’s New Years’ Run with a display of unparalleled creativity. Therefore, while Mike’s solo music may not directly influence Phish’s catalog, his musical risk-taking and role as a band leader has led to an extremely prominent role in Phish’s virtuoso on-stage conversations, a factor that should continue to stand out into 2010. As Mike hits the road, I will be looking for people to write reader reviews of his shows since I won’t be out east next week. If this is something that interests you, please check out the reader review page for examples, and email your piece to mrminer@phishthoughts.com!

The Mike Gordon Band dates are as follows:

3/05 – Revolution Hall, Troy, NY – SOLD OUT
3/06 – Toad’s Place, New Haven, CT
3/07 – Sherman Theatre, Stroudsburg, PA
3/09 – Rams Head Live!, Baltimore, MD
3/11 – Jefferson Theatre, Charlottesville, VA
3/12 – Theatre of the Living Arts, Philadelphia, PA
3/13 – Pearl Street, Northampton, MA
3/14 – Lebanon Opera House, Lebanon, NH

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Jam of the Day:

“Run Like An Antelope” 8.6.97 I

This unique rendition of “Antelope” ended Riverport ’97 in divergent style. As this multi-faceted build comes to a head, the band doesn’t stop, drifting into an instrumental, theremin-laced “Makisupa” interlude before kicking into the final verse.

[audio:http://phishthoughts.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/ph97-08-06d3t05.mp3]

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DOWNLOAD OF THE DAY:

8.14.97 Darien Lake PAC, Darien Center, NY < Torrent

8.14.97 Darien Lake PAC, Darien Center, NY < Megaupload

This stellar show includes a strong song-based first set with exciting versions of “Free” and “Antelope,” while the second set contains a divine “Harry Hood” which features one of the jams of the summer extending out of the song’s peak. Finally dropping into “Colonel Forbin’s” and the well-known Kesey-led Bozo madness, this show was a certifiable classic before the encore even ended. This show holds not only musical significance, but strong cultural significance as well. Check out my piece about this show, from the early days of Phish Thoughts, which delves into these larger themes. In addition, this Download of the Day goes out via reader request to Jim D!

I: Ya Mar, Funky Bitch, Fluffhead, Limb By Limb, Free, Cars Trucks Buses, Tela, Train Song, Billy Breathes, Run Like an Antelope

II: Chalk Dust Torture, Love Me, Sparkle, Harry Hood > Jam > Colonel Forbin’s Ascent > Merry Pranksters Jam > Camel Walk, Taste

E: Bouncing Around the Room, Rocky Top

Source: B&K 4021 (modified hypers) > Beyer MV-100 > SBM-1 > D8

2.28.10 Tennessee Theatre, Knoxville, TN < Torrent

2.28.10 Tennessee Theatre, Knoxville, TN < Megaupload asap

I: Push On Til The Day*, Valentine, Small Axe, Burlap Sack and Pumps, Night Speaks to a Woman, What’s Done, Cayman Review, Gotta Jiboo, Tuesday, Money Love and Change, Sultans of Swing, Kill Devil Falls@, Waste@, Strange Design@, Backwards Down The Number Line@, Chalkdust Torture@, Wilson@

II: Shine, Ether Sunday, At the Gazebo, Spin, Alaska, Mozambique, Sand, Goodbye Head > Mr. Completely, Sweet and Dandy, Black Dog

E: Moesha, First Tube

Source: Schoeps CCM4V’S(din) >Lunatec V2 >Benchmark AD2K > Sound Devices 722 (24/48)

2.26.10 The Fillmore, Charlotte, NC < Torrent

2.26.10 The Fillmore, Charlotte, NC < Megaupload

I: Shine, Burlap Sack and Pumps, Push On Til the Day, Cayman Review, All That Almost Was Sweet Dreams Melinda, A Case of Ice and Snow, Mozambique, Sweet and Dandy, Night Speaks To A Woman, Tuesday

II: Curlew’s Call. Plasma, Gotta Jibboo, Valentine, Alaska, Peggy, Sand, Goodbye Head > Mr. Completely, Black Dog

E: Dragonfly, Show Of Life, First Tube

Source: Audix m1280/HC > (Oade Warm) PMD-661

—–

*****

2.27.10 The Tabernacle, Atlanta, GA < Torrent

2.27.10 The Tabernacle, Atlanta, GA < Megaupload

I: Shine, Push On ‘Til the Day, Words to Wanda, Obstacle of Course, Night Speaks to a Woman, Cayman Review, Valentine, Let Me Lie, Mozambique, Money, Love and Change, Sultans of Swing, Water in the Sky*, Backwards Down the Number Line*, Bathtub Gin*, The Inlaw Josie Wales*, Wilson*

II: Gotta Jibboo, Alaska, The Birdwatcher, Sand, Windora Bug, Alive Again, Drifting, Goodbye Head, Mr. Completely, Black Dog

E: Heavy Things, Show of Life, First Tube

* Trey Solo Acoustic

Source: Schoeps mk22 > KCY > Schoeps VMS02IB + Schoeps mk41 > KC5 > M222 > NT222 > Lunatec V3 > SD 744t (@24bit/96kHz)

I: Shine, Push On Til The Day, Cayman Review, Valentine, Night Speaks to a Women,  Last Tube, Let Me Lie, Drifting, Birdwatcher, Money, Love, and Change, Backwards Down the Number Line*, Wilson*, Blue and Lonesome*^, Beauty of my Dreams*^, Rocky Mountain Shuffle#

II: Gotta Jibboo, Sand, Tuesday, Goodbye Head > Mr. Completely, Sultans of Swing, Black Dog

E: Show of Life, First Tube

Notes:
* Trey solo acoustic
^ with Del McCoury
# with Full Tab and Del McCoury Band

***

2.25.10 Ryman Aud. Nashville, TN < Torrent

2.25.10 Ryman Aud. Nashville, TN < Megaupload

Source: Schoeps mk41> KCY> Schoeps VMS02IB> SD 744t (@24bit/96kHz)

–> If you’d like to write a reader review for this show, please email your piece to mrminer@phishthoughts.com!

After witnessing Trey and Classic TAB in Kansas City on Sunday night, there is only one thing to say – believe the hype – the band is playing as well as all the glowing reviews have reported, and Trey has brought his own chops to another level. With childlike passion and a ear to ear smile plastered on his face, Trey played with a relaxed confidence all night long, as visibly, happy, and excited as ever. Historically a place for different types different playing, his band progressed from a showcase of guitar acrobatics to big-band percussive grooves. But Anastasio’s current incarnation of TAB may represent the most polished alternate outlet for Trey thus far, boasting the band’s tightest playing in memory, while allowing plenty of room for his own creativity. If this version of TAB could be described in a few words, they would be be fun, energetic, and infectious. With revitalized horn arrangements, directed improvisation, and an influx of new pieces, TAB is hitting on all cylinders right now, producing music on par or surpassing anything Trey’s side project has ever done.

The role of the horn section provided the first noticeable difference in the musical makeup of this band. Playing through composed sections with new arrangements, courtesy of Orchestra Nashville’s Don Hart, Jen Hartswick, Natalie Cressman, and Russell Remington blended with the music rather than sitting atop. Hartswick noted the more integrated arrangements in a recent interview, explaining how Hart “had written really beautiful, elaborate and involved horn parts that essentially was written like an orchestra, like a string section would be.” While artistically infusing the horn section into his show, Trey noticeably carved out time for “Classic TAB” to improvise as a quartet. And with Trey and Ray Paczkowski bursting with connected ideas over a creative pocket, these scorching excursions stood out as the highlights of the show.

The style of the quartet’s playing mirrored the more compact style of 2009 Phish. No longer indulging in 20 minute “Jibboos” or “Sands,” Trey led the band in more concise jamming, sparking original ideas right out of the gates in a parallel case of musical density. Looking to Ray almost immediately in every jam, the two initiated the melodic half as Tony and Russ thumped away dynamic grooves. The four-piece worked noticeably well, as the rhythm section joined in the improv more earnestly than in the past. “Push On Til the Day” and “Alive Again,” and more specifically, “Night Speaks to a Woman” and “Money, Love, and Change” featured organic first set jams built over unique themes rather than Trey merely shredding over a groove. And during the second set, the horns left during every jam, allowing the quartet to create unique music that far surpassed anything from their 2008 “Northern Exposure” mini-tour.

During some pieces, Trey kept one or more horn players out to add to the textures, and none worked better than Remington’s flute addition to “Liquid Time.” This lyrically poignant song got into one of the most cohesive jams of the show, transcending groove and bathing in melodic improv. But the obscene, guitar-annihilation crime scene of the night came during the second-set centerpiece, “Sand.” Typical of his TAB freestyling, Trey moved between rhythm chops and soaring leads as the he led the band to their highest point of the evening. By the time he brought the song’s theme back around, the band had sculpted a nasty musical segment that blew the roof off the Uptown Theatre.

The way that Trey called the horn players back to stage also brought an interesting facet to the show. Often signaling for one or two at a time, he clearly thought about where each jam had progressed and which sounds would best blend with each piece. Eventually calling all three members back by the peak of every jam, the horns built each song back to its full form before ending. The cohesion of the horn section brought a “finished” feel to many of the songs, enhancing the overall performance and never detracting from the flow. All the players got a chance to shine individually on “Mr. Completely,” as the jam vehicle doubled as a band showcase, allowing everyone to take solos as Trey comped along with signature rhythm licks.

On several newer songs, the horns stayed on throughout, bringing whole new elements to pieces like “Goodbye Head,” “Valentine,” “Shine,” and “Alaska.” In the same interview, Hartswick noted “on a lot of the new songs that Trey brought to [Hart] months and months and months ago, and he had written really…involved horn parts…The difference is that during the entire song, the horns are playing the entire time, and not just sounds at the end of the jam. It is a really, really beautiful thing, and exciting.” The balance between the septet and the quartet worked nicely, giving the show completely different feels from moment to moment.

But the overwhelming quality to the show, as has been restated by many this tour, was the genuinely obvious fun that the entire band had onstage from start to finish. Trey leapt around the stage like it was his romper room, exchanging looks and laughs, as well as musical ideas, with each and every member. One couldn’t help but soak up the excitement that radiated from the band all night long. A unique crew, from the 18-year old trombone phenom, Natalie Cressman, to the Vermonster, Ray Paczkowski, this group just seems to click in a way that no TAB arrangement has in quite some time. Integrating jazzier, big-band elements with an eclectic horn section, but staying rooted in guitar-led improv, this group succeeds where other Trey projects have fallen short. As they wind  down their final week of tour, Trey and Classic TAB have left an exciting wake behind them, creating a buzz in the community with impressive nightly revelries. With more off-season touring to come later in the year, this project is just getting started – but what a start it’s been.

I: Shine, Push On, Alive Again, Birdwatcher, Mozambique, Cayman Review, Dragonfly, Night Speaks to a Woman, Valentine, Let Me Lie, Sweet Dreams Melinda, Money Love & Change, Tuesday, Backwards Down the Line*, Brian & Robert*, Back on the Train*, Sample in a Jar*, Wilson*

II: Gotta Jibboo, Liquid Time, Sand, Goodbye Head > Mr. Completely, Alaska, Sultans of Swing

E: Show of Life, First Tube

* Trey Solo Acoustic

======

Jams of the Day:

“Sand” 2.21.10 KC II

Some choice work by Trey in this Kansas City highlight.

[audio:http://phishthoughts.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/02/tab2010-02-21d3t02.mp3]

“Free” 12.15.99 II

A highlight of today’s Download of the Day, and a favorite “Free” since the night it dropped.

[audio:http://phishthoughts.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/01/ph1999-12-15d2t04.mp3]

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DOWNLOAD OF THE DAY:

12.15.99 MCI Center, Washington, DC < Megaupload

My desktop computer, as they say in the Bay, is hella-infected, so no torrents today. Enjoy this gem from December ’99, going out via reader request to JerZ!

I: Down with Disease, Farmhouse, Bathtub Gin, Wolfman’s Brother, Guyute, Train Song, You Enjoy Myself

II: Sample in a Jar, Maze, Free, Dirt, Reba, Halley’s Comet >Suzy Greenberg

E: Frankenstein, Rocky Top

Source: Microtech Gefell m210 > Apogee AD-1000 > Sony D100 (@ 44.1 kHz)

2.18.10 Pabst Theatre, Milwaukee, WI < Torrent

2.18.10 Pabst Theatre, Milwaukee, WI < Megupload

I: Shine, What’s Done, Push On Til The Day, Let Me Lie, Sleep Again, The Birdwatcher, Valentine, Cayman Review, Gotta Jibboo, Sultans of Swing, Stealing Time From The Faulty Plan*, Water In The Sky*, Back On The Train*, Bathtub Gin*, Backwards Down The Number Line*,

II: Curlew’s Call, Sand, Night Speaks to a Woman, Goodbye Head, Words to Wanda, Money Love and Change, Small Axe, All That Almost Was, Spin, Tuesday,

E: Magilla, First Tube

* Trey solo acoustic

Source: MBHO ka500hn (DINa) > MBP 603a > Aeta Mix 2000 > Sound Devices 744t  @ 24/48hz

***

2.20.10 State Theatre, Minneapolis, MN < Torrent asap

2.20.10 State Theatre, Minneapolis, MN < Megaupload asap

I: Last Tube, Shine, Cayman Review, Push on til the Day, Mozambique, Drifting, Night Speaks to a Woman, Tuesday, Sand, Joy*, Water in the Sky*, Bathtub Gin*, Sleep Again*, Farmhouse*, Waste*, Chalkdust Torture*

II: Gotta Jibboo, Valentine, Money, Love and Change, Liquid Time, Alaska, Goodbye Head, Mr. Completely, Show of Life, Black Dog

E: First Tube

* Trey solo acoustic

Source: No sources posted on etree yet.

–> Check out Mike Nast’s and Jeff Klenske’s reader reviews of this show!

***

2.21.10 Uptown Theatre, Kansas City, MO < Torrent (upgrade)

2.21.10 Uptown Theatre, Kansas City, MO < Megaupload (upgrade)

I: Shine, Push On, Alive Again, Birdwatcher, Mozambique, Cayman Review, Dragonfly, Night Speaks to a Woman, Valentine, Let Me Lie, Sweet Dreams Melinda, Money Love & Change, Tuesday, Backwards Down the Line*, Brian & Robert*, Back on the Train*, Sample in a Jar*, Wilson*

II: Gotta Jibboo, Liquid Time, Sand, Goodbye Head > Mr. Completely, Alaska, Sultans of Swing

E: Show of Life, First Tube

* Trey Solo Acoustic

Source: MBHO KA200n/MB603 > Edirol R-44

My review of this smoking show is coming tomorrow!

I: Shine, Cayman Review, Push On Til The Day, Sweet Dreams Melinda, Mozambique, Alive Again, Gotta Jibboo, Small Axe, All That Almost Was, Alaska, Valentine, Tuesday, Brian and Robert^, Driver^, Sample^, Wilson^,

II: Dragonfly, Night Speaks to a Woman, Sand, Let Me Lie, Mr. Completely, Plasma, The Birdwatcher, The Way I Feel, Last Tube, Black Dog

E: Sultans of Swing, First Tube

***
2.19.10 Riviera Theatre, Chicago, IL < Torrent

2.19.10 Riviera Theatre, Chicago, IL < Megaupload (mon/tues)

Source: Neumann skm140 > Sound Devices Mixpre > Korg MR-1 (24/96)

–> Check out Jon Lake’s review for this show! If you’d like to write a reader review for any side project show, email your piece to mrminer@phishthoughts.com!