8-15-24 Phish Mondegreen I

The first set began with an unexpected opener, "Moma Dance," a track usually found deeper in the setlist but here brought forward to kick things off. This choice signaled the band's intention to dive into the night with enthusiasm, wasting no time in getting the audience engaged. "Moma Dance" is known for its funky, groove-laden rhythms, and while this version might not rank among the all-time greats, it effectively set a solid tone for the evening. The song’s deep, infectious groove immediately captured the crowd’s attention, creating an atmosphere of anticipation for what was to come. The band’s tight execution of "Moma Dance" also demonstrated their comfort with the material, allowing them to focus on locking in with each other rather than simply playing the notes.

The momentum continued with "Back on the Train," another fan favorite that has been a staple in Phish’s live repertoire for years. This song, with its rootsy, Americana feel, typically serves as a reliable mid-set anchor, but here it was used to build on the energy established by "Moma Dance." While this version of "Back on the Train" was solid, it did not reach the exploratory heights that some of the later songs in the set would achieve. Instead, it remained a straightforward, well-executed performance, providing a familiar and comforting presence early in the set. The song’s laid-back groove and catchy melodies were delivered with precision, but it lacked the standout improvisational moments that can sometimes elevate "Back on the Train" to something truly special. Nevertheless, it served its purpose well, keeping the energy of the set moving forward and setting the stage for the more adventurous jams to come.

The set truly began to take off with "Wolfman’s Brother," a song that has long been a vehicle for some of Phish’s most exciting and exploratory jams. From the moment the opening riff was played, it was clear that the band was ready to take things to another level. "Wolfman’s Brother" quickly settled into a funky groove, with each band member contributing to a cohesive and dynamic sound. What made this version of "Wolfman’s Brother" particularly special was the way it hinted at other Phish songs without fully transitioning into them, creating a sense of unpredictability and excitement. The jam felt organic and unforced, as if the band was discovering new musical territory in real-time rather than simply executing a predetermined plan.

This version of "Wolfman’s Brother" was a collective effort, with all four members of the band contributing equally to the improvisation. Trey Anastasio’s guitar work was sharp and focused, but he was careful not to dominate the jam, instead allowing space for Mike Gordon, Page McConnell, and Jon Fishman to have their moments in the spotlight. Mike’s bass lines were particularly noteworthy, as he provided a deep, rumbling foundation that gave the jam its driving force. Page’s keyboard work added layers of texture and color, while Fishman’s drumming was both precise and inventive, propelling the jam forward while also allowing it to breathe. The result was a performance that felt like a true group effort, with each band member feeding off the others’ energy and ideas.

The synergy and communication between the band members during "Wolfman’s Brother" set the tone for the rest of the night, establishing a theme of group cohesion and mutual respect that would carry through the entire show. It was a perfect example of Phish’s ability to create something greater than the sum of its parts, where the magic lies not in any one player’s individual brilliance, but in the way they interact and respond to each other in the moment. As the jam reached its peak, the energy in the room was palpable, with the audience fully engaged and the band clearly enjoying the ride.

In summary, the first set of the night was a masterclass in pacing and dynamics, starting with the unexpected choice of "Moma Dance" as the opener and building steadily through well-executed performances of "Back on the Train" and "Wolfman’s Brother." While the set may not have featured the most exploratory jams of the night, it laid a strong foundation for the second set, setting the stage for deeper musical exploration and ensuring that the audience was fully on board for whatever surprises might come next. The band’s focus on group synergy and collective improvisation was evident from the start, and this would prove to be a defining feature of the entire show.