Thursday 07/20/2017 by raidcehlalred

PITTSBURGH RECAP: FROM A ROOM ON A HILL

Located at the peak of the University of Pittsburgh’s main campus, the Petersen Events Center is beautiful. Built upon a 90-foot sloped site (which once deterred pedestrian traffic through the heart of campus), this one-time geographical impediment is now utilized to both great aesthetic and practical effect. An impressive five-story, all-glass lobby fronts the building and opens upon the school, functioning both as a great meeting space and central link, bridging the lower and upper portions of the university, while casting an extended, enchanted sort of effect about the school’s incredibly cramped and ultra urban grounds.

<a href='https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Main_Page'>Wikimedia Commons</a>
Wikimedia Commons

Once inside, the venue continues to impress. Bathed in Panther blue and gold – all exposed metal surfaces and railings within the arena are fashioned a metallic “bullion” – the interior is at once collegiate and works to impress the sophisticate.

But it gets better yet.

Points atop “The Pete” offer dramatic views of surrounding Oakland and the university’s renowned Cathedral of Learning. This 42-story Late Gothic Revival Cathedral—the second tallest gothic-styled building in the world—rises 535 feet to divide the sky, which, this particular evening, is a federal sort of firmament, a liquid blue made to appear all the more so by the waning day’s scattershot clouds, which, hanging low, are touched with color by the rising alpenglow. It’s summer. It’s warm. All told, a wonderful atmosphere to take in a show.

Parking is somewhat of a problem. But doable. At $5.00 a car, several surface lots and parking garages dot the campus, able to accommodate some 14,763 fans (the given maximum figure for center-stage concerts) as we arrive from Illinois, Ohio, and et cetera. Yes. The absence of a “traditional” lot scene is noticeable. This isn’t Burgettstown. This isn’t the Civic Arena either, the last venue to host Phish while playing the city of Pittsburgh proper, though that parking situation, as opposed to that night’s scene (although that is another story), is somewhat similar. And yes. While traveling and hanging out before a show are certainly important aspects of Phish culture, it is, ultimately, the spirit of the band’s music which brings us together. Given Phish’s strong showing at Northerly; their lively return to Dayton; and their penchant to seemingly throw down whenever swinging through Pitt ... Well, we’ll certainly take it.

The lights go out.

The band walks on.

Of course one of Phish’s finest features is their ability to surprise. To amaze. Tonight, perhaps the most interesting aspect feeding excitement is the band’s forthcoming thirteen-night New York City stand. Billed as "The Baker’s Dozen," Phish’s MSG residency is slated to be a revelation. That much is clear. But now, though ... Here ... Are we in for a sort of 8/13/96, when Phish, as if blowing off a summer’s-worth of collective steam, amazed fans by seemingly going off script, to play one of the year’s most spirited and inspired shows, just prior to the historic and career-defining Clifford Ball Festival? Or come 1997. Exactly one year later. The gig before The Great Went. When, late in the second set, Ken Kesey and his Merry Pranksters drop by Gamehendge. Might a surprise arise in the form of something strange? If most shows spell something, we’ve never before had the opportunity to read Phish through the prism of this particular context.

Photo © Rene Huemer
Photo © Rene Huemer

And so we shout.

And this is what goes down.

Trey dispenses with the usual pleasantries and makes straight for his guitar. Without looking at Mike, Fish, Page – or the page of paper in front of his mic (more on this in a bit) – he runs through the opening riff of “My Soul.” Standard fare, but the crowd warms nicely, and it’s clear that Trey is comfortable. Loose. The same can be said when the band runs through a solid version of “NICU.”

This is when the sound in the room becomes noticeable. It’s loud. Really loud. And as the band adjusts to accommodate the additional mass (us) in the venue, it becomes clear that Trey aims to use this to his advantage. The space sounds great. The vocals sound great. WE sound great. The lower level is literally bouncing (had the song not already been performed in Chicago, it seems likely that “BATR” would have been performed here.) Which takes us back to the piece of paper by Trey’s feet ...

Whether Trey simply needs a list (which is replaced during set break) to keep track of the names of all the new songs the band is committed to playing (two more debuts this evening, which brings the number since Northerly One to an impressive ten), or for some other reason ... He is clearly operating from a set number of songs. This said, there appears to be a certain amount of flexibility – with Trey often peering at his sheet, before walking over to confer, usually, with Mike. While this practice is certainly not unprecedented, what is noteworthy is that the band is five shows into their summer tour, and they have yet to repeat a song. Fun stuff.

Back to the room. After glancing at the available options, Trey decides that “Halley’s Comet” is next, and this is seemingly no coincidence: the song affords both the band and the audience the opportunity to belt out some fan-favorite lyrics. At one point it seems as if the band is certain to step from their stands and allow the fans to take over. It is that sort of vibe.

Photo © Rene Huemer
Photo © Rene Huemer

But it’s not all chorus, chorus, chorus. From a spirited, yet perfunctory, “Halley’s,” Trey segues nicely into “Undermind,” – this apparently agreed upon during a brief discussion Trey has with Mike following “NICU” – and, musically, the band opens up for the first time this evening. Could be a result of where I am sitting, but it seems like the bulk of the show, at least through the first set, is Trey-driven. A Trey who is on a peak-seeking mission. While that sort of play is soon to come, Trey does work through the version with a bit of verve, at one point, and with a noticeable bit of swag, swatting from his face an approaching beachball directly before delivering the line “undeterred.” Working both his feet and his Supa Puss, Trey fiddles with his effects to great effect, and the jam – and the show – is shoring up nicely.

After consulting his document and conferring with Mike, “Divided Sky” is up next. Easily a highlight, this, too, seems more proof positive that Trey is playing to the room. The version is clean, spirited, and inspired, and features one of the loudest “pauses” that I can recall in some time. I am not keeping time, but the break before the “note” seems extra long – and before long fans are drumming the sides of the building .... As if it wasn’t Trey they were cheering, but rather goading Grayson Allen, who had just lined up for a free throw. Deafening. Fired up, Trey runs through the version with measured grace and assurance, before, ultimately, offering up that “old school” style of bliss.

Marissa,” a new song from Mike, follows, and while it’s difficult to write too much with regard to debut material, the music – and lyrics – seem promising. Pulsing to that sort of pseudo-reggae vibe we’ve come to expect, the words arrive as being more introspective than whimsical, and the band compliments Mike’s line nicely, creating a neat little groove which seems to be going somewhere. But alas. A full-blown jam does not come to pass. Like so much of Mike’s material, the song seems constructed so as to invite extended improvisational play. To which I say: Let Mike Play!

Photo © Rene Huemer
Photo © Rene Huemer

Page is up next, and he delivers a nice version of the summer’s first “Home.” With it’s New Amsterdams vibe, Page is now afforded the opportunity to sing to the room, and the band works through a couple of nice musical moments, which continue to hint at the song’s promise (which we have been talking about since the song’s Big Boat release.)

What follows is arguably the summer’s biggest surprise. (At least for a set break ...) Given the shape the set was taking, it seems reasonable to assume that Trey elects to move into “Prince Caspian” as a means to (yet again) fill the room – while offering us another opportunity to contribute – with sing-along energy, before wrapping things up with something like “Suzy.” This isn’t the case. To be sure: Everyone is singing. And the energy is great. But just when it seems like Trey is going to wind the version down - a la a 1996 version – which would have been interesting – he proceeds to lead the band through one of the most inspired readings since ... Well, you know the one. But make no mistake: This version is more than its incredible conclusion. There is some seriously nice and varied play before Trey drives the jam higher and higher, again and again, with Mike working his pedal to deliver what seems like four – I lose count – astral booms.

One of my favorite features of Phish: They can spend “fifteen minutes” during set break, only to walk on stage to spend another five discussing what to play. But here there is a reason. “Punch You in the Eye” opens, and it’s appropriate. Loud and boisterous, again encouraging fans to “play” the version ... From an energy standpoint, “PYITE” picks up right where we left off. And then the band goes off.

Photo © Rene Huemer
Photo © Rene Huemer

First: Huge shout out to the floor – particularly the first handful of rows ... They pick up on the “Mr. Completely” bustout (not seen since on a Phish stage since its Phish debut in 2003, a gap of 380 shows) a full five measures before most of the arena. From the stands their reaction is AWESOME, and really works to build the excitement for those unfamiliar with the song.

Once reading that the band checked the song while in Chicago – and keeping in mind the fact that the song wasn’t performed in Dayton – I made sure I had a copy of 7/15/03 in my car for the drive through Pennsylvania. While a long shot (I reasoned the band was rehearsing for NYC), you never know ...

... While I love reading about music, and obviously love writing about what the band does as well, one of my favorite quotes – sometimes attributed to Bowie – is: “Writing about music is like dancing about architecture.” And that really seems to be the case here. Sometimes what the band does is ineffable. The moment, plus the music, are impossible to capture with words. And this is a great thing. It feels like any attempt on my part wouldn’t necessarily cheapen the moment, but will in no way do the music justice. Hopefully the band will release a video of this performance, so those not in attendance can share in this great Phish experience.

Mercury” comes as the perfect complement. And the band works through the composed sections well, and enters a really nice groove. (Of note: We also see the Marimba Lumina for the first time this year.) Here, there is no other way to put it: The band cuts the jam short in favor of another debut, “Come Together” (or "Rise/Come Together," depending who you ask). However, what can also be said is this: The segue was tremendous. Moreover, the song, given the context of the evening, was precisely what Trey wanted to play. Like the Phish debut of “Architect,” (which -> from a strong “Carini”), it is visible that Trey really – really – wants to sing his new song. He literally stretches upon his toes and leans into his mic. Repeatedly. And, true to the night, he drives the music to an emphatic peak.

Contact” is fun, and provides a cool down, with some extra “Flamenco”-like flourishes from Trey, though at the cost of some lyrics (I think). “Axilla” quickly reasserts all sorts of energy back into the room, before the band enters “Steam.” An excellent song in this spot – with everyone waiting for the first “big one” – this version sounds a bit off. The playing was fine, but Trey’s tone didn’t seem to work well. Could have accidentally been down a step, or this could have been by design.

Photo © Rene Huemer
Photo © Rene Huemer
Either way, the theatrics and the vibe are always welcome. This, then, into “Backwards Down The Number Line.”

Given the night’s trajectory, I was thinking that a noisy, crazy, “Fluffhead” was going to occupy the closing slot. And while this would have been welcome – and appropriate – “BDTNL” really is excellent. This is no rote sendoff. Page's work on the piano is terrific. And Trey’s play is deft and nimble - it seems as though he adds an extra section to his solo - in addition to sustaining a note for nearly twenty seconds.

Page’s quirky “Things People Do” works pretty well as the first of a multi-song encore (if only because we know we are in for a multi-song encore) and “Bug,” with its huge sing-along chorus, is fitting, serving as a reminder that this is all fun. "Rocky Top," while somewhat of a nonsequitur when played outside the South, wrings two more minutes of energy out of the show and brings a memorable night to a close.

If this show did indeed spell something, it seems fair to treat tonight not so much as a story, but as the next chapter in a thrilling novel that, as the band prepares to make for NYC to establish their “residency,” continues to unravel.

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Comments

, comment by Phart_Door
Phart_Door Fantastic review. Wholeheartedly agree.
, comment by TheHeadsChoice
TheHeadsChoice With yesterday being National Hot Dog day, you would think we would have gotten a Meatstick!!
, comment by Tuna_Belly
Tuna_Belly Great review. Listened at home and could feel the energy coming through the speakers.
, comment by del4life
del4life I wasn't there but reading the set - not my kind of set. I wouldn't be thrilled to hear Mr. Completely. Most interesting to me is the placment of Contact.
, comment by Choda
Choda Thank icculus you wrote the review.

::you get it::
, comment by Jestinphish
Jestinphish @del4life said:
I wasn't there but reading the set - not my kind of set. I wouldn't be thrilled to hear Mr. Completely. Most interesting to me is the placment of Contact.
Listen to it and then tell me you're not thrilled to hear it...
, comment by burlingtonnuthouse
burlingtonnuthouse I opened this acct solely to express my great displeasu...no, I' m kidding. Been reading rock reviews for 50 years, if this isnt the best it is certainly my all time favorite. You pulled things in perfectly, a true wide angle review. You have a gift my friemd.
, comment by FoundMyselfACity
FoundMyselfACity CK5 killing it again with lights. The entire rigs are moving; moving lights placed on a moving platform. As the four are musically masterful, Kuroda is lighting literate. There is your in analogy ala SATs in honor of our walk about the shadows of higher learning.

Some wierd songs for me with this one. The bring-ins from the side projects is not my bag. I am a Phish phan. While I can appreciate their music elsewhere, with others, I do not follow them. Good on the band keeping jt fresh.

The Prince Caspian was outrageously great.

I had always hoped for a Contact. I got it. I am very pleased. Trey flubbed a bit. I am not sweating it. Nor was he. I said it before, when they are having fun (overtly), the show is better.

The set break was mentioned, how even still they kibitzed once on stage. I noticed CK5 at his post on his cell texting. When Mike took the stage, he too was texting. Now, with each other? I thought of this memory as I read the article's mention of set brrak.

PYITE is good.

Random stuff:

There was some Mike and Trey latin'esque dancing going on.

Trey not with much to say again. Just a real quick blurb at end of first set like Dayton.

Venue is excellent. Lots of AC going on. Felt goooood. Clean. Acoustics were good, but Dayton sounded clearer.

Fishman was on the Marimba just a short while. Its volume seemed low. Let Fishman Play?

Glad to hear more Page tonight. Not a really killer encore song you'd expect but I appreciate the Chairman of the Board.

No lot scene understandably with so many stuffed in parking garages. Fahk, nineties-something-humidity-drenched -downtown heat... beer was cold though.

One of the tour busses was out in a flash. I was behind their motors escort to 376....a car not far it behind sporting registration "CK5".
, comment by Matty1222
Matty1222 Well written and a overall great recap. @Burlingtonnutfactory was right. You certainly have a gift and I hope to see more reviews from you!
, comment by OrangeSox
OrangeSox A fun, easy on the eyes review! Love the feel and the introductory details, and the discussion of the two sets is spot-on. What another great show! The Caspian sent me reeling and the second set never let loose. If Steam had been opened a little wider, the place would have popped like a balloon.
, comment by pistilstamen
pistilstamen Wait, you were there? Damn it!

Nice review.

We continue to share similar Phish wavelengths...as your review was picking up on pretty much everything I was noticing as well. This was my first time having the pleasure of being right behind CK5...being able to watch him work his magic was yet another element that made this show so much fun.
, comment by demented
demented Thanks for the review. FYI, the hill leading to the 'Pete' is affectionately known as "heart attack Hill". The Caspian was unexpectedly amazing, and having been at the other great Caspian, I would give this one the nod. 'Foundmyselfacity' mentioned the great sound, I agree. What is quite impressive is that the 'Pete' is notorious here for terrible sound. Having seen many shows here, I don't know how they did it but the sound was a best ever for this place. Kuddos to the sound guys.

Mr. Completely was my highlight as I have loved the TAB versions and the magnificent previous Phish version. This one is worthy. Rocky Top may make sense as Pittsburgh is known as the Paris of Apalachia? Can't wait for MSG!
, comment by Nigel_Tufnel
Nigel_Tufnel Undermind has a cool delay jam worth hearing. I like delay jams.

* PRINCE CASPIAN is a must-hear "noteworthy" jam. *

MR. COMPLETELY also has a lovely jam worth hearing.

Not the best Steam out there, but I love the song, so it's always worth checking out for me.

What's really encouraging to me is how soon in the tour these excellent jams are coming together. Seems like past few tours it's taken a few shows (3 or 4) to grow their jamming wings. Not this tour. Jammin' right out of the gate, and taking more chances and having more fun with the jams as the tour goes on. Very encouraging indeed......... (no jinxies)

~Nigel
, comment by Slice
Slice Thank you for the positive, passionate review. We meet so many people at the shows who are happy just to be there and are getting down to whatever Phish decides to play. While I can understand wanting and expecting more out of every show, I think more people need to learn to be content with Phish in the moment. It's not 1996. The feeling when the lights go out is enough satisfaction to keep me coming back. Clearly, the boys are capable of taking every song to the dark side, but they are choosing to take us on a different journey. And I dig that. It makes most of us appreciate a Prince Caspian on a Wednesday in Pennsylvania all the more.

And CK5 took that Caspian to a whole new level. The new lights are ridiculous and love that he holds on to them for the peak jam of each show. Pretty sure my face is melted on the floor of the Pete. The Mr. Completely>Mercury>Come Together might not look too exciting on paper, but it was a fucking throwdown. Give that a listen before you knock it.

One show at a time. Be grateful for what you got. And gear up for the dirty dozen.
, comment by ThePittsburghPolack
ThePittsburghPolack What an amazing show! To echo what a few others have said: I was really impressed with the sound.
I had never been to a game/concert at The Pete, but have heard from friends the sound wasn't impressive.
It was a welcome relief to have things sound good!

Great write up on the show!

I just wanted to add some local knowledge background on "Built upon a 90-foot sloped site (which once deterred pedestrian traffic through the heart of campus)."
There used to be a football stadium at that exact location. The Pittsburgh Steelers played there until 1969 and The Pittsburgh Panthers played there until 1999.
Same view in 1999 and now:
https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/5/54/PittStadiumWalk.jpg
https://www.google.com/maps @40.4433929,-79.9602395,3a,75y,303.46h,100.75t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sGmmDYCKAb9I6Mnq9CQ0v6Q!2e0!7i13312!8i6656
While yes, the hill is steep, many Pitt students now complain that they have to take a buss out to the North Shore instead of just walking to see games. The Greek Housing and some dorms are just to the northeast of the arena/previous stadium, and it was very accessible to a good number of students. The pain in the ass was if you lived in the lower-campus or even farther in South Oakland. Then it's a hike.
, comment by pureguava
pureguava Lovely review. Thanks for your efforts! One of the better shows I streamed made all the mo' better by texting with one of my best friends from junior high school who has never seen phish. We were both listening and I was sorta live-blogging as he had no idea what was going on. I'm taking him to his first show 8/4.
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