Phish Remains Fresh, Lively After 14 Years December 9, 1997 - Dayton Daily News By Sara Farr * With the passage of time, the musicians have mellowed, but then, so has the crowd. It appears Phish has mellowed since its last Dayton-area appearance in late 1995. So has the crowd. Performing in front of a sellout audience at Wright State University's Ervin J. Nutter Center on Sunday night, the group performed a mixture of bluegrass, jazz and rock tunes. Traditionally prone to free-flowing 20-minute meanderings, Phish was tight for this particular show. The band moved from song to song easily, and for once, one didn't get lost in the transitions. The crowd was on its feet for the entire show, listening to standards from the Lawn Boy album, as well as some improvisational jams. Phish, a band known for its wild stage antics, had surprisingly little to offer in that area, except for Jon Fishman's traditional garb of the black `sack'with the orange dots. After playing together for 14 years, Phish still manages to keep things fresh and lively. Songs such as Reba and Slave to the Traffic Light get new life each time the band plays them. Phish is known for its ability to take a song, unwrap it, consider it and then rewrap it in a different way, only to repeat the process. Trey Anastasio, guitar and vocals, was in top form. He coaxes sounds from his guitar that would baffle even a seasoned musician. His runs up and down the fretboard became startling - provocative, even. Chord work was well constructed and evenly executed. Anastasio knows when to perform and when to let the rest of the band shine. In accordance, the crowd knew when to stop and listen. Bass man Mike Gordon slapped and walked his way through the show, proving he can keep time. His work during the show was understated, but crucial. Page McConnell on keyboards and Fishman on drums were also solid. During the 2-hour show, the band played tunes from commercial albums and standard concert fare. Included were Wolfman's Brother, Jesus Just Left Chicago and Possum . The floor shook when Phish played Possum - everyone was up and grooving, including a security guard. The encore was not the acoustic song that many have come to expect; instead, it was A Day in the Life by the Beatles. The band members' ability to take a cover and mimic it perfectly while still making it their own remains unbeaten. And if the concert didn't sit well with you, there was always a chance to buy that veggie burrito for a dollar afterward. Article © 1997 Dayton Daily News