Watch Phish Deliver Masterful ‘Carini’ In Philadelphia

Ladies and gentlemen, Phish are currently firing on all cylinders. For an example of how the band members are still paving new paths improvisationally, look no further than the all-time version of “Carini” Phish threw down at The Mann in Philadelphia last Wednesday, July 26. Thankfully, the 40-year-old Vermont-based institution unveiled official video of their masterpiece.

“Carini” followed a nicely extended “Set Your Soul Free” to start the second set of the band's second of two shows in Philadelphia. The version of the song about a former crew member began innocently enough. Phish then engaged a transition into blissful territory. The quartet connected on an anthemic progression that needs to be heard to be believed. Bassist Mike Gordon, drummer Jon Fishman and keyboardist Page McConnell expertly supported guitarist Trey Anastasio in letting the Princeton, New Jersey native shred with authority over the sequence.

The Philly “Carini” would have been memorable enough had it ended with the gorgeous progression akin to Tom Petty’s “Swingin’.” However, the four-piece moved on to a dark and outrageous jam space. Once again it was Anastasio at the forefront in unleashing a torrent of fretboard fireworks as he poured “the hose” on fans at The Mann. Trey was playing with a speed and agility not seen often in the current era while tearing up the evil progression. Gordon provided the groove, Fish the beat and Page the otherworldly accents. Phish capped a “Carini” which stands with the great Phish jams by returning to the bliss after the outrageous peak.

Feast your ears and eyes on the Philly “Carini” below:

Phish continues a seven-show residency at Madison Square Garden in New York City tonight. Watch Tuesday’s show and the rest of Phish Summer Tour 2023 via LivePhish.com.