, attached to 1989-08-26

Review by MrPalmers1000DollarQ

MrPalmers1000DollarQ As a 3.0er, I have to leverage my imagination quite heavily when listening to the shows that preceded my phandom. This show elicits a particularly vision in my mind--albeit it's one that could be totally inaccurate. Something about a group of 4 dudes in their 20s playing some absolutely wild music in the middle of a family park just makes me chuckle for all of the folks who had no idea what they were witnessing.

This show is marked by all the signs of early 1.0: Page's electric keyboard, expert precision on complicated composed sections (see Fluffhead), goofy stage banter, classic jazz tune covers, and a distinct lack of ambient reverb provided by a larger, enclosed venue.

Setlist Thoughts
- This show starts off with some really strong musicianship as Trey and Page expertly navigate their way through Fluffhead, Colonel Forbin, and Mockingbird (all heavy challenges these days).
- YEM is pretty standard until we get to a vocal jam where Fishman keeps the beat grooving underneath, giving the outro to this performance some extra head-boppiness. Even less expected is the double-time pickup and the closely following familiar chords to Possum. An expert and unique ->
- Donna Lee is one of my favorite jazz tunes and one that I recognize as both melodically and harmonically complex. Following Trey's encouragement for the uninitiated to check out The Bird, the band provides the audience with a compelling reason to do so. Trey's solo proves that he is more than just a rock/funk/jam guitarist. This guy has the chops and the vocabulary to pull out what would be a highly respected be-bop solo to the greats (and even manages to work in a Gladiators tease!). Page follows suit with some nice runs, fusing in elements of the head. Mike does exactly what he's supposed to do as a jazz bassist here and keeps the audience aware of exactly where they are in the arrangement without simply walking the bass the whole time.
- As the jam charts suggest, David Bowie is particularly foreboding of the heavy experimenting this song will birth in the few subsequent years. Awesome control of energy throughout the jam, where Trey shines as always
- The trumpet solo on Antelope is a perfect glimpse of pre-90 Phish, and a welcome unique element before we set the gearshift for the high gear of our souls
- Page's solo on the Lizards is *chef's kiss*


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