There was a period in the late 90's when both sets of a Phish show were fair game for exploratory 'Type II' jamming. That era was a few years off when this show came around; the deep-improv action here is centered in Set II. Grab this one for spectacular versions of Gin, Ya Mar, and Mike's Song, including fan-favourite Trey/Mike banter in the latter two. ('Sing us your song, Mike,' in a honey voice.)

This is joyful music. The fluency, empathy, and excitement on display in August 1993 are still breathtaking; for my money that month (handily captured in SBD recordings!) marks the dividing line between the swell-party-band period of Phish's career and their decade-long bid for the title of Best Improvisatory Group in America. Not to say there's nothing good before 8/93 - obviously that's not the case. But listen to, say, 2/20/93, this show, 5/7/94, 11/30/94, and anything from Summer '95 and you're hearing two or three different bands, never mind the group that emerged from the winter '97 Europe tour with news to share.