Whatever You Do, Take Care Of Your Shoes

Utica is a special place to see a show.  If you’ve ever had the opportunity to see a band play the Auditorium there, you know how cool it is to be in that “highschool gym” atmosphere.  Phish definitely has a place in their heart for Utica as well.  You’ll remember, Utica is where we had the “almost reunion” of Phish back in 2005 when Trey’s band graced the stage.

Last night’s show marked a turning point in the tour.  The band hit the stage and played one of their finest shows since returning last year, and in my opinion, the best show of the tour thus far.  Everything about last night was magnificent, from the risks, the jams, and the song selection.  Trey especially had that extra boom in his voice, as evident in “Stealing Time” and “Wolfman’s Brother.”  The tone was set with the unexpected “My Soul” opener.  Launching into the bluesy jam, Page and Trey fed off each other and really killed it.  “Stealing Time” and a rare “Vultures” kept the pace up.  “Wolfman’s Brother” also deserves some special attention, with Trey and Mike singing their notes while soloing.  It was very reminiscent of Oteil Burbridge’s playing with ARU, and incredibly funky.  The jam progressed for a few more minutes, segueing perfectly into a short “Cities.”  The meat of the set came with “Guyute.”  This would spark some serious creativity, as “Guyute” teases would come back in “Bowie” and the rest of set one.  “David Bowie” in particular was extremely adventurous, featuring “Guyute” lyrics during the hi-hat intro.  The “Bowie” jam featured extensive jamming on “Wilson” with “Guyute” lyrics throughout.  This is easily one of the most unique jams heard in some time, and very reminiscent of early 90’s Phish.

After intermission, the band dove right into “Drowned,” flowing into the tour’s second “Sand.”  “Sand,” like always, was very funky and a great jam that had everyone grooving.  The set progressed nicely from there, with decent versions of “Theme From The Bottom” and “Tela.”  That creative spark of the first returned with “Split Open And Melt,” which the band used to glide into the reggae classic, “Have Mercy.”  This was followed by “Piper,” which saw the boys take a turn back into “Melt” to end the jam.  If you haven’t checked out the audio yet, do so now!  “Slave” proved to be a perfect set closer, bringing the evening to a proper close.  The “Good Times, Bad Times” encore was ever appropriate.  Good times indeed.

Wednesday October 20, 2010 Utica Memorial Auditorium, Utica, NY

Set I: My Soul, Stealing Time From The Faulty Plan, Vultures, Wolfman’s Brother* > Cities**, Guyute, David Bowie***, Wilson**** > McGrupp And The Watchful Hosemasters**** > Saw It Again**** > Run Like An Antelope****

Set II: Drowned > Sand > Theme From The Bottom, Axila I > Birds Of A Feather, Tela > Split Open And Melt > Have Mercy > Piper > Split Open And Melt > Slave To The Traffic Light

E: Good Times Bad Times

*with vocal jam and “Streets Of Cairo” tease

**with lyric change to “Genesee Factory”

***with Guyute teases throughout the intro, as well as several sections of Wilson jamming with Guyute lyrics throughout the song

****with Guyute teases - Wilson lyrics changed to “I must inquire Guyute;” Trey teased Guyute instead of saying “Marco Esquandolas” in Antelope

setlist courtesy of www.phish.com

download the show here.

image courtesy of Dave Vann.