The Gorge '98 CD Box Set - Live Two-Show Archival Release

In this review of The Gorge '98, the bottom line is simple: collectors and longtime fans seeking a faithful document of Phish at a summertime peak will find this two-show CD box set essential. Capturing performances from 7/16/98 and 7/17/98 at the open-air Gorge Amphitheater, the release spreads 30 songs across the two-night stand and represents the band's first archival CD release since earlier multi-show packages. This review focuses on the recording quality, set selection, and package value for listeners who want a multitrack-mixed live experience that preserves the venue's natural atmosphere.

Key Features

• Two full shows: Includes both 7/16/98 and 7/17/98 performances, giving listeners a complete view of the two-night stand across 30 songs.
• Live multitrack mix: Recorded by Paul Languedoc and mixed from multitrack by Jon Altschiller, which provides clarity and separation across instruments and vocals.
• Mastered for CD: Mastering by Fred Kevorkian ensures the final audio is balanced for compact disc playback and consistent loudness.
• Venue atmosphere: Documented at The Gorge Amphitheater, the release preserves the open-air ambience and scenic high desert character of the shows.
• Archival significance: The band's first archival CD release since prior multi-show sets, making it a milestone for collectors of official live releases.

Who It's For

Collectors of official live Phish releases and fans who prefer complete-show presentations will appreciate the attention to detail here, from the original multitrack recording to the mastered CD presentation. Those who enjoy hearing how a band interacts with a specific venue will also value the documented ambiance of The Gorge and the sense of a summertime two-night run.

Casual listeners who prefer single-disc highlights or streaming playlists may find the two-show box set more material than they need, and those seeking surround mixes or blu-ray video should look elsewhere, as this is presented as a CD archival audio release.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Faithful multitrack mix that brings out instrument detail and stage dynamics.
• Complete two-show coverage captures setlist variety and live flow across 30 songs.
• Mastering provides a consistent listening level appropriate for CD libraries.
• Strong archival value as the first official CD release in this multi-show series since earlier sets.

Cons

• Packaging and format focuses on CD collectors; no video or high-resolution audio option indicated.

Specifications

Artist	Phish
Title	The Gorge '98
Format	Two-show audio CD box set
Recorded	7/16/98 and 7/17/98 at The Gorge Amphitheater, George, WA
Recording engineer	Paul Languedoc
Mixing engineer	Jon Altschiller (multitrack mix)
Mastering	Fred Kevorkian

Our Verdict

The Gorge '98 is a strong archival release for fans and collectors who want complete, well-mixed documentation of a storied two-night stand. Its multitrack mix and careful mastering make it a worthwhile purchase for those building a physical live collection, though listeners seeking video or hi-res formats should note this is a CD-focused release.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does this release include both nights in full?
Yes, the box set documents both 7/16/98 and 7/17/98 performances across the included discs.

Who handled the mixing and mastering?
Recorded by Paul Languedoc, mixed from multitrack by Jon Altschiller, and mastered by Fred Kevorkian.

Is video or high-resolution audio included?
No video or explicit hi-res audio format is listed; this release is presented as a CD archival audio set.