What is the best PJ Bridge School set?

ontheroad

Was listening to 96 last night for first time in a while.  Some great performances. Great recording.  Wondering where that one ranks for folks. 

OceansJenny

Great topic! I was listening to 96 the other day too! Such a good set. 

94 sounded good but the band was in a weird spot which gave it an awkward feeling. And as much as I love the song I’m not sure how I feel about Not For You being screamed at a benefit.

I was going to play 99 but ran out of time. 

I never really paid attention to the bridge schools before the other day. Am also curious to see what everyone thinks the better ones were!

Looks like the list is:
92: 11/1/92
94: 10/1/94, 10/2/94
96: 10/19/96, 10/20/96
99: 10/30/99, 10/31/99
01: 10/20/01, 10/21/01
03: 10/25/03, 10/26/03
04: EV only, 10/23/04 and 10/24/04
06: 10/21/06, 10/22/06
10: 10/23/10, 10/24/10
11: EV only, 10/23/11, 10/24/11
12: EV only, 10/20/12, 10/21/12
14: 10/25/24, 10/26/14

It looks like Bridge School ended in 2016? What happened there? 

ontheroad

The slow corduroy is one of the best live versions of any of their songs. 

Falling Down

ontheroad said:

The slow corduroy is one of the best live versions of any of their songs. 

Agreed. Highlight of all Bridges for me. 

mcgruff10

Any of the 94 or 96 shows gets my vote.  

cp3iverson

Both 99’s are my favorite 

Falling Down

94 as a whole my favorite. Probably cause of Ed’s old Cubs hat, and cause on the bootleg I had bought in 96, it had Piece of Crap listed as Piece of Crab. 

2-feign-reluctance

96 & 99 are great, the one where they played Walk With Me was also stellar! 

darthvedder

OceansJenny said:

Great topic! I was listening to 96 the other day too! Such a good set. 

94 sounded good but the band was in a weird spot which gave it an awkward feeling. And as much as I love the song I’m not sure how I feel about Not For You being screamed at a benefit.

I was going to play 99 but ran out of time. 

I never really paid attention to the bridge schools before the other day. Am also curious to see what everyone thinks the better ones were!

Looks like the list is:
92: 11/1/92
94: 10/1/94, 10/2/94
96: 10/19/96, 10/20/96
99: 10/30/99, 10/31/99
01: 10/20/01, 10/21/01
03: 10/25/03, 10/26/03
06: 10/21/06, 10/22/06
10: 10/23/10, 10/24/10
11: EV only, 10/23/11, 10/24/11
12: EV only, 10/20/12, 10/21/12
14: 10/25/24, 10/26/14

It looks like Bridge School ended in 2016? What happened there? 

EV also played in 2004.

The last few years of the Benefit, there were a ton of rumors flying around that the School no longer needed the Benefit. They started working on an endowment that would keep the School financially set for years. Of course, behind the scenes, we learned that Neil and Pegi had separated, so we don't know how much that had to do with it. And then we got the devastating news not long after 2016 that Pegi had passed away. Also, 2016 was the 30th Benefit, and people like round numbers. All of these things might have factored into them not doing it anymore.

I saw every performance from 1999 onward (except for EV 2012) and I have to say that 2001 sticks out because they were longer than usual sets. But I also really enjoyed 2006, 2010, and 2014. The EV 2011 sets were also great.

DM282158

That slowed version of Betterman from (I think) 2010 is A+. 

OceansJenny

darthvedder said:

OceansJenny said:

Great topic! I was listening to 96 the other day too! Such a good set. 

94 sounded good but the band was in a weird spot which gave it an awkward feeling. And as much as I love the song I’m not sure how I feel about Not For You being screamed at a benefit.

I was going to play 99 but ran out of time. 

I never really paid attention to the bridge schools before the other day. Am also curious to see what everyone thinks the better ones were!

Looks like the list is:
92: 11/1/92
94: 10/1/94, 10/2/94
96: 10/19/96, 10/20/96
99: 10/30/99, 10/31/99
01: 10/20/01, 10/21/01
03: 10/25/03, 10/26/03
06: 10/21/06, 10/22/06
10: 10/23/10, 10/24/10
11: EV only, 10/23/11, 10/24/11
12: EV only, 10/20/12, 10/21/12
14: 10/25/24, 10/26/14

It looks like Bridge School ended in 2016? What happened there? 

EV also played in 2004.

The last few years of the Benefit, there were a ton of rumors flying around that the School no longer needed the Benefit. They started working on an endowment that would keep the School financially set for years. Of course, behind the scenes, we learned that Neil and Pegi had separated, so we don't know how much that had to do with it. And then we got the devastating news not long after 2016 that Pegi had passed away. Also, 2016 was the 30th Benefit, and people like round numbers. All of these things might have factored into them not doing it anymore.

I saw every performance from 1999 onward (except for EV 2012) and I have to say that 2001 sticks out because they were longer than usual sets. But I also really enjoyed 2006, 2010, and 2014. The EV 2011 sets were also great.

Good catch! Edited to add EV 2004. How did he fill a set back then? PJ songs?

And thanks for the insight! I couldn’t find anything on Google. Very sad about Peggy.

ceska

The sets I return to again and again are 1992, 1994, and 1996. I would say that 1994 was peak PJ Bridge School. That was one of the standout bootlegs of that time, and was one of the first ones I tracked down. 1996 was amazing in its own way, the performances were so different than normal. No Code era + keyboard + slowed down tunes. Truly awesome.

darthvedder

OceansJenny said:

darthvedder said:

OceansJenny said:

Great topic! I was listening to 96 the other day too! Such a good set. 

94 sounded good but the band was in a weird spot which gave it an awkward feeling. And as much as I love the song I’m not sure how I feel about Not For You being screamed at a benefit.

I was going to play 99 but ran out of time. 

I never really paid attention to the bridge schools before the other day. Am also curious to see what everyone thinks the better ones were!

Looks like the list is:
92: 11/1/92
94: 10/1/94, 10/2/94
96: 10/19/96, 10/20/96
99: 10/30/99, 10/31/99
01: 10/20/01, 10/21/01
03: 10/25/03, 10/26/03
06: 10/21/06, 10/22/06
10: 10/23/10, 10/24/10
11: EV only, 10/23/11, 10/24/11
12: EV only, 10/20/12, 10/21/12
14: 10/25/24, 10/26/14

It looks like Bridge School ended in 2016? What happened there? 

EV also played in 2004.

The last few years of the Benefit, there were a ton of rumors flying around that the School no longer needed the Benefit. They started working on an endowment that would keep the School financially set for years. Of course, behind the scenes, we learned that Neil and Pegi had separated, so we don't know how much that had to do with it. And then we got the devastating news not long after 2016 that Pegi had passed away. Also, 2016 was the 30th Benefit, and people like round numbers. All of these things might have factored into them not doing it anymore.

I saw every performance from 1999 onward (except for EV 2012) and I have to say that 2001 sticks out because they were longer than usual sets. But I also really enjoyed 2006, 2010, and 2014. The EV 2011 sets were also great.

Good catch! Edited to add EV 2004. How did he fill a set back then? PJ songs?

And thanks for the insight! I couldn’t find anything on Google. Very sad about Peggy.

Mostly covers, with a few PJ tracks sprinkled in.

  Saturday, 2004/10/23
01. Soon Forget
02. Betterman
03. You've Got To Hide Your Love Away
04. xxx / Masters Of War %

  Sunday, 2004/10/24
05. I Am Mine
06. Man of the Hour
07. I Believe in Miracles
08. Baby Beluga
09. Here's to the State of Mississippi
10. Last Kiss

darthvedder

DM282158 said:

That slowed version of Betterman from (I think) 2010 is A+. 

Yes, I was really impressed with the instrumentation that year. The Dancing Barefoot cover from that year is amazing.

Pap

1996 / 1999 / 2010 / 2014

mdgsolo

2010 was pretty spectacular.

NEweather

mdgsolo said:

2010 was pretty spectacular.

( yep i agree )

NEweather

NEweather said:

mdgsolo said:

2010 was pretty spectacular.

( yep i agree )

(( + day 2, even in the rain ))

JH6056

darthvedder said:

OceansJenny said:

Great topic! I was listening to 96 the other day too! Such a good set. 

94 sounded good but the band was in a weird spot which gave it an awkward feeling. And as much as I love the song I’m not sure how I feel about Not For You being screamed at a benefit.

I was going to play 99 but ran out of time. 

I never really paid attention to the bridge schools before the other day. Am also curious to see what everyone thinks the better ones were!

Looks like the list is:
92: 11/1/92
94: 10/1/94, 10/2/94
96: 10/19/96, 10/20/96
99: 10/30/99, 10/31/99
01: 10/20/01, 10/21/01
03: 10/25/03, 10/26/03
06: 10/21/06, 10/22/06
10: 10/23/10, 10/24/10
11: EV only, 10/23/11, 10/24/11
12: EV only, 10/20/12, 10/21/12
14: 10/25/24, 10/26/14

It looks like Bridge School ended in 2016? What happened there? 

EV also played in 2004.

The last few years of the Benefit, there were a ton of rumors flying around that the School no longer needed the Benefit. They started working on an endowment that would keep the School financially set for years. Of course, behind the scenes, we learned that Neil and Pegi had separated, so we don't know how much that had to do with it. And then we got the devastating news not long after 2016 that Pegi had passed away. Also, 2016 was the 30th Benefit, and people like round numbers. All of these things might have factored into them not doing it anymore.

I saw every performance from 1999 onward (except for EV 2012) and I have to say that 2001 sticks out because they were longer than usual sets. But I also really enjoyed 2006, 2010, and 2014. The EV 2011 sets were also great.

Happy to hear 2001 stood out to you, it's the only one I was lucky enough to attend.  It was amazing, but I had little to compare it to.  I think there was a year (maybe '99?) that had the Who & Tom Waits I think, and I know I was like "WHY CAN'T I MAKE THAT ONE??!!??" so I'm not surprised to hear many say '99, though I could be wrong that that was the Tom Waits year.

darthvedder

JH6056 said:

darthvedder said:

OceansJenny said:

Great topic! I was listening to 96 the other day too! Such a good set. 

94 sounded good but the band was in a weird spot which gave it an awkward feeling. And as much as I love the song I’m not sure how I feel about Not For You being screamed at a benefit.

I was going to play 99 but ran out of time. 

I never really paid attention to the bridge schools before the other day. Am also curious to see what everyone thinks the better ones were!

Looks like the list is:
92: 11/1/92
94: 10/1/94, 10/2/94
96: 10/19/96, 10/20/96
99: 10/30/99, 10/31/99
01: 10/20/01, 10/21/01
03: 10/25/03, 10/26/03
06: 10/21/06, 10/22/06
10: 10/23/10, 10/24/10
11: EV only, 10/23/11, 10/24/11
12: EV only, 10/20/12, 10/21/12
14: 10/25/24, 10/26/14

It looks like Bridge School ended in 2016? What happened there? 

EV also played in 2004.

The last few years of the Benefit, there were a ton of rumors flying around that the School no longer needed the Benefit. They started working on an endowment that would keep the School financially set for years. Of course, behind the scenes, we learned that Neil and Pegi had separated, so we don't know how much that had to do with it. And then we got the devastating news not long after 2016 that Pegi had passed away. Also, 2016 was the 30th Benefit, and people like round numbers. All of these things might have factored into them not doing it anymore.

I saw every performance from 1999 onward (except for EV 2012) and I have to say that 2001 sticks out because they were longer than usual sets. But I also really enjoyed 2006, 2010, and 2014. The EV 2011 sets were also great.

Happy to hear 2001 stood out to you, it's the only one I was lucky enough to attend.  It was amazing, but I had little to compare it to.  I think there was a year (maybe '99?) that had the Who & Tom Waits I think, and I know I was like "WHY CAN'T I MAKE THAT ONE??!!??" so I'm not surprised to hear many say '99, though I could be wrong that that was the Tom Waits year.

You're not wrong, Tom Waits was there in '99. I can't say that I fully appreciated him until he played with the Kronos Quartet at the Benefit in 2007. And then he played the Benefit again in 2013, iirc.

You do bring up the best part of the Benefit and the thing I miss the most about it...being exposed to all kinds of different artists. 2004 will always be my favorite lineup...a duet between Paul McCartney and Tony Bennett? Are you kidding me?

DissidentRival74

JH6056 said:

darthvedder said:

OceansJenny said:

Great topic! I was listening to 96 the other day too! Such a good set. 

94 sounded good but the band was in a weird spot which gave it an awkward feeling. And as much as I love the song I’m not sure how I feel about Not For You being screamed at a benefit.

I was going to play 99 but ran out of time. 

I never really paid attention to the bridge schools before the other day. Am also curious to see what everyone thinks the better ones were!

Looks like the list is:
92: 11/1/92
94: 10/1/94, 10/2/94
96: 10/19/96, 10/20/96
99: 10/30/99, 10/31/99
01: 10/20/01, 10/21/01
03: 10/25/03, 10/26/03
06: 10/21/06, 10/22/06
10: 10/23/10, 10/24/10
11: EV only, 10/23/11, 10/24/11
12: EV only, 10/20/12, 10/21/12
14: 10/25/24, 10/26/14

It looks like Bridge School ended in 2016? What happened there? 

EV also played in 2004.

The last few years of the Benefit, there were a ton of rumors flying around that the School no longer needed the Benefit. They started working on an endowment that would keep the School financially set for years. Of course, behind the scenes, we learned that Neil and Pegi had separated, so we don't know how much that had to do with it. And then we got the devastating news not long after 2016 that Pegi had passed away. Also, 2016 was the 30th Benefit, and people like round numbers. All of these things might have factored into them not doing it anymore.

I saw every performance from 1999 onward (except for EV 2012) and I have to say that 2001 sticks out because they were longer than usual sets. But I also really enjoyed 2006, 2010, and 2014. The EV 2011 sets were also great.

Happy to hear 2001 stood out to you, it's the only one I was lucky enough to attend.  It was amazing, but I had little to compare it to.  I think there was a year (maybe '99?) that had the Who & Tom Waits I think, and I know I was like "WHY CAN'T I MAKE THAT ONE??!!??" so I'm not surprised to hear many say '99, though I could be wrong that that was the Tom Waits year.

I'll add my vote to 2001 as well. I was lucky enough to be at that one and the 03 one.  2001 stands out to me the most though, and a lot of that had to do with the line up that year.  I was only able to attend night one that year, but for me, personally, it was best line up of any show I've ever been to.  And getting to be at one of the only two performances of Last Soldier will always be pretty cool to me.
On a side note - I do agree that the slowed down version of Corduroy is amazing. It definitely and easily tops my list of Bridge songs they've played.

demetrios

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0ykWfRS_No4

PB11041

1994
1996
1999

the rest just don't really excite me much

PB11041

PB11041 said:

1994
1996
1999

the rest just don't really excite me much

LIES

1994
2001
1996
1999

2-feign-reluctance

PB11041 said:

PB11041 said:

1994
1996
1999

the rest just don't really excite me much

LIES

1994
2001
1996
1999

Haha!