Wednesday, 06/29/1994

Walnut Creek Amphitheater, Raleigh, NC

While I was not at this show, I’ve actually been to shows at Walnut Creek a handful of times. It’s a typical outdoor shed, but it has a little character. It surrounded by NC woods and just kind of feels like you’re out in the country a bit. I dig it.

I’m pretty sure I’ve never heard this show before this morning. After the last week of shows that are all pretty stellar, I’m a bit surprised to come across one I’ve never even heard before. Let’s see as I’m listening why this one was not heavily traded. Is it weak?

Starts out strong with Curtain, but the drop into Sample is upsetting (probably not for everyone, but certainly for me). Reba saves the day here! Listen to the early quiet section of the jam as Trey flitters around maniacally yet quietly. Wow. Never heard him do anything like that before or since. That was really cool.

Then there’s a Bowie worthy of late-Set-2 glory… a serious contender of a Bowie. Wow.

Set 2 is anchored by a big Tweezer that is pure rock and roll for the first half then breaks down into an interesting little jam before slowing down to nothing at all. Interesting, to say the least. Then this set rides on 94 cruise control… in the best of ways. Ice has settled down a bit from it’s spring madness. Lifeboy is beautiful as usual. And a late Set 2 Divided Sky with an insane pause that drives the crowd into frenzy (and that happens after the final note from Trey while waiting for Fish to play the two quick cymbal hits to start back up again)?? Hellsyeah!

Then another Set 1 staple pops up in the encore? Not only that, it’s a fierce version! I love these guys!

Thanks for reading.

 

Wednesday, 06/29/1994

Walnut Creek Amphitheater, Raleigh, NC

Soundcheck: Funky Bitch

Set 1: The Curtain > Sample in a Jar, Reba, Mound, Julius, The Horse > Silent in the Morning, David Bowie -> Catapult -> David Bowie, I Didn’t Know, Golgi Apparatus

Set 2: The Landlady, Poor Heart > Tweezer > It’s Ice > Lifeboy > Divided Sky, Suzy Greenberg > Cavern

Encore: Ya Mar, Tweezer Reprise

Notes: Trey teased Julius in the intro to The Horse. Catapult was sung as the Bowie hi-hat intro started. I Didn’t Know saw Fishman play his bass drum pedal on his knees, and also used Trey’s megaphone, instead of taking his usual vacuum or trombone solo. Ya Mar included a brief Dixie tease from Trey and a Simpsons signal.

Setlist courtesy of Phish.net.

 

Key tracks:

http://www.phishtracks.com/shows/1994-06-29/reba

http://www.phishtracks.com/shows/1994-06-29/david-bowie

http://www.phishtracks.com/shows/1994-06-29/tweezer

http://www.phishtracks.com/shows/1994-06-29/ya-mar