The "Gin" > "Real Me" > "Gin" caused me to have what I consider to be the closest thing to an out-of-body experience I have ever felt. The energy that was coming off of the stage that night at the Centrum was unlike anything I have experienced since. Phish are masters of both power and subtlety. They keep fans guessing while providing answers. I believe them to be simply complex.
Though 7/25 is a good one (as are the rest of the ones mentioned here), another funktastic rendition from that tour in '97 occurred only 4 days previous in Va. Beach. As the first non-debut Phish original (Ginseng Sullivan was just before it) of the tour opener after two triumphant European tours, it was definitely given a nice revered slot. Trey's soloing builds steadily to a funk frenzy that breaks down wonderfully, where he steps back and becomes the rhythm while Page, Mike, and Fish absolutely tear it up in a J.B.'s-style soul romp. (Fish even channels J.B. himself with various grunts and yelps). This soul-funk vamp continues as Trey addresses the crowd for a new tune recap. He sums up the awesomeness of this jam after explaining the soul-thieving premise of "Dogs Stole Things": "Obviously by the way he's playing, they have not stolen Fishman's soul yet"... though the same easily could have been said of Page and Mike (and hell, even ol' Red himself).
The 6-23-00 I from Atlanta is really really good. I have put it on many mixed tapes and many non Phish fans comment on how good the song is. My Phish friends love it! It is referenced in the Phish companion as a great version as well. One of my all time favorite songs by any band.
I have to comment here, just because I feel like one of the best Gins is often overlooked. If you jump back less than 2 weeks before the Murat Gin, to the show from Tampa, FL on 8/2/93, I think there is a good example of a Gin unlike any prior Gin, and also foreshadows some of the "feeling good" Gins that Phish started playing in 1998. Its a little slower tempo (if thats possible) than usual. People often refer to the jam out of this Gin as a "Sweet Virginia" tease, but I don't like this reference, because it understates the brilliance of Trey's improvisation and shear fluidity in this 5 min jam, something quite frankly lacking on the Murat Gin. In sum, this is much more than a tease. Its a must hear, and I'd be glad to upload a decent copy of this show for anyone who's interested, just give me an email.
Performances
Song History
Jamming Chart
Score: 2
Score: 1
That made the whole lawn at camden look around at each other like, "did that really just happen?"
Epic Win for Phish and God
Score: 0
Score: 0
Score: 0
Score: 0
Score: 0