One constant throughout Trey’s career has been his Languedoc guitars. While other guitarists switch between instruments for different songs and effects, Trey always slung his one trusty guitar over his back. Having gone through several versions in his twenty-year career, Trey’s Languedoc produced the soul-tugging tone that legions of fans fell in love with throughout the 1990s. His guitar tone defined the band’s sound for years and his axe never failed him. Thus, when Trey took time to publicly unveil his new guitar at The Greek with the following introduction, everyone took notice.
…He [Paul Languedoc] told me about nine months ago, that he had put aside this magic piece of wood to build one last, really special guitar. And he gave it to me about a week ago, and this is it – [presenting guitar to the crowd.] And I’ve just to to say that I’ve just been freaking out all night about how good this guitar is – it’s the magic guitar…
Well, after only one tour with his guitar, the magic piece of wood has completely bolstered the sound of the band. One would have to be three sheets to the wind to not notice the considerable effect his new piece has had on Phish. After The Greek, the band posted mouth-watering pictures on Facebook of the new guitar with a gorgeous Ocelot inlay. After seeing these images, fans immediately dubbed the guitar the “The Ocedoc” and the legend had began.
But the real story of The Ocedoc played out night after night, and set after set, as Trey continuously carved through the music with his new sonic juggernaut. Carrying a much fuller tone that never reached the treble-heavy peaks of his last guitar of legend, The Ocedoc sounds obviously superior to his all his prior instruments. Rich and deep, resonant and nuanced, Trey’s magic guitar holds the low-end sustain incredibly well, and his micro-control of its voice is striking. Just as importantly, Trey’s bolstered tone provides a far more congruent match for Mike’s unusually broad range of sounds.
Put into play, The Ocedoc sounds stronger than ever in wide-open shredding, but it is the intricate control Trey exhibits within the band’s collaborative jams where his new guitar becomes most effective. His enthusiasm and propensity to contribute creative leads with his shining toy severely decreased his use of the whammy pedal (aka “The Whale) throughout the second leg, resulting in far more intense and creative jams. Without dominating pieces with overwhelming solos or responding to his band mates with copious pitch-bending, The Ocedoc’s responsiveness allowed Trey to contribute with both passion and finesse to the most exquisite jams we’ve heard in years. From “Reba’s” to “Hood’s” and from “Lights” to “Tweezers,” the difference made by The Ocedoc in Phish music became staggering. Like a kid at play with the coolest toy he’s ever had, Trey took the stage night after night, slaying everything in his path.
I noticed a palpable difference in The Greek’s “Maze” and “Tweezer” before he told us about his magic guitar, though I thought the difference was on my end, or due to The Greek’s pristine acoustics. But lo and behold, what I heard were not aural hallucinations, but the dawning of a new age – The Era of The Ocedoc. Audibly stronger as the tour progressed, check out Trey’s work throughout Alpine’s two nights for particularly vibrant examples of The Ocedoc out at play. With his magic guitar leading the way, Trey and Phish are ready to take fall tour by storm in what is quickly becoming a highly-anticipated, small-venue, run of shows. Look for an announcement sometime today to find out when your next chance will be to follow The Ocedoc!
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Jam of the Day:
“Light” 8.7.10
This epic Greek tale peaked many summer versions of “Light” with a piece of improv that transcended time and era. Pure Phish…
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DOWNLOAD OF THE DAY:
8.7.10 The Greek Theatre, Berkeley, CA < Torrent
8.7.10 The Greek Theatre, Berkley, CA < Megaupload
The peak of Phish’s run at The Greek, with a second set that rivals any since the return. Much more to come about this amazing evening by The Bay.
I: AC/DC Bag, Foam, Gotta Jibboo, Reba, Sleep Again, Army of One, Poor Heart, 46 Days > Tube, Character Zero
II: Wilson > Light > Twenty Years Later, Harry Hood, Theme From the Bottom, Also Sprach Zarathustra > Suzy Greenberg* > Slave to the Traffic Light
E: The Lizards, First Tube
* w/ “Suzy” Reprise jam
Source: Schoeps mk22> KC5> CMC6xt> EAA PSP-2 + Schoeps mk4v> KC5> M222> NT222> Lunatec V3> SD 744t (@24bit/48kHz) (Taper – taylorc)
