Ladies And Gentlemen, Little Phish!

It was immediately following the “Zeppelin Show,” that I (and countless others) began thinking about what the musical costume this year would be. The rumor mill was in high gear, with folks claiming it was everything from Zappa’s Hot Rats or Joe’s Garage, to Paul Simon’s Graceland, to King Crimson’s Lark’s Tongue In Aspic. It was not until 30 minutes before I entered the Hall, when I got the message while in Caesar’s. A simple twit-pic confirmed it. Little Feat.

Phish’s tackling of the monstrous Waiting For Columbus would prove to be an event. Unlike previous costumes, Columbus is a live album, so Phish would attempt to recreate a show within a show.

Set one set the tone for the evening, with a Halloween-infused set featuring several appropriate songs. Opening with “Frankenstein,” Page stole the spotlight early as he took center stage with the keytar. The energy kept flowing with a terrifying “Big Black Furry Creatures From Mars,” before settling into a funk-laden “Ghost” to get everyone in the dance mood. “Ghost” saw the band opening up early, letting loose and getting their “feat” wet in a nice jam. Our first surprise came with the bustout of “Spooky,” last covered back in April 1993. This was followed by a fantastic “Divided Sky,” complete with glow stick war and longer-than-normal pause, and the appropriate (yet unexpected) “Roses Are Free.” We had a little more appreciation for the “throw that pumpkin at the tree” lyrics. A monster “Stash” and powerful “Character Zero” sealed the set.

The musical costume kicked off with “Join The Band” played over the PA as the band (joined by percussionist-extraordinaire Giovanni Hidalgo and a five-piece horn section) took the stage. Per the band’s request, the crowd spelled out “P-H-I-S-H” as Kevin Statesir (owner of Higher Ground) introduced F-E-A-T. Trey kicked the opening beats off on a small percussion rack before launching into the opening “Fat Man In The Bathtub.” Throughout the set, each band member would shine. Page’s soulful vocals and keyboard work on songs like “Fat Man In The Bathtub;” Mike’s thick bass groove anchoring down “Spanish Moon” and “Sailin’ Shoes;” “Fish’s impeccable timing on “All That You Dream;” and Trey’s incredible guitar work throughout. He wasn’t kidding when he said this year’s album was for him. Lowell George left some large shoes before, and Trey conquered the album with great confidence and charisma. Phish even found a way to put their own spin on it, switching up instruments on an emotional “Willin’” with Fishman really doing George some justice, and a barbershop quartet rendition of “Don’t Bogart That Join.” After “Feats Don’t Fail Me Now,” the band (and Hidalgo and horns) marched the perimeter of the venue in a percussion parade that lasted more than ten minutes!

After another intermission, the band hit the stage for one last set, kicking off with “Disease.” The most note-worthy jam came in the end of “Wilson,” where they played an extended metal-jam that seemed like it could take the song into new places. After a set-closing “YEM,” the band returned with Hidalgo and the horns for a smoking “Julius” encore. As I walked the boardwalk leaving, I felt more than satisfied. This was easily one of the finest nights of music I had ever seen. Well played, Phish. Can’t wait for New Year’s!

Check out below for a small playlist of videos I shot, including part of the percussion parade.

Sunday October 31, 2010 Boardwalk Hall, Atlantic City, NJ

Set I: Frankenstein, Big Black Furry Creature From Mars, Ghost > Spooky, The Divided Sky, Roses Are Free > Funky Bitch, Boogie On Reggae Woman, Stash, Character Zero

Set II: Join The Band, Fat Man In The Bathtub, All That You Dream, Oh Atlanta, Old Folks’ Boogie, Time Loves A Hero > Day Or Night, Mercenary Territory, Spanish Moon, Dixie Chicken > Tripe Face Boogie, Rocket In My Pocket, Willin’, Don’t Bogart That Joint, A Apolitical Blues, Sailin’ Shoes, Feats Don’t Fail Me Now

Set III: Down With Disease > Back On The Train > Gotta Jibboo > Camel Walk, Suzy Greenberg > Wilson > Harry Hood > The Horse > Silent In The Morning > You Enjoy Myself

E: Julius

Notes: Page performed Frankenstein on keytar. Spooky was performed for the first time since 4/14/93 (751 shows). The second set “musical costume” was Little Feat’s 1978 Waiting for Columbus. Join the Band (the first track of Waiting for Columbus)was played over the PA before the start of the second set. Subsequently, Phish was introduced as “Little Feat” before Fat Man in the Bathtub. All of the songs in the second set other than Time Loves a Hero were Phish debuts. All of the songs in the second set, other than Don’t Bogart That Joint and Willin’, featured Giovanni Hidalgo on percussion. A five piece horn section consisting of Aaron Johnson, Stuart Bogie, Ian Hendrickson, Michael Leonhart and Eric Biondo joined the band for Old Folks Boogie, Time Loves a Hero, Day or Night, Mercenary Territory, Spanish Moon, Dixie Chicken, Rocket in My Pocket and Feats Don’t Fail Me Now. Willin’ featured Page on bass, Mike on piano, Trey on drums and Fish on vocals. Prior to the piano solo at the beginning of Willin’, Fish remarked, “That’s supposed to be Bill Payne on the keyboard.” Don’t Bogart That Joint was performed a cappella. Trey introduced the guest musicians at the start of Feats Don’t Fail Me Now and Page teased “Charge!” during the introductions. At the conclusion of the second set, the entire band marched the perimeter of the floor. Disease was initially botched and had to be restarted, prompting Fish to declare, “This one’s off our album.” Julius featured Giovanni Hidalgo and the Waiting for Columbus horn section.

setlist courtesy of www.phish.com

download the show here.