Phish on Phriday

Unless I can think of a way around it, it looks like I might have to get a North Carolina driver’s license. That wouldn’t be such a big deal except that it involves re-taking the “written” portion of the driving test. Let’s just say I don’t have a good history with that test.
In that spirit, here’s an early version of “Slave to the Traffic Light,” then “Cars, Trucks, Buses” from 1997, and then “Possum” from 2009, NYC.
Pressing the point is “Contact” from Alpine Valley 1996. Hear here.

Let’s Make the Water Turn Jimmy Carl Black

Bees and I just watched the fascinating and scholarly documentary “Frank Zappa and The Mothers of Invention in the 1960’s,” and we were both struck by the endearing character of drummer Jimmy Carl Black (“the Indian of the group”). It really broke my heart when nearly 40 years after the fact Black expresses his pride over having been a Mother and his confusion over the demise of the group.



Here’s a super cool 1968 instrumental version of “Let’s Make the Water Turn Black” from the German television show Beat Club. I’ve seen a video of them playing this, but I can’t find it anywhere. That’s a shame because while the band plays, Motorhead Sherwood makes a big, messy sandwich onstage while laconically shaking a tambourine. Pretty funny, I thought.



Just so you don’t feel cheated, here’s a nice video of the Mothers doing their inimitable thing in 1968, this time from French television. If you’re a M.O.I. fan you’ve likely seen this, but here goes for the uninitiated…Things to note: Bunk Gardner teasing “Teddy Bear’s Picnic” at the beginning, Zappa’s unique conducting of the band, Jimmy Carl Black holding it all together, and the sheer mind-blowing synergy of the band. The main musical theme here seems to be based on “Sleeping in a Jar.” But, heck, I won’t pretend to know what’s going on. If there are any music theory nerds, (or any other nerds), out there who care to chime in-- I’d love it. I like to learn.

“Keep an Eye on Summer”

I’m getting mighty tired of winter.
I’ve got the southern California blues again. Some Danny Heller paintings and this strange video certainly help scratch the itch.

Phish on Phriday

This week I thought I’d share with you some selections from 3-20-1992 in Binghamton, NY. This show was one the first Phish tapes I ever got. Of course, this was before the internet and getting my hands on Phish shows was way more of a catch as catch can type of affair.
So here’s the show opening group of songs, nice tight versions all:
Wilson, Reba, Brother, Glide



My cassette tape only included set one, but that's no reason you should be deprived. Here's Sanity and Harry Hood from set two: