On March 12, 1988, when Phish performed "Tela" at Nectar's in Burlington, Vermont, the band was in its early stages, having formed just a few years prior, in 1983. At this point in their career, they had yet to release their first studio album, "Junta," which would come out later that year. The live recording captures the band as they were honing their skills, developing their unique blend of rock, jazz, and improvisational styles that would define their sound. It's noteworthy that this performance of "Tela" is considered particularly special, likely due to its debut live rendition and the enthusiasm surrounding their early shows. As Phish gained momentum in the late 1980s, they began to cultivate a dedicated fan base and set the foundation for their iconic live performances that would later characterize their career.