Short version: hear this Twist!

Longer version:

There weren't many bad stretches of music anywhere in 1997, and you could argue that July was as strong a month as November or December. Summer 97 was definitely Phish at their most playful--and funky. Though Fall 97 often gets given the funk-throne, I think that's a bit erroneous. Not that there wasn't a ton of funk in the fall, but by November Trey was also channeling Hendrix more and more, and the band was doing much more group oriented spacey stuff as well. You were just as likely to hear a space-rock jam as you were a funk one. No if you really want the funky shit, your odds are just as good to pick a show from July.

And this one is maybe where things really got going in earnest. The Stash from the Paradiso a few days prior is one of the band's best otherworldy melodic expeditions of 97, foreshadowing the glorious 8/10 Cities. But this Twist is one of the first examples of their funky throwdowns that would also become a big summer touchstone. The Groove is in the Heart jam is no token throwaway tease, it's a proper 'groove' that's pure dance. Page shines, and you can feel their collective momentum just swell up in it--the sound of a band really starting to hit their party stride. Just so much fun. This vibe would return again through the fantastic YEM->Ghost>Poor Heart sequence with Bela Fleck and the Flecktones a few days later in Lyon (7/9), the standout Ghost in Atlanta (7/23), and basically every Gin they played that summer up through to the Great Went.

It was a good summer.

To take a step back from my reviewing all of Summer '97, I should mention that if @andrewrose or @waxbanks have already reviewed a show, it's safe to ignore my review altogether. Those guys know what's up and I really appreciate their analysis and writing, and largely agree with their opinions.

A free Phish show near Lake Como, one of the most picturesque places in all of Europe? Totally radical man. And for a one-setter, this one's solid! First off, the soundcheck is floating around as well, and it's pretty cool -- it sounds like the soundcheck was basically part of the show with a decent crowd. Tons of teases and noodling before they start playing Funky Bitch (Camel Walk, Chalkdust, etc.). Julius is pretty hot in the opening slot, and then the show gets a little worrisome for a second with Bouncing > Uncle Pen, Sample, but that's the end of the radio-friendly segment. This Theme is very good, and I think it's the first time this tour it's been played when Taste wasn't also played in the same show. This Caspian is excellent, and the segue into Twist is pretty slick with Mike hinting at Twist early and often before they actually take the jump. Normally seeing Piper after a wonderful funky Twist featuring a full on Groove is in the heart groove would make you drop trou', but this is before Piper was *Piper* and it's just sort of a 5 minute tack on at this point. I feel really good about this Hood, with an Odd Couple on the back of the worm. "Chris, can you turn off the lights so we can see the mountains" reminds us where Harry goes when the lights go out -- they also did this during 8/2/97 Gorge and the Went Hood too, both of which had glowstick wars (or so I'm told). It's nice to get some free Fishman antics, and after Poor Heart they rock their way off stage with Zer0 and GTBT before Coil peacefully sends everyone into the night. For a one-setter, this one is quite fun. As Andrew says, get the Twist, but go ahead and hear the whole stretch from Theme through Hood.

Not bad not bad

Strong Julius to start the show. Twist gets into a nice funky groove with some nice vocal teases by Fish. Hood is very strong and especially thoughtful in its playing.

Coil is gorgeous and probably fantastic for the scenery.

Over all not all that bad of a show considering it's just one single set. The funky bitch soundcheck is also worth checking out.

Oh yeah, and speaking of the Paradiso, listen for a "on the back of the worm!" nod from Trey during the Hood peak. Quite a ride, indeed.

SET 1: Julius: Standard.

Bouncing Around the Room: Standard. >

Uncle Pen: Standard.

Sample in a Jar: Standard.

Theme From the Bottom: Standard.

Prince Caspian: Ripped up the front and down the back, would relisten and recommend! Personally, I think > is the more appropriate description of this segue into Twist. It would have been very cool and -> but Page just would stop plinking around with the end of Caspian, oh well ->

Twist: Cool funky jam that plays around with Groove is in the Hear, would recommend but nothing earth shattering here – just a fun, funky, little jam. >

Piper:

Harry Hood: Chris, can you turn off the lights so we can see the mountains ???? I think this is a better than average Hood, feel like it is a solid B maybe B+ >

Love You > Hold Your Head Up: Pretty fun, funky little groove in this one actually. >

Poor Heart: Standard. >

Character Zero: Standard. >

Good Times Bad Times: Huge goosebumps right now listening to this one. Just absolutely incredible. Trey is rock god. The Walk this Way stuff is cool too. Total smoke show. All-timer for SURE.

ENCORE: The Squirming Coil – Very cool version and a little bit atypical. Would recommend!

Replay Value: Prince Caspian, Twist, Good Times Bad Times, The Squirming Coil

Summary: Show is not bereft of highlights. That GTBT is amazing. I think this show as currently rated as a 3.63 out of 5 is right on the money.