From bringing out the “Clones” at Madison Square Garden during Phish’s four night run this past New Year’s Eve, to the small stage at the 20th Century Theater. Mike Gordon in the past month has gone from the world’s largest stage to playing some of the countries smallest venues.
Phish Co-founder and bassist Mike Gordon brought his undeniable powerhouse bass playing to Cincinnati Thursday night on his 13 stop solo tour. Gordon has been dusting off some old songs like “Normal Phoebe,” and busting out some new covers of Fiona Apple’s “Sleep to Dream,” both of which Gordon played last night.
With a horns section of Mad Dog’s Filthy Little Secret to accompany, in the first set, Gordon kicked off the show with “Equilibrium,” off of Gordon’s 2017 album OGOGO, into a Phish fan favorite “Spock’s Brain.”
The sold out 20th Century Theatre came alive when Gordon and Mad Dog covered “You Strike My Main Nerve,” by Tower of Power into a 15-minute jam through “Steps.”
After a quick set break Gordon and his band came out running through a heavily stacked set of originals, including “Face,” “Stealing Jamaica,” eventually leading into Gordon’s rendition of Apple’s “Sleep to Dream.”
Bouncing around on stage with an on-brand light show through the guitars felt like as youthful as ever. That may be the most amazing aspect about Phish is that with almost 40 years of touring behind them, each member still contains the energy of a Halloween show from 1995.
Gordon has seven more stops on his short tour, but just before Gordon’s performance Thursday Phish announced a 27-date summer tour as well as more appearances from Gordon spread throughout the summer. As always Gordon and company are on the run and there’s no stopping.
