by the jambands.com staff

In contrast with last month's cold, numeric overview, this month we actually get to hear a personal account or twenty. Sort of. I circulated an email to all of the jambands.com staffers asking them to toss me a paragraph on their favorite show of the year. The amazing thing was not that most of them did it but rather that most of them actually picked just one show. Good for them (I'm sort of wishy/washy as you'll see at the end). Anyhow, their selections follow. The band that received the most votes was Phish with the 10/8 Nassau show and 12/31 Big Cypress marathons both garnering multiple nods. Anyhow, here are their words...

Anthony Colineri, midatlantic editor

Big Cypress, Fla. 12/31/99

I was still standing on my feet, surprisingly, after six hours of continuous music, courtesy of Phish. Looking the opposite direction of the stage, I could see the sun starting to rise beneath a series of clouds. Orange streaks were starting to shimmer through the clouds, giving the sky a sense of life I've never quite seen before. I felt this great sense of peace throughout my mind and body. I took it all in, realizing how rare of an opportunity it was to witness such a beautiful sunrise with the best of friends, music, and nature. I would not have wanted to be anywhere else in the world at that moment in time. Suddenly, as the sun became stronger, and light started to fill everyone's eyes, the boys belted out a 2001 that lifted me to an even higher place. Phans who were once sleeping or resting in their blankets, suddenly leaped from the ground and started to groove. I couldn't believe what I was seeing. People were leaping 20 ft in the air to the funk, and loving every second of it. As I took in the song and looked around, I realized for the first time we were now in the 21st century. Wow, what a way to start things off.

Chris Bertolet, columnist

My favorite show of 1999 was, hands down, the Big Cypress midnight set. But I just wrote a column about it, which speaks more eloquently than anything else I could say.

[editor's note- I was going to offer an excerpt but that wouldn't be fair- go over there and read the complete piece for yourself, its a wonderful, evocative essay]

Jesse Jarnow, columnist, CD Review editor, stud

Phish - October 8, 1999 - Nassau Coliseum, Uniondale, New York

Sure, it might've been purely circumstantial. Sure, I might've gotten to spend a beautiful fall day at home, eaten lunch at my favorite restaurant on the eve of my 21st birthday, and gotten to spend the day with some of my best friends. Beyond all that, Phish played what was, to me, a magical show. Each note seemed to be invested with something new. The crannies of AC/DC Bag, Suzy Greenberg, and - especially - Harry Hood all twisted with a grim playfulness seemingly long forgotten.

Erica Lynn Gruenberg, columnist

Something old...
(Phish: 10/8/99 - Nassau Coliseum, Uniondale, NY)

I think that I was about ready to throw in the proverbial towel on the band that has taken me through what was to be almost five years of my life at that point. However, I greeted my 'home venue' with optimism and slight concern. Something strange was going on; I could feel it surrounding me- this air of wonder and excitement, almost psychically so. While the first set had me giggling like a small child, dancing like an old-timer, and very much losing my mind, the second set held quite the surprise: a surprise by the name of Harry Hood.

Almost five years of Phish brought me many versions of Hood, and it was never one of my favorites. In fact, I remember downright loathing it in the past. However, I found myself smiling ever-so-wide at the opening chords to the old Phish tune, mumbling something about 'knowing it would be intense.'

I was on a musical rollercoaster; flying above the crowd, zipping in and out of consciousness, and I have yet to return. Indeed, this was perfection. I moved through Hood as a new being altogether, ready to accept anything, my heart open and my mind longing for more. As the song reached its closing steps, I opened my eyes for the first time in fifteen or so minutes. I was still at the Coliseum. Phish was still playing. I was in the right place, perhaps for the first time in my life. And I felt knowing arms around me confirming just that.

Something new...
(The Disco Biscuits: 4/30/99 - Wetlands Preserve, NYC)

I remember being quite nervous the afternoon of April 30, 1999, as friends gathered in my apartment excitedly preparing for that night's festivities at the Wetlands. I was already pretty hooked on the Philadelphia foursome - The Disco Biscuits - who would begin a two-night stand that night in New York City. However, three or four tapes still only brought me a slight familiarity.

I entered the venue with caution. Besides my friends, who had already been to quite a few shows at that point, I knew nobody. The Wetlands was quickly filling up with people, to the point of overcapacity, and each and every individual person in there seemed as excited as the next. It was astounding to me. I mean, wasn't this just another band that played good tunes?

The answer came to me in the form of two incredible sets. I stood there dumbfounded and intrigued. I exchanged knowing glances with what seemed to be the entire venue. We all seemed to go through it together. It was one of the strangest nights of my life, one that I've gladly relived twenty five more times since.

Something borrowed...
(moe.: 10/31/99 - Hammerstein Ballroom, NYC)

I once swore to myself, back in 1997, that I would never set foot into a moe. show. I don't know what it was about them that kept me so far away. Many of my friends, whos musical taste I trusted implicitly, loved this band and considered them their heroes. However, the thought of getting into 'the next big thing' scared me. I was comfortable in my own surroundings, I suppose, and was not open to much else. This was apparently my first mistake.

My second mistake came in September 1999, when my friends and I were traveling home from a Biscuits show a few hours away. We had stopped at a Denny's, and returned to the car tired and aching to get back to familiarity. My friend popped a tape into the deck and within two minutes, my mouth gaped open in amazement.

"What is this?" I cried out.
My friend, stunned, turned back and looked at me.
"Do you...like it?" she stammered.
"Oh, God, yes!" I played with my hair, as I always do when I'm at a loss for words that make any sense.
She was grinning from ear to ear.
"That's moe."

Needless to say, I learned from my mistakes. I couldn't help but feel slightly guilty when I watched the Disco Biscuits perform the opening set to the Halloween extravaganza at the Hammerstein Ballroom. All I could think about was moe. I wanted nothing more than to hear them live. I had already grabbed ten or so shows on tape from some of my friends. They laughed at me as I spoke of moe. in any sort of positive light. I was, of course, the girl who refused to like them. Right?

The show kicked my head around a few times and then some. I was instantly hooked, and all those years of ignorance were finally behind me. I laughed wholeheartedly as the person next to me packed up her stuff for the night as the show came to a close. She looked at me and smiled.

"Wow," she breathed.
I nodded.
"What was that?!" she giggled.
"That," I stated matter-of-factly, "was moe.!!!"

Something blue...
(The Disco Biscuits: 10/28/99 - The Recher Theatre, Towson, MD)

There's something to be said about a show that is absolutely, without a doubt, pure evil. From the beginning of this show in the Recher Theatre, a slightly hidden gathering point in the heart of Towson, MD, the Disco Biscuits decided to take the audience captive and completely play with our heads all night long.

The Biscuits took one of their tunes, Spaga, and incorporated it throughout both sets, bringing it in and out of jams and familiar turf. It was completely out of control. No one knew what was hitting them. However, the most notable escapade of this chilly Maryland night, was the fact that it was by far, the darkest and most eerie show that the Biscuits had put on in their entire career.

Spaga, a song about the slaying of a dragon, is already quite the dark piece. It was quite the feat to then incorporate such darkness into normally happier and mellower songs. The Biscuits did just that, and did so with smiles on their faces and a gleam in each of their eyes.

The evil show that night changed my outlook on the Disco Biscuits forever, as they added an entirely new dimension to their normally incredible repertoire. I think it was that night when I realized those guys can do anything.

Evan Newman, International editor

My favourite show of 1999 was the Phish show in Toronto on July 20th. It was five years in waiting and with a strong push from local Phish fans, the show came to fruition. Phish did not disappoint, rolling out scorching versions of 2001, Twist Around and the introduction of Misty Mountain Hop. It was a beautiful day and a great show and hopefully we will see them again soon (5 years is just to long). The band were gracious guests, joining many fans at a party held the night before at The Mad Bar. It's two nights no Toronto Phish phan will ever forget.

David "Zzyzx" Steinberg, columnist, co-webmaster, math whiz

In a year where I saw more concerts than any since I left Las Cruces, it's hard for me to break down a best show of the year. The most emotional moment was getting "Brian and Robert" at the return to Las Cruces show. The most important concerts were the Phil and Phriends shows at the Warfield. The meeting of the Phish and Dead worlds is an event I will never forget. Big Cypress and second day at Oswego, of course, need to get some consideration, as do the SCI shows in Oregon this spring. Having said that though, I place my vote for the Phish Boise show. I could run down the highlights of the concert, I could point out how easy it was to walk up to the rail - where there was dancing room! - but the main reason that I give that my vote is that it scores the most points on the "Whooo-hoooo!" test. After that show I was going "Whooo-hoooo!" much longer than any other show that I saw this year. Boise it is.

Chip Schramm, co-south editor, staff writer

My favorite show of 1999 has to be the Friday afternoon Panic show on April 30th at Jazzfest. The quality of the performance wasn't the best of the year -- or even the weekend for that matter, but it was the little things that made this day special. You know how most venues have the rule now where you can only get so many beers per ID? Forget about it. They sold beer like it should be sold at any festival -- by the case. No taping allowed? Come on! You're not trying hard enough. Seeing a precariously placed mic stand barely disguised with a stuffed pig over the top really made me smile. Everybody was letting their freak flag fly that day. The attendance record was smashed, of course, but nobody really noticed. There was just one continuous sea of bodies floating in the green green grass. Even up close to the stage there was plenty of room to dance and frolic without being crushed by overzealous fans pushing from the back. From where I was standing I could see Karl Denson off to the side of the stage checking the boys out for what I believe was the first time. It was just an all-around winning day for the home team. Highlight songs of the show would have to be the extended intro to Blue Indian, Coconut in the second set, and Red Hot Mama encore. Without a doubt the most amazing musical moment of the day came when Stanton Moore joined Sunny and Todd for drums and then Schools came out on Bass. After doing the Bass/Drums thing for a second, Stanton walks over to where Schools is standing with 2 sticks in his hand. Then Schools drops to one knee holding his bass forward and Stanton FUNKS IT UP!! It was one of the coolest things I've ever seen at a live concert. Really, the best thing about Jazzfest is that everybody's a music fan. Even Michael Kang of String Cheese Incident was riding back from the fairgrounds on the same busses as the rest of us. Any time I think back to that day, my memory fills with the scent of hot crawfish bread and laughter of happy children.

Chris Gardner, southwest editor

To steal a phrase from a friend, I spent New Year's Eve in a kaleidoscope. The broadly conceived and brilliantly realized Incident in Portland, replete with faeries, fiery hulahoopers, stilted jugglers, a parade of archetypes, a sea of balloons, Mean Mr. Mustard, aerialists frozen in impossible contortions, balls of fire on chains that seemed to brand images directly onto the retina, and what appeared to be the Wiggleympics, was singly the most magical musical moment in the world. "Well, how do you know it was better than Big Cypress?" you might inquire. I know. I know because my soul escaped my body and took to the air. Spinning with a fury the sufi contained, it unfurled itself above the crowd, falling like sheets of shimmering rain and settling across the smile of every reveler in the joint. I know because my legs still erupt into flurries of spontaneous rhythmic motion at the most inappropriate moments. I know because pedestrians in Portland paused, pointed, gaped, and gawked at the luminescent energy that arched from the antennae of the Oregon Convention Center to shame the downtown fireworks extravaganza and shine across the irises of the locals, frozen mid-step on the slippery sidewalks of a city that was side-swiped by fantasy.

Benjy Eisen, semi-irregular-occasional columnist, hero-to-many

When I look back on 1999 the year in concerts, I think of experience over music. That is not to say that the music doesn't come first - it does. It's just that so much of it was so good. There were certainly a good number of Phish and Disco Biscuits shows that musically will be recalled for years to come. But it is the individual experience of some of those shows that will make them stand out as the best shows of the year for me. Certainly helping the Disco Biscuits write the setlist to a show in a small bar in a small town in New Hampshire (1/23/99 - The Stone Church) rates up there. As does seeing Phish in Boise, Idaho on Sept. 14. That show, as well as their show in Vancouver the previous week (9/9/99), are prime examples of excellent shows that combined with excellent surrounding conditions to create an "Ultimate Show Experience."

But perhaps my favorite show of the year was seeing Galactic blow up a small bar in State College, PA sometime this past October. It wasn't that it was the best show I had ever been to - hell, I'm sure many Galactic fans wouldn't even consider it a memorable show necessarily. But having never seen Galactic live before, I went expecting to sit at the bar with some friends and watch a relatively enjoyable show. Three or four hours later I could barely talk from being so blown away. Exceeding expectation - *that* is what a "best show of the year" should be.

Tony Oliveira, northeast editor, tall

Let's face it. Music is really nothing more than vibrating air waves, which is heard by my ears and then interpreted by my brain and possibly my feet, and other body parts, if it is compelling. Then why is it that it all seems so personal? I'm not going to attempt to answer this question that has seemingly an endless number of answers, suffice it to say that it is a big part of the reason for my favorite show of '99...the Disco Biscuits...7/3/99...the Wedding Show (of Heidi and Charles Franz). Words can not describe how cool this little show was. I mean they had a mail order, it was at Moose Hall in New Hampshire....wooden floors...highly polished and primed for getting down...wedding style. I should mention I had never actually met the bride and groom before this show...only knew them through e-mail, and I think most of the 75 or so guests also were in the same boat. I won't really mention much of the music, though it was easily one of the best shows I saw all year on this merit alone, but it was more than that. I represents much of what I have come to love about our scene/genre/music...whatever label you'd like to give it.
- Making friends across analog phone lines that turn into real life friends and memories.
-Hanging out with down to earth musicians where the relationship and admiration between fans and band members is mutual.
-A wedding that was so much fun that it will surely surpass my own in that dept.!
-seeing old friends from past shows, in a whole new environment and running into random people you had no idea would be there.

I could rave about this show for hours, and I will reminisce about it for year to come.

On a related note: I'd like to dedicate this little round up to one Marc Brownstein who has filled my life with music for the past year and a half...for that I thank you and I will surely miss you more than the music you helped to create. My best to you.

Dan Alford, Tape Cases editor, multi-regional reporter

I go to a lot of concerts, so deciding on a favorite of 99 is tough. I caught a couple of fantastic Phish shows, a handful of inspired jazz performances and a bunch of small theater/club shows that all have potential. But as a single concert, Berkfest has to get the prize, for four main reasons. First, I was relatively safe from the rain because my folks live two towns away. (I imagine weather will keep this one from being a popular choice.) Second, Percy Hill's Friday afternoon set was one of the top five performances that I have ever seen. They absolutely blew away, especially the "Sun Machine" during a break in the clouds and the "Been So Long" closer. Plus it was early and there were very few people there. Third, the All Star Jam was a great melding of jazz/groove masters and jam band powerhouses. Fourth, John Scofield sat in with Soulive. I've been a huge Soulive fan from the start and Sco's appearance for "The Chicken" was a musical convergence of the first order. In a year of slightly fewer than fifty concerts, this one repeatedly resurfaces as the high point.

Jason Fladager, columnist, singer, songwriter, guitarist

My Favorite Show of 1999 was The Big Wu Family Reunion over Memorial Day Weekend last May. It was held in Harmony Park ( http://www.harmonypark.com) in southern Minnesota and to me represented what can happen when people stand up and collectively say,

"We're gonna show the world how to safely party like we do, and be conscious of our fellow woman/man and the land we are partying on!!!"

About 2200 people camped and enjoyed the weekend together and celebrated life in song and dance and it was...well, so beautiful man!!! After the midnight hour, we got a second acoustic stage going and John "the Barber" from the Disco Biscuits came by and sat in well into the Wee hours with this makeshift band with no name that included myself and a few of my good MN friends. Really felt like just people getting together and sharing music with one another...the way it was meant to be. Very spiritual weekend where the vibe ruled over all. I remember covering the song "I Shall Be Released" with those fellas and being fully blissed out...joyous memories stay by my side!!!

DNA, columnist, man with the plan

As a promoter of music in Northern California, otherwise known as a "glutton for punishment," I have the luxury of seeing up to 400 bands a year. In 1999 I can't think of a better show than the October 6th outdoor performance by the "soon to be known by everyone" The Mother Hips. The Hips have been gaining a legion of fans for the last seven years, and the 2000 attendees were treated to 2 1/2 hours of classic gems and new songs that will be featured on the Hips upcoming Spring release. With an ability to shred at will and sing some of the most well crafted songs of the century, The Hips only get better each time I see them. So why don't you see them ASAP so you'll know what I'm talking about!

Mike Morrow, Tour Journal Revisited editor

As for a best show of 99...

Jambands.com Tour at the Wetlands, June 4 & 5, 1999
I hope it won't seem like pandering to vote for a Jambands-sponsored event as my favorite from the year, but I don't imagine I'll be alone. Everything about these two monster evenings was "there," from the spectacular lineups of bands I love (as well as exciting surprises like the fabulous Sector 9) to the unbeatable vibe and atmosphere of Wetlands itself. Sizzling sets and meeting lots of great folks set against the backdrop of a whirlwind trip back to NYC made for an intense and memorable weekend!

Lee Abraham, columnist, Mr. Vegas, Mr. Lee

best show of '99 - 4/15/99 - Jeff Beck at The Joint inside the Hard Rock Casino in Las Vegas

My seats were second row, center. Close enough to realize that Jeff Beck doesn't use a pick. I could also see the look in his eyes. He was having fun. Back in the '70s, -Blow By Blow- and -Wired- pointed me in new, exciting musical directions. Both were huge eye and ear openers. Just a few days prior to the show at The Joint, I got a copy of -Who Else?-, Beck's new album. The blues-fusion master was now dabbling with techno. I was impressed. Jeff Beck's live show was even better. In a word, all I can say is "Wow!" The entire sold out crowd was mesmerized from the opening riff. It's been a long time since I was at a show with such an intense focus on the music itself, as opposed to the scene surrounding it. For me, experiencing Jeff Beck live was as good as it gets.

Marcie Dergel, Home Grown Happenings editor, raspy, spirited

After much thought I've decided to actually tell you the story of why meeting Bob Dorough was my favorite 'set', show, experience of 1999.

I'm 32 years old. When I was 5, ABC started airing "Schoolhouse Rock" in between saturday morning cartoon shows. I was captivated, amused and suddenly an expert in multiplication, grammar and science. I remember singing the preamble to the Constitution during a high school test. I knew all the conjunctions and adjectives. I still do.

This past summer, one full of festivals and shows for me, I found myself reading the GOTV handbook while manning the Festival Merch booth. I couldn't believe my eyes - Bob Dorough, composer of those catchy saturday morning tunes, was to appear. I couldn't contain my excitement. I told everyone around me how much this man had given me and undoubtedly, many others.

Within the hour of my discovery, Bob was pointed out to me and I ran over to him not sure what to say but knowing I had to thank him. I couldn't get the words out before the tears filled my eyes. His wife looked at me and said, "How old are you?" "32", I replied. "Honey - she's 32" and gave her husband a LOOK. He then turned to me, put his hand on my shoulder and asked what my favorite was. I couldn't come up with my favorite so I started gushing like a child or a rabid rock groupie about all of them and him and what they meant to me and how I loved him and thanked him and cried and hugged and felt like I was 5 again.

For a brief moment I looked around hoping nobody had seen me. It was then that I saw a couple with tears in their eyes too. They had their toddler with them and were approaching Bob and his wife. I hugged him again, invited him to stop by the booth and let the couple have their turn. Later that weekend, as I rode the rail in front of Bob Dorough singing his songs about conjunctions and how 3 is the magic number, I felt more love and pure white energy than I have at many shows. Kids of all ages (but mostly mine) surrounded the stage and we all sang at the top of our lungs while high-fiving and hugging and smiling and dancing. It was and is one of the most pure magic moments I've had the pleasure of experiencing to this day. I had the opportunity to personally thank Ken Hayes for the weekend and when he asked what I liked the best, I broke into the Adverb song (Lolly). We both shared a knowing smile and a hug. Music is Magic.

Paul Pearson, Setting Levels editor, soundman, Ph.D.

The whirlwind of shows I participated in this past year-either as sound engineer, Jambands.com correspondent or jamband fan-all blend in my mind to the extent that there are more than one distinct favorite, but a few stick out. Hands down the best musical show I saw in 1999 was Phish in Ames, Iowa. There was a distinctly funky vibe and a lot of crowd energy poured through the band. Lights and sound were superb and Mike was thumping. Hilton Magic was definitely alive, even if the cops didn't like it. This show is exactly why I love Phish. Best comeback-Bob Dylan, Lansing MI with Phil and Friends-After seeing Bob Dylan in Ames in 1991, I vowed never to see the son of a bitch again. He was pasty white and lifeless and it took at least a minute to figure out what song he was trying to sing. This night, however, he was radiant. Dancing his odd little stage stomp, Bob Dylan was resurrected and SINGING and PLAYING. Acoustic and electric, he put on a show that made Phil and his new Friends (Trucks and Haynes) pale in comparison-even though this was my first Dead/ABB experience. Best moment-Les Super Anges, a 21 member native dance troupe from Benin, West Africa were stranded in Omaha NE and working performances for tips against their travel/visa demands. A regular Thursday night Strange Pleasures performance at the Saddle Creek was transformed into an explosion of colorful costumes, tribal chants, broad smiles and incredible rhythm and dance between sets-the drummers jamming with the band at the end. Seeing (and participating) in something that wonderfully unusual and emotionally moving on a Thursday night in Omaha Nebraska was something that went beyond special. Those moments of joy, or pride or transcendence that jambands give to people are something that is insignificant in historical context, but emotionally or spiritually indispensable.

Jeff Waful, news editor, columnist, manager, whipping post

One of my favorite shows of 99 was John Medeski and Bob Moses with Charlie Hunter and Adam Cruz at the Somerville Theater on 5/22/99. Both sets were equally mind-blowing, but the extended encore featuring all four musicians on stage was some of the best improvisation I have ever seen.

Dean Budnick, last on the list

Wow, I'm exhausted after reading everyone else. I deserve to be last though because I won't commit to any one show :) This year there were plenty of those scintillant moments that seemed to transcend and reaffirm. For the record though, I will have to say that I felt a little extra oomph at every show that I attended with my daughter- so I reckon that's my mawkish, honest response (Disco Biscuits 4/25/99, Jambands.com tour 6/2/99, Berkfest 8/15/99, Slip soundcheck 10/30/99, Strangefolk soundcheck 11/27/99).

One final thought: obviously this list is somewhat limited, reflecting only the choices of the people who work on this site. It is quite possible that you attended a stellar evening of live music that does not appear here (or possibly one that is mentioned which you still feel compelled to extol). If so, please send a paragraph to us at jambands@jambands.com. We'll present readers' accounts next month.