Heavy Rotation: Trey Edition
In preparation of tonight’s Trey and TAB show at Terminal 5, I’ve dusted off some shows and collections over the last week to get psyched. Here’s what’s been in heavy rotation:
1. 5/8/99 Oscar Mayer Theater, Madison WI:
There are a bunch of great shows from Trey’s first solo jaunt, but I keep coming back to this one. For the unfamiliar, this tour featured one solo acoustic set followed by an electric set with Tony and Russ. Trey’s very relaxed here, jamming on newly penned Farmhouse tunes like “Back On The Train,” “Farmhouse,” and “The Inlaw Josie Wales.” The real gem however, is the “Alumni Blues” bustout dedicated to the graduates. The electric set isn’t too shabby either, with a rocking take on Billy Preston’s “Will It Go ‘Round In Circles,” a newly penned (and ultra rare) “Somantin,” and show closing “Voodoo Chile (Slight Return).”
download the show here:
2. 7/29/01 PNC Bank Arts Center, Holmdel, NJ:
This was my favorite show from the 2001 tour. If you’re into JAMS, this is for you. Highlights include a show opening “Simple Twist Up Dave,” the rarely played “Happy Coffee Song,” and a blistering set two combo of “Money, Love & Change > Plasma > When > Sand” — sidenote: that MLC is almost 35-minutes of great jamming!
download the show here:
3. 5/31/03 The Warfield, San Francisco, CA:
This is arguably the greatest TAB show ever played, though some may balk. Whatever your feelings are, there’s no denying the insanity this night produced with Carlos Santana sitting in. This is one for the jam-lovers, as Trey and Carlos played off each other all night, leading the band through some serious extensive jams. Highlights include “The Way I Feel,” “Mr. Completely > John The Revelator,” and the “Root Down” encore for some humor.
download the show here:
4. TAB At The TAB:
In my opinion, this is the best live album Trey has put out. Though only a partial set of the Tabernacle performance from last year, it’s cohesive, clear, and sounds fantastic. Trey’s sobriety shines as he leads his refined band through a collection of Phish and solo songs. There’s more direction here, and Trey keeps his jams well constructed and on a clear path (Original Boardwalk Style was way sloppy). Check out “Alaska,” “Sand,” and “Cayman Review” to see what I mean.
download the album here:
