When they returned from the hiatus in 2009, it took time for the band to regain their fluid improvisation. Over the next four years, they worked to strengthen their onstage communication, refine their approach, and ultimately reignite their jamming in 2012. From there, they began experimenting and taking risks, and by the time they reached The Baker’s Dozen, they were ready to take another step forward in their improvisation—dedicating three weeks to deep jamming. Since this run, jamming has become a focus of Phish’s live shows, pushing the band forward creatively in ways many never expected. 

In this episode, we dive into the band’s approach to improvisation, with a specific focus on their evolution from Dick’s 2012 through The Baker’s Dozen. Identifying key breakthroughs, stylistic shifts, and the resulting brilliance of the Summer 2017, we discuss The Baker’s Dozen as an achievement as well as a laboratory to propel the band forward. Through discussions with music experts and fans, we celebrate the jams of The Baker’s Dozen and explore how they ushered in the next phase of Phish’s career.

Undermine is brought to you by Osiris Media. Executive Producers are Tom Marshall, RJ Bee, Brain Brinkman, Matt Dwyer, and Benjy Eisen. Produced and edited by Brian Brinkman. Mixed and Mastered by Matt Dwyer. It is written by Benjy Eisen. Production assistance from Rob Mitchum, Matt Bavuso, Christina Collins and Nick Cejas. Original Music by Amar Sastry. Art by Mark Dowd. Episode Four pic by Andrea Nusinov. Thank you to all our interviewees. We’ll see you next week.

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