Chalk Dust Torture
July 10, 1999
E Center, Camden NJ

http://www.megaupload.com/?d=CKFPHPXT

Truth be told, this moment of brilliance might be the only reason Fish chose this show for Live Phish release. In my humble opinion, there isn't much more on this choice worthy of remastering and pressed release.

Following the show opener Wilson the band rips into Chalk Dust. The jam begins in standard fashion with Trey ripping off pentatonic licks and Page comping nicely behind him. A couple passes through into the solo Trey hits a repetitive riff waiting for the band lock together behind him. They don't and he moves forward cycling through another couple changes. Seconds later though he locks into the riff again and this time Mike immediately follows into step behind him. Mission accomplished, we're ready to go now. But they don't and instead they pass through that momentary excursion a couple times before returning to the standard Chalk Dust changes. But Mike has other ideas. Having wordlessly communicated to Trey that he is indeed listening he modulates the jam to a a major 4th at the tail end of Trey's next ascent. As if taking by surprise Trey holds onto the major fourth and hesitates before expanding on the idea. Seconds later Fish and Page fall into step while Trey and Page continue exploring this uncharted territory.

Not sure what to do Trey leads the band back into Chalkdust but Mike has other ideas and tries to regain the territory they had just gained. His first attempt falls short but moments later Trey begins to ease out of Chalk Dust mode. His fellows have initiated a direction and now that they've called for it, he's going to oblige. They noodle aimlessly for a couple seconds just outside the realm of Chalk Dust, slightly in and slightly out until finally at the 8:55 mark the collective land on the major 3rd of E. Immediately, with the intensity raging Trey moves for melodic ground unleashing some soaring melodies. The 'doc is screaming pure passion at this point. Mike isn't is pushing forward providing Trey a solid base to unleash his most passionate lines probably ever. They are so incredibly locked in to this once in a life time groove. It's absolutely breathtaking.

And as soon as it appeared it disappeared. Moments later the magic dissipates as the band has collectively moved on as they are so apt to do. A staccato feel begins to appear and collectively as a unit the syncronize their ideas waiting for the next song choice which happens to be Roggae.

Amazingly enough this Chalk Dust represents probably one of the pinnacle moments of Phish. It was a moment of pure 100% improvisation and musical mastery. There wasn't a band on the planet who could attempt or achieve this kind of musical brilliance in 1999. And for a year generally forgotten by most Phishheads it stands on top of the list of brilliant musical moments for that year and among a handful of others I hold as the very best from this band...ever.