November 22, 2000

I've just listened to this show for the first time, and wow. My decision to listen to every show of 2000 has paid off, because I had no idea that this gem of a first set existed. Is this set legendary among fans? I don't know, but it ought to be. This is easily some of the best Biscuits I've ever heard. Sammy is the MVP.

tpace's review is spot on. Funny how with this band set 1 often overshadows set 2, or how set 1 otherwise has no bearing on how well the band will play in set 2. I clearly remember noticing this when I first started listening to the band and attending shows in 2001... It's not a phenomenon I've observed much in other jam bands.

This show goes deep into psychedelic territory right from the get-go, and the whole first set is absolutely off the chain. There is so much creativity, the jamming is very fresh and inspired. Everything clicks. Magic spells are cast left and right. Sammy is doing things I've never heard him do before. Magner has come to melt your face, and he is going to succeed.

Set 1 has elements of that unique 2000 sound (deep in the Story jam, the manic Magner synths make a brief appearance, for example), along with an overdose of the uncanny synchronicity that we'd see in the best shows of 2001. There are moments where they are really pushing the improv, and a discerning ear will pick out where they take serious risks. It all pays off - they go right up to the edge of possibility without losing their bearings. Compare, if you will, to set 2 of 03-31-2001: another one of those monumental sets (and one of my favorites), but also one in which the train does derail in perhaps a couple places. As much of a fan as I am of that set, set 1 from this show might be even better.

Time for some play-by-play. The segue from Story into DttB is really interesting. Barber leads the band through a whole handful of key changes. There is a short moment where it sounds like things could get sloppy, but they hold it together. My god, they are the master of segues. No other band can pull it off like the Biscuits do.

I love Down To The Bottom. What a great song! Sammy just tears it up, by this point in the show it's clear that he's come to kick ass. Brownie comes up with some really fresh (fresh as in dirty!) licks as well. There is some Evil Biscuits prior to the drop into Basis... foreshadowing what's to come.

The jamming in Basis goes absurdly deep. It gets edgy and noisy in the best way possible. If you like freaky psychedelic Biscuits (of course you do!), you will love this. Likewise, if you've heard them play Basis a lot and are due for a surprise, you will also love this. This Basis is in the top 10 in my book. Sammy is feeling it so hard. I can only imagine that by this point everyone in the band was thinking, holy shit we are ON tonight! They must have been surprised at how much effortless magic was in the playing. This is transcendent, next-level improv.

Vassillios is very much type 2. They alternate from minor to major and back to minor within the song proper. Sammy is still killing it hard. I gotta chuckle at how demented things get.

Truly an awesome set. Hats off to Sammy in particular, the muse slapped him in the face and he clearly inspired the rest of the band to greatness.

As for set 2, check out M.E.M.P.H.I.S. > House Dog in particular.

Another 9:30 first set minor miracle. Some find this show meh but the 1st is undeniable. This is more of a psychedelic event a la "Can You Pass The MDMA Test!?" Not really a dance off. More of a sexy watch the walls melt situation; which is why the Biscuits are the best :)

Although there are some really nice sections in the 2nd (the MEMPHIS jam ~> HDPF), the 1st is my favorite of the year. Must've heard this set 100 times.

Sammy has stated that this is where he though the band had found their groove, confidence and turned a new fresh page at this show, especially in the 1st...interesting.

<{(Sven ~> SotW ~> DTTB ~> Basis ~> Vassilios ~>Sven)}>

the SBD is too dry and crunched into a tight space, get the MG m200 mics instead.