I don't usually listen to too much pre-1993 Phish outside the official releases, but over the past month or so I've been trying to become a bit more familiar with the earlier stages of the band and listening to some older tapes. I don't think I'd ever heard mention of this show before this week, but its standout .net rating among 1991 grabbed my attention, and I had to throw it on Relisten. This show features some real strong musicianship, a couple of really tasty jams, and a diverse setlist that flows very naturally. Trey excels on Stash, and Page really digs into the keys on a YEM-funk-like It's Ice breakdown. The Fluffhead Arrival is optimistically triumphant and powerful, especially thanks to great energetic drumming on Fishman's part. The David Bowie that closes Set 1 dabbles with some really nice swanky riffing, slowly picking up energy and working in dissonant passages that weave between the semblance of a typical Bowie groove. The finish is traditional and classic, but executed with precision and grace.

In Set 2, Divided Sky gets a slightly longer solo section as Trey and band push the envelope with blazing energy. This is a really fantastic version of the tune for '91, and imo belongs on the jam charts. The highlight of the show, however, is the penultimate YEM. As the charts point out, every segment is tremendous. The epic jam that ensues calls for some spirited head banging and plenty of stank face as the band blazes to a rocking groove. The slow burnout from here forms a sweet, ambient basin of sound before rebuilding and falling again. VJ is noteworthy for highly percussive elements that shy away from more melodic/harmonic space. Overall, a great early show with a few killer standouts. This is worth a listen, for sure.