Over the years, “Tweezer” has served as Phish’s definitive jam vehicle. Written during a soundcheck in 1990, and featuring lyrics which refer to the frigid Vermont winter, the song, and more specifically its extended jams, hold a special place in every Phish fan’s heart. When the band drops “Tweezer” everyone knows – it’s on. The song, throughout its history, has found temporary places in which to land. We’ve talked about one of our favorites, “Tweezer>Lifeboy”, a frequent combination during ’94. In ’03 it appeared to be “2001″. However, recently the song seems to have found a new home in “Light”. Unlike many of the previous versions, this new pairing matches two major jam vehicles from two different eras.

In many ways “Tweezer” came to define the jams from each Phish era. During the early 90′s the song was explored minimally, and was frequently just a run-up to one of Trey’s rockin’ guitar solos. In ’94, however, the song became synonymous with extended psychedelic improv, and was consistently taken to new heights, especially throughout the fall ’94 and ’95 tours.

Today happens to be the anniversary of one of the definitive versions from Mesa, AZ in ’94. In this version, Trey chanted the words “Let’s say goodbye to Salem”, a message to the crowd that the song’s progress had not halted in Salem, OR on 12.1. Rather, they would continue to push the song to new heights. And that they did. Check out the version from 12.9.94 below.

“Tweezer” 12.9.94

11.21.09 (M. Davis)

When Phish kicked off their summer tour at Fenway Park in May, the first incarnation of “Tweezer>Light” emerged. At this point, the band still smelt like plastic and had yet to regain their stride. More importantly, they had yet to realize “Light’s” jamming potential (it was only a 5 minute version). On the first night of the two-night run at the US Bank Arena in Cincinnati, the pair emerged for a second time, this time indicating a lasting bond. The most potent new jam song tied to the tail of one of the oldest. A match made in Gamehenge. The most recent version, from Charlottesville saw perhaps the greatest combination. Both songs were explored in their own unique ways, showing the diverse jams both songs can lead to. Check out the version from Charlottesville below.

“Tweezer>Light” 12.5.09 Charlottesville, VA

DOWNLOAD 2009.12.5 John Paul Jones Arena, Charlottesville, VA

Setlist:

Set 1: AC/DC Bag, Chalk Dust Torture, Stealing Time From the Faulty Plan, The Divided Sky, Ya Mar, Sneakin’ Sally through the Alley, The Old Home Place, Cavern, Funky Bitch, David Bowie, The Wedge, Bold As Love

Set 2: Tweezer > Light > Piper > Free, Sweet Virginia, Harry Hood > Suzy Greenberg, Golgi Apparatus, Run Like an Antelope