Jam Band Purist
  • Home
  • About
  • Press
  • Contact
  • Partners
  • Other Writings
  • Podcast and Music
  • Ask JBP

Phish-Merriweather Post Pavilion-2018:(Its All About Perspective)

8/15/2018

1 Comment

 
Picture
Phish-Merriweather Post Pavilion-2018:(Its All About Perspective)
 
When thinking about what to write here for this Phish run, I find it can be difficult trying to cover different angles and new perspectives. Seriously, you all know the set list, you know what people have said and most of you, can just listen, or were at the show anyway. What I will try to do is just give my opinion and then perhaps delve into why I have formed that opinion and give a basic overview of the show. 
 
Phish returned to the newly renovated Merriweather Post Pavilion this past weekend for two nights. It was good to get back into Merriweather and see what the venue looked like after the collapse. I can say it is a completely different venue. Not only can you see the lighting rig but the entire stage, as well. This is a huge transformation from the previous roof which, has now been risen at least 15 feet from where it once was, making this lawn much more enjoyable. I arrived at the venue Saturday, without a ticket but thanks to my buddy, Jason, who hooked me up, I had one within 5 minutes. I was able to catch some of the sound check outside waiting in line where the foursome noodled through, "My Soul" and experimented with some Indian Raga sounding melody; Trey sounding like he was playing a sitar at times. 
 
After adjusting to the stage setup and finding my friends, the band opened with "Blaze On" and after that, the lull seems to begin...until a welcomed, "46 days." Really, this set is entirely forgettable and the crowd even seemed to whence every time they went into another lackadaisical version of their songs like: "Breath And Burning," "Sugar Shack" and "Joy." Even, "Stash" was lacking the energy and vibrancy, I have previously heard. I had high hopes for the second set with "Sand" sounding eerily like The Doors, "Riders On The Storm." This was a great rendition but it had no gusto and certainly nothing more was notable. "Ghost" and "Mercury" would be the highlights the second set, period. There isn't much else to say about this show besides ending on a strong note with a funky and fun, "Martian Monster," a short, "Golgi Apparatus" and a fast-paced, "Rocky Top." This show was definitely not the worst I've seen but certainly not the best. In the end it's all about perspective. 
 
Night 2: "Well, F**k My Face!"

I was lucky enough to find a great spot on the lawn with my buddy, Alex, from 215music.net and we wore out our feet dancing on the slanted lawn all night. "Llama" would began the second night on the damp Merriweather lawn. The crowd was in an uproar, all expecting a stellar show after last night. Even, Trey, acknowledging the slowness of the previous nights show saying, "Speeding things up a little bit for you." Mikes bass playing shines during “Meat.” “Big Black Furry Creature From Mars” was exactly what I needed and is such a quirky and hard song for this band.
The rendition of “Alaska” was the best I've ever heard live and was followed by a much needed and expected, “Tweezer” both Fishman and Page utterly focused on the music. The band letting some of that liveliness out during “Bathtub Gin” and Trey was ripping out some real heavy riffs during “Chalkdust Torture.” “Chalkdust” would go into jam territory extensively, until the end of the first set. I'd say things were off to a great start, especially after the previous nights energy level.  I was impressed with, Chris Kuroda, making that light rig dance; lowering it so close to the stage, it looked as though it was swallowing the band and then it would open up like a blossoming flower.
The early, "Tweezer Reprise" had me excited that Phish could do some sort of Tweezerfest: Part II and they would round into “Tweezer Reprise” again, at the end of the set (jamming it during piper, as well) but certainly no repeat of that magical night in 2014. “Twist” and “No Man In No Mans Land” both would see extensive jamming and time warping improvisation.  “Piper” would continue that effervescent trend and although, there weren't many powerful moments until, “Also Sprach Zarathustra,” that got me truly excited, it was a laidback psychedelic vibe for the remainder of the evening. “Harry Hood” would see the crowd giving it their all, singing along. The encore lacked any intensity until the final reprise. All in all, a solid Phish show and possibly one of the best of the tour, so far, but I'm sure that will all change come next weekend. 

Final Thoughts:

Phish is an American legacy; a phenomena that only happens once a generation. As they evolve and grow older, their music becomes much more refined and methodical. When I listen back to recordings from the 90s, they are raw and full of a spirit that had something to prove. Now they have proved it and are refining it down to the minutest structures they can. Reaching perfection is impossible but endeavoring to do so, is a life's accomplishment. All of these musicians are masterful within their crafts. They are as five ships sailing in unison but each captaining their own vessel of captivating music. The American dream lives on. Don't worry if the show you see is the best or the worst, just go see live music and especially, Phish. You will find something that is truly one of a kind. Have fun at Curveball and don't get washed away! 
 
JBP
 
P.S. Whatever you do, take care of your shoes. 

1 Comment
North Stamford Bathroom Renovations link
9/5/2022 06:59:22 pm

Thank you for beeing you

Reply



Leave a Reply.

    WARNING: The views and opinions expressed on this site may not be in conjecture with your own. Be Advised
    Picture

    Editor: Robert (R.A.) Fadley

    Freelance Writer, Musicologist, Music Journalist, Music Critic, Music Writer, Author, Musician, Singer-songwriter, Composer, Guitarist.

    Keeping the Purist of High Jam Music Accounted For.



    Categories

    All
    Album Review
    Concert Review
    Festival Review
    Interview
    Photo Recap

    Archives

    December 2022
    November 2022
    October 2022
    September 2022
    August 2022
    July 2022
    June 2022
    May 2022
    March 2022
    February 2022
    January 2022
    December 2021
    November 2021
    September 2021
    August 2021
    July 2021
    June 2021
    May 2021
    April 2021
    March 2021
    February 2021
    December 2020
    November 2020
    October 2020
    September 2020
    August 2020
    July 2020
    June 2020
    May 2020
    April 2020
    March 2020
    February 2020
    January 2020
    December 2019
    November 2019
    October 2019
    September 2019
    August 2019
    July 2019
    June 2019
    May 2019
    April 2019
    March 2019
    February 2019
    January 2019
    December 2018
    November 2018
    October 2018
    September 2018
    August 2018
    July 2018
    June 2018
    May 2018
    April 2018
    March 2018
    February 2018
    January 2018
    December 2017
    November 2017
    October 2017
    September 2017
    August 2017
    July 2017
    June 2017
    May 2017
    April 2017
    March 2017
    February 2017
    January 2017
    November 2016
    October 2016
    September 2016
    August 2016
    April 2015
    January 2015
    November 2014
    June 2014
    September 2013

    RSS Feed

We Would Love to Have You Visit Soon!


Hours

M-F: 7am - 9pm

Telephone

540-578-0886

Email

jambandpurist@gmail.com
  • Home
  • About
  • Press
  • Contact
  • Partners
  • Other Writings
  • Podcast and Music
  • Ask JBP