As a drummer, when I get into situations where I'm jamming out with others I always try and get to spots where if needed I can force the other musicians to keep up with me and not get stuck in a 2 hour long groove that will require a nap afterwards.
With this said, the opening band was better than what I was expecting. It was just a keyboard player with a large collection of digital pianos and analog synths along with a drummer. Some of the tones that came out of these instruments was really stellar and the music was more enjoyable than what I expected by the looks of them. All the songs had direction, an actual sense of rising and falling, a beginning and ending that would make one recognize them as actual songs, not just jams. The melodies were very out-front and I actually got into several of them. The drumming was strong, not out-of-this-world good, but it did its job and the parts were very busy and complemented the keyboardist.
As the roadies set everything up for Trey Anastasio, I thought it was weird, but kind of cute that the two hippy guys from the previous band was going to be sharing drums and keyboard setups for Try as well. When Trey took to the stage I realized that the opening band was actually the keyboardist and drummer from Trey's band playing their own set before the whole band came out.
Unfortunately I wasn't as impressed with Trey or his band. I guess it could have to do with the hype; I've heard a lot of people talk about how incredibly talented are the musicians in Phish. While I can respect their ability, as far as technical skills go I've seen much better. I don't know what it is that gets Phish fans so revved up about this stuff but then again what’s the deal with the Grateful Dead or even Dave Matthews Band for that matter? Seriously, please someone tell me.
For me, the highlight of the show was any of the cover songs I recognized, such as the brilliant Elliott Smith song, "Coming up Roses". After the show I was schooled by Phish fans who informed me that for someone who is a follower of Phish the show was of course, incredible.
So if you're into Phish and you missed this show, I guess you apparently really missed out huh? However, if you're anything like me, then don't expect to develop a sudden appreciation for Trey and all that is the world of Phish just by coming to one of his live shows with or without the help of Mike Gordon.
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