decent community

Set I: Push on Til the Day, Heavy Things, Dark and Down, Come on Baby Let’s Go Downtown, Burlap Sack and Pumps, Drifting, Tube Top Flop, Mr. Completely, Shine
Set II: Last Tube, Sweet Dreams Melinda, Sand, Let Me Lie, Backwards Down the Number Line, The Way I Feel, Gotta Jibboo, Sample in a Jar, Wilson, Bathtub Gin
Encore: Tuesday, First Tube

Last night Trey Anastasio and his classic TAB band bestowed a more than healthy dosage of headiness upon the crew gathered at the Orpheum. Seems like our boy Earnest is up to his old tricks with his axe, and quite frankly, we should all be ecstatic. The perphormance - at times phunked out, at times rocked out, at times mind-blowing, at times nostalgic — was a phenomenal outpouring of groove-induced discharge that’s truly unique to Trey — and was testament to why so many phans wish to have his music involved in their lives.

First set highlights included a merry version of Neil Young’s “Come on Baby Let’s Go Downtown,” an extended and enthusuastic “Burlap Sack and Pumps” and the always-exquisite “Drifting.” Other noteworthy proceedings of the first set included the strong whiff of burning beasters, heady mamas dancing and having their boobs flying everywhere, and the recognition that the bass player is pretty freakin round (I think that’s good for bringing funk though).

Second set was a little heavy, a little sneaky, and an altogether serious movement. I popped wood at the opening licks of “Sand” and my hard-on didn’t shrink until Trey came out solo for “Sample in a Jar” (my roni needed a rest anyway). The navigation of that run of jams was rousing in every way. With “Sample,” also came “Wilson” and “Bathtub Gin” — just Trey solo, supplying the phix.

With the recent announcement of Phish returning to tour (need tix if anyone has them), this night was cause for rejoicing. While the relic that was Phish appeared to move further and further into the past, it’s enlivening to once again witness the music that Anastasio creates. But what energizes me most after seeing this performance is the reassurance that Phish will once again bring their characteristic magic back to the masses.