Like every show, especially a tour closer I walked away with with the euphoria of a great show fading into melancholy until fall tour begins. This summer was the beginning of my Phish experience starting in Hartford for 2 shows, then the pair in MPP, and the two closing dates in JB. I was hooked at the start, and completely taken in by the two Hartford shows. In the time between now and then, even without the experience of 1.0/2.0 and last year, i’ve seen them improve steadily each show and the audiences have been amazing as well.
My lasting memory from Hartford was hearing Hood for the first time. It was bliss, something music had never made me feel before. I wasn’t sure that anything would eclipse that moment, or the crowds exasperation and subsequent explosion during the second tweezer reprise. I clearly inexperienced, since I have now learned that Phish is capable of creating so many unique and special experiences every time out when they are on top of their game.
Jones Beach 8/18 definetly shell shocked me. I’m not at the point as a fan where I go to a show with hopes for a Gamehenge set, or to hear a new cover. Granted I certainly appreciate it, but as a new fan its mostly in retrospect that I realize these rarities. What I’m really starting to see is a band that is confident enough to explore new avenues, and let each other take the reigns. My highlights were Chalkdust, Axilla, Timber, Hood, and YEM.
Up until Chalkdust, things seemed a bit tame. I loved sample, and DWD started us off with a bang, but as darkness descended and I started to see a few people sit down and dancers slow to a sway I knew we need a pick me up. Chalkdust was perfect there, got everyone bouncing and ready for the great jams that closed out the first set.
The second set here was special. Axilla was like an assault, firing out of the set break into high gear. Then Timber followed with a dark stormy mood setting. Both were firsts for me as well so that might influence it, but I felt like the table was set and everyone there was tuned in. The Light mini jam soared though its not my favorite song. 46 + My Friend My Friend were solid but only served to build the anticipation of what the last few songs would be. Then Hood began. The intro with Trey cranking and slowly tapping his way through after made it clear they were taking their time with this one. Personally, I was hoping to get another Hood badly since it made my night in Hartford. As good as the first time was, everything after the 6 minute mark had me enthralled at Jones. Trey’s patience, letting Fish and Mike carry sections while he delicately worked his way in really made it sound rich and full. The peak was like a 10 second downpour during a solar eclipse, making everyone tingle from head to toe. Fish was killing it during the outro. Watching and listening to it since, it shows everything they’ve accomplished this tour in my humble opinion. Tweezer never disappoints as I have learned seeing it 3 times this summer. As for YEM, I feel like it really took me a few shows and a lot of listening to appreciate this song properly. My first one I almost felt a bit off track for some reason but now I was ready and they really delivered to close out the second set.
Disclaimer: I hope my lack of experience and claims don’t offend any more travelled fans if i’m overstating things. Just recounting what i saw.
See you guys on fall tour 
