So we had been listening to the copy of a copy of a copy of a copy of a partial tape of Junta for a couple of months, when word came down that Phish was going to be at the Bayou. Finally, a chance to see this amazing music played live...SWEET!

It was hard to get a crew together in those days when most of those around me had never heard any Phish. I dragged Ray down to the Bayou, and saw only one or two familiar faces inside...the floor inside the small club was empty, and there were still open tables on the wraparound balcony above when the boys hit the stage. The lights didn't even go down!

What's this? A Capella? I think I knew "Carolina" best from an old Bugs Bunny cartoon...and was immediately impressed with the boldness of such an opening, unamplified over a few catcalls to GET ROCKIN'! Then, the opening notes of "You Enjoy Myself" and we're OFF...

Standing in the middle of the nearly empty floor in front of the stage as the coda to "Esther" plays, thinking to myself, "but...but...but, SHE DIED!"

Cracking up at "Possum" and marveling at the deftness of "A-Train", losing it again over "Fee" ("slice you on the nipple"? Ah-hahaha!)

Page's beautiful outro to "Squirming Coil", him bent over a tiny Fender Rhoades keyboard tickling the most heavenly strains from the keys.

Ray's bemused face during their rollicking "La Grange" - I don't think he ever saw them again after that...oh well, not for everybody I guess! More for me!

The utter silliness of "Bathtub Gin" and "Contact", the punchy "Lizards" and tremendous "Cavern" beseeching us to TAKE CARE OF YOUR SHOES, whatever you do. OK! I was hooked...the first of many nights of fun, Fun, FUN!

I finally, in 2002, found *1* person who had a copy of a partial soundboard of this show in his collection, tracked him down and set up a trade. It never shows up even today, and I may never hear it again in its entirety, but I'll never forget that night!

My 1st show. For at least a year, I had been hearing great things about this really tight, Zappa-esque band from Burlington. Despite having lived in Maine for most of the 1985-1990 time frame, it wasn't until this gig in my hometown that I had the chance to see 'em for real. As I recall, the Bayou did not even open the 2nd balcony level because there was not enough of a crowd expected. Cover was about 5 bucks I think. Oh man, was my jaw on the floor from the first note!. So clean, so tight, yet loose at the same time! I made sure to purchase a cassette of Junta before I left that night. Nice to finally see this show in digital circulation!

Compared to last nights recording this one is pretty sub-par. It’s not terrible but leaves a lot to be desired. Having a handful of cassette generations in the lineage the source comes off a bit tinny sounding.

Decent version of YEM. Afterwards Fish and Trey disclose that they didn’t have a chance to soundcheck so that was their soundcheck. Golgi, a solid Divided Sky and Esther continue the Junta streak. Another scorching version of Possum tonight. I Didn’t Know features Phil Collins on vacuum. Nice version of Antelope with the scream at the end heard on Lawn Boy. I noticed they did this last night as well, I don’t recall hearing the scream before last night. I thought Antelope would round out Set 1, but they chose to end it on a mellow note a with an entertaining version of A-Train.

It’s always a treat when Sloth starts off a set. Solid Bag. After Gin Trey talks a bit. He promises to honor requests that are being shouted out (Mike’s, BBFCFM, Suzy) of course none are played. lol He also introduces Tom and says to think of him as a fifth member. Fun Contact with Fish sobbing! lol Great version of Lizards. It’s interesting they closed both sets with a Duke Ellington song tonight. Beautiful take on Caravan to wrap up the evening.