NoteFlubbed lyrics for the final verse, ending with Trey proclaiming: "She died. Dead."
Jam chart"She's dead. She died." A flub paves the way for both lyrical and musical improvisation, and "Esther" truly goes for a ride. A feeling of warmth and mirth, as opposed to anger or frustration, informs great, soulful jamming, which eventually breaks for a > into "Weekapaug Groove."Before / afterSaw It Again> Weekapaug GrooveGap148SET 1
1998-08-09SunGTE Virginia Beach AmphitheaterVirginia Beach, VAHighly rated 81 · Listen
Jam chartThis very pretty and subdued version features notably strong playing from Trey and Page.
Before / afterBirds of a FeatherRoggaeGap6SET 1
1998-08-01SatAlpine Valley Music TheatreEast Troy, WIBefore / afterMike's Song ->> Weekapaug GrooveGap139SET 1
1996-08-16FriPlattsburgh Air Force BasePlattsburgh, NYHighly rated 80 · Listen
Jam chartClassic "Clifford Ball" version featuring a totally relaxed vibe, glittering Page, and one of Trey's most memorable "Esther" solos.
Before / afterAC/DC Bag >> Divided SkyGap3SET 1
1996-08-12MonDeer Creek Music CenterNoblesville, INHighly rated 80 · Listen
Jam chartExceptionally strong version featuring great solos and tight playing from all four musicians.
Before / afterSplit Open and Melt> Chalk Dust TortureGap40SET 1
1995-12-05TueMullins Center, University of MassachusettsAmherst, MABefore / afterFree> David BowieGap15SET 1
1995-11-14TueUniversity of Central Florida ArenaOrlando, FLBefore / afterDivided Sky> FreeGap14SET 1
1995-10-19ThuMunicipal AuditoriumKansas City, MOBefore / afterPunch You in the Eye >> Chalk Dust TortureGap30SET 1
1995-06-16FriWalnut Creek AmphitheaterRaleigh, NCHighly rated 80 · ListenJam chartThe watery sounds produced by Trey's use of the Leslie percoloate throughout this great version. Add fantastic Page and Fish, with his uncharacteristic rim shots, and an unusual and highly engaging concluding Trey solo, and it adds up to a stellar performance.Before / afterDown with Disease >> Ya MarGap25SET 1
1994-11-25FriUIC Pavilion, University of IllinoisChicago, ILBefore / afterSplit Open and Melt> JuliusGap11SET 1
1994-11-12SatMAC Center, Kent State UniversityKent, OHBefore / afterStash> Chalk Dust TortureGap13SET 1
1994-07-05TueCongress CenterOttawa, OntarioHighly rated 85 · ListenJam chartEarly "Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy" teasing is enhanced by great Trey, whose unique soloing features dynamic modulation before the band comes togehter for a strong conclusion and a great > into "DwD."Before / afterStash> Down with DiseaseGap11SET 1
1994-06-21TueCincinnati Music HallCincinnati, OHRated 78 · ListenJam chartMike mows everyone down on this bass-centric version. 1994 is a great year for "Esther," and here is one reason why. Page's and Trey's solos smoke, but it's Mike's powerful playing that distinguishes this version, not a song one normally associates with Mike.Before / afterSplit Open and Melt> Chalk Dust TortureGap6SET 2
1994-06-13MonMemorial HallKansas City, KSRated 79 · ListenJam chartTotally on point, Trey moves the band though this version with verve and tenacity. Instead of modifying his tone, Trey dances through a series of notes, providing a solo not wholly unique (this is not the only of its kind), but perhaps the finest of its nature. A "heavy metal" outro of sorts befits this fine, "exploratory" "Esther."Before / afterWeekapaug GrooveCavernGap4SET 2
1994-05-29SunLaguna Seca RacewayMonterey, CAHighly rated 82 · ListenJam chartTerrific Page. Outstanding Trey (whose solo departs from that sound characteristically "emotive" to become something more "musical"). Fish is the surpirse, here, though. Rim shots, extra floursihes and fills really work to bring this version to a fun and fiery close.Before / afterSplit Open and Melt> Chalk Dust TortureGap18SET 2
Jam chartSuper musical, this version, which features "Caravan" teasing and wonderful Page, boasts incredibly strong soloing (Trey) and remarkable full-band play.
Before / afterStash> Down with DiseaseGap11SET 1
1994-04-10SunAlumni Arena, SUNY BuffaloBuffalo, NY
NoteSimpsons signal in intro.
Before / afterSplit Open and Melt> Chalk Dust TortureGap9SET 1
1993-12-28TueBender Arena, American UniversityWashington, DCBefore / afterSplit Open and Melt> The Oh Kee Pa CeremonyGap2SET 1
1993-08-26ThuArlene Schnitzer Concert HallPortland, ORRated 73 · ListenJam chartThis "Esther" features a fun and different sort of intro - which invites a really cool and shuffling sort of tempo - before great soloing and flashes of improvisational flair hint at what would come in 1994.Before / afterSplit Open and MeltIt's IceGap8SET 1
1993-08-14SatWorld Music TheatreTinley Park, ILBefore / afterSplit Open and Melt> Poor HeartGap3SET 1
1993-08-11WedEastbrook TheatreGrand Rapids, MIBefore / afterWeekapaug Groove> All Things ReconsideredGap8SET 2
Jam chartVery pretty and delicate soloing. Impressive Page and a strong conclusion. Proof positive that "Esther" is not necessarily best reflected in the studio.
Before / afterChalk Dust Torture> Split Open and MeltGap9SET 1
NoteBegan with Page modifying the intro (including a brief reggae attempt) and included a Simpsons signal.
Jam chartReggae style and other fun throughout the intro, as if to set the table for Page. And Page responds in kind, his playing strong throughout the version, both when soloing or providing fills for Trey.
Before / afterChalk Dust Torture> Dinner and a MovieGap5SET 1
1993-02-15MonMemorial Hall, University of North CarolinaChapel Hill, NC
NoteRandom Note signal in intro.
Before / afterDivided Sky> Chalk Dust TortureGap2SET 1
1993-02-12FriMid-Hudson Civic CenterPoughkeepsie, NY
NoteSimpsons and Random Note signals in intro.
Before / afterSplit Open and Melt> The WedgeGap3SET 1
Jam chartSignal-laden intro with fun stop / start playing. Trey even seems to sing with a sense of urgency, before great soloing gives way to thoughtful and inspired full-band playing.
Jam chartInspired from the jump, Trey works with Mike to inform a highly musical passage before breaking to solo with great intensity.
Before / afterSplit Open and Melt> PossumGap8SET 1
1992-04-06MonPaul Wright Gym, Western State CollegeGunnison, COBefore / afterBrother> Chalk Dust TortureGap16SET 1
1992-03-17TueLisner Auditorium, George Washington UniversityWashington, DCBefore / afterTweezer> Mike's SongGap7SET 2
1991-12-31TueWorcester Memorial AuditoriumWorcester, MA
NoteVoice box that uttered curses.
Before / afterDivided Sky> LlamaGap9SET 1
1991-11-21ThuSomerville TheatreSomerville, MARated 76 · ListenJam chartAn especially thoughtful and busy intro sets the foundation for a strong version featuring dynamic playing and impressive modulation, with particularly strong contributions from Page and inventive soloing from Trey.Before / afterSplit Open and Melt> Mike's SongGap6SET 1
NoteTrey repeated the first line of Esther several times.
Jam chartCool intro. This leads to a really "chilled out" and relaxed vibe, with Trey's solo particularly nuanced, strikingkly hushed, and patient. Near reverent. Super Page and strong percussion lead to a fiery close.Before / afterRunaway Jim> My Sweet OneGap3SET 2
1990-04-22SunCutler Quad, Colorado CollegeColorado Springs, CORated 74 · ListenJam chartA fun and playful intro yields to strong and spirited playing. Trey's solo is particularly melodic, and great full-band syncopation (highlighted by some notable percussion) rounds out this excellent version.Before / afterHow High the Moon> Big Black Furry Creature from MarsGap1SET 2
1990-04-21SatCanyon West Room, Lincoln CenterFort Collins, COBefore / afterFunky Bitch> FoamGap5SET 1
1990-04-13FriThe InfernoSteamboat Springs, COBefore / afterFluffheadLa GrangeGap2SET 1
1990-04-09MonFly Me to the Moon SaloonTelluride, COBefore / afterFunky Bitch> Uncle PenGap3SET 2
1989-12-03SunThe FrontBurlington, VTBefore / afterAC/DC Bag >> The Oh Kee Pa CeremonyGap11SET 2
1989-11-02ThuMemorial Union Building, Granite State Room, University of New HampshireDurham, NHBefore / afterSplit Open and Melt> Good Times Bad TimesGap9SET 1
1989-10-12ThuMabel Brown Room, Keene State CollegeKeene, NHBefore / afterWeekapaug GrooveWalk AwayGap35SET 2
Jam chart> from "Slave to the Traffic Light," this too is slow, patient, and well-played. Trey is particularly on point, deploying a series of "jazzy" chords before offering up a great solo.
Before / afterSlave to the Traffic LightSuzy GreenbergGap10SET 1
1989-05-09TueThe FrontBurlington, VTBefore / afterSlave to the Traffic Light >> Run Like an AntelopeGap3SET 2
1989-05-06SatCollis Center, Dartmouth CollegeHanover, NHBefore / afterWeekapaug GrooveThe SlothGap3SET 1
1989-05-01MonPearl Street BallroomNorthampton, MABefore / afterYou Enjoy MyselfAC/DC BagGap7SET 1
1989-04-20ThuHumphries House (The Zoo), Amherst CollegeAmherst, MABefore / afterFireSuzy GreenbergGap2SET 1
1989-04-15SatBillings Lounge, University of VermontBurlington, VTBefore / afterWeekapaug Groove> You Enjoy MyselfGap1SET 1
1989-04-14FriThe Base Lodge, Stearns Hall, Johnson State CollegeJohnson, VTRated 70 · Listen
Jam chartGreat early version which showcases the song's potential, featuring particularly strong playing from Page and great soloing from Trey.
Before / afterWeekapaug GrooveClosed the showGap23SET 2