Anyone heard of Phil Keaggy?
Gregory Torrance
I was just wondering what the general awareness is of the Christian guitarist
Phil Keaggy. From what I can see, very few people outside the Christian music
market know much about him.
IMHO, he is incredible. He plays acoustic guitar with the best, and on an
electric - WOW! DOUBLE WOW! He also does some pretty hot vocals.
To top it all off - he only has 9 fingers (lost one as a child).
What is the general opinion of Phil out there in Guitar Land? Any comments?
PS: If you want to get a good sample of his ability, try his CD called
'Revelator' (40min for +- $6 (at least I think thats the price)).
Bye,
Gregory
--
Gregory Torrance \ In Christ alone I place my trust
- gr...@cs.uct.ac.za \ And find my glory in the
Computer Science Department \ power of the cross.
University of Cape Town, R.S.A. \ - Michael English
jul...@waikato.ac.nz
> Hi all,
>
> I was just wondering what the general awareness is of the Christian guitarist
> Phil Keaggy. From what I can see, very few people outside the Christian music
> market know much about him.
...Yes, I've heard of Phil Keaggy, introduced to me by a few friends who are
Christians. He is a shit hot guitarist, and plays some great, really original
stuff but I wish he'd lay off the real saccharine Christian crap (It's not the
religion I mind, I can cope with that, it's the horrible song titles and
general attitude). But, if you ignore all that and just listen to the music
it's not bad.
Julian
Mark F. Hall
Phil Keaggy - Awesome guitarist in any genre.
Mark F. Hall - Musician
Val Boudreau
He definitely has mastered the guitar (both electric and acoustic). I have
purchased two of his CDs at this time: "Beyond Nature" and "Find Me In These
Fields". Both CDs are excellent. The "Beyond Nature" CD is an instumental album
containing Phil's acoustic playing. Phil makes use of several open tunings on the
album. The liner notes on these CD explains what tuning Phil uses on each of
the tunes (standard, DADGAD, etc) - this is nice for us guitarist trying to
learn some of the songs. I have also purchased a Phil Keaggy acoustic instructional
tape which goes well with the "Beyond Nature" CD (since most of the tunes he plays
on the tape are the same as the CD). The tape is less instructional and more
entertaining - I was blown away by this tape, Phil can play. Phil also has an
electric instructional tape. I have viewed this tape, but do not own it - it also
is very impressive. Phil is worth checking out - Christian or not. Well I've
chewed up my alotted amount of bandwidth.
Bye
Val Boudreau
boud...@aslan.crd.ge.com
Robin Parkinson
: Hi all,
: I was just wondering what the general awareness is of the Christian guitarist
: Phil Keaggy. From what I can see, very few people outside the Christian music
: market know much about him.
Excellent, versatile guitarist. I'm a fan. However, this sparks a question in
my mind. Every time I hear about Phil Keaggy I hear mention of Glass Harp,
his (mainstream) band in the late 60's/early 70's. They never made it to the
UK, but can anybody answer these questions:
1. Are Glass Harp albums still available in the 'States on CD?
2. If so, which label?
I've got friends crossing the pond this year and I might impose on them to go
on a CD-hunt.
aTdHvAaNnKcSe
- Robin.
PS. IMHO, "Find Me In These Fields" is the best of the late-period Keaggy.
Check it out.
---
Disclaimer: I bet ICL haven't got an opinion on Phil Keaggy. If they do,
it's probably not this one.
---
Robin Parkinson r...@jasper.rb.icl.co.uk
ICL Retail Systems, Bracknell, England R.Parkinson@BRA0801
"I am playing the right notes - but not necessarily in the right order."
- Eric Morecambe
Paolo Valladolid
>Hi all,
>
>I was just wondering what the general awareness is of the Christian guitarist
>Phil Keaggy. From what I can see, very few people outside the Christian music
>market know much about him.
> 'Revelator' (40min for +- $6 (at least I think thats the price)).
I've heard about him. I would appreciate if you could list electric and acoustic
oriented albums by Mr. Keaggy worth checking out. All I know is that he is
supposed to be very very good.
Paolo
thomas dodd
I have most definatly heard a Phil Keaggy. I agree that anyone who has not heard him
play should. If you want a good soothing acoustic sound try his CD Beyond Nature.
I sort of agree that his name has remaned mostly in Christian circles, but I think
he is becoming more known now. I recently talked to several guitar dealers and
when they asked for my playing stlye i asked if they had ever heard of him and they
sounded like they were almost insulted that I should ask such a question of course they
had heard of him.
I got to see him in concert in Greenville SC with Michael Card. 6th row. If you think
that this guys CDs are great just wait untill you see him live.
David Covell - EPG
vocals and christian lyrics; some good choices for them (and anyone who prefers
instrumental music) would include "Master and the Musician", one of his early
works, and the recent "Wind in the Wheat". Both contain no vocals and focus
on his amazing guitar playing and tonalities; they are a mixture of acoustic
and electric guitar. Highly recommended.
NATHAN PHILLIP STEWART
>Several posters have indicated they could do without Phil's "saccharine"
>vocals and christian lyrics; some good choices for them (and anyone who prefers
>instrumental music) would include "Master and the Musician", one of his early
>works, and the recent "Wind in the Wheat". Both contain no vocals and focus
>on his amazing guitar playing and tonalities; they are a mixture of acoustic
>and electric guitar. Highly recommended.
Those are very good, but for the most part, a tad mellower than his vocal
releases, epsecially than the last three rockers (what I always expected when
people told me about PK as a teenager). But remember, it cuts both ways -
I like the guitar stuff of Brian May, Angus Young, Kieth Richards, and a few
others who's lyric content runs a bit against my grain. Check out Phil's newest
"Revelator" disc for some cool stuff, but yeah, "Find Me in These Fields" is
probably the the besT.
Nate
Robin Parkinson
: In article <greg.743681012@sun-4> gr...@cs.uct.ac.za (Gregory Torrance) writes:
: >Hi all,
: >
: >I was just wondering what the general awareness is of the Christian guitarist
: >Phil Keaggy. From what I can see, very few people outside the Christian music
: >market know much about him.
: oriented albums by Mr. Keaggy worth checking out. All I know is that he is
: supposed to be very very good.
For recommendations see the end of this mail. All songs are a mixture of
acoustic and electric unless stated otherwise.
Early period: Some cringe-worthy lyrics but just listen to the music.
++++++++++++
"What a Day" ***
"Love Broke Thru" ***1/2
These are his first two albums since leaving Glass Harp. The lyrics are a bit
painful at times but there are some great bits.
These two are currently available on a single CD by Myrrh.
Early middle period: Lyrics marginally more listenable-to. Guitar still
++++++++++++++++++++ excellent.
"How the West Was One" PK ***** The rest **
This is a live double-album with PK, 2nd. Chapter of Acts and A Band Called
David. I wish they'd release a single CD with just Phil's set from this.
This is PK at his absolute best. Get it and program your CD player to play
the PK stuff only. I'm having great difficulty getting hold of this one in
the UK (the label's Myrrh again, I think). It might be deleted in the US too.
"The Master and The Musician" *****
For those who hit the ceiling at the lyrics his instrumental albums are
probably the best bet. This is regarded (not by me, though) as his best
instrumental album. Good mix of electric & acoustic.
"Ph'lip Side" ***1/2
"Town to Town" ****
"Play thru Me" **1/2
These three are currently available on a double-CD by Myrrh.
"Ph'lip Side" and "Town to Town" are good solid albums. "Play Thru Me" is
largely good, but does contain IMHO the worst song PK has ever recorded
("Papa Song"). He is reported as saying he began at this time to concentrate
more on his growing family than his music (and why not? More power to him).
However, this unfortunately leads to...
Late Middle Period: A bit of a ho-hum patch...
+++++++++++++++++++
"Underground" **
This is an album he recorded in his basement studio. His heart doesn't seem
to be in it very much. However, I still listen to it occasionally, so I
can't completely hate it.
"Getting Closer" **
This album always gives the impression of having more synth than guitar. Bad
move, IMHO. I listen to this rarely.
"The Wind and The Wheat" **1/2
Another instrumental album. Bit of a wallpaper album, but it does have some
excellent acoustic on the last track ("I Love You, Lord").
Late Period: Phil wakes up.
++++++++++++
"Sunday's Child" ****
Phil goes back to his roots in this one. An excellent album, done in late 60's
guitar-pop style (with a spoof 60's sleeve). Widely regarded as a return to
form.
"Find Me In These Fields" *****
IMHO his best album. Combination of instrumental and vocal tracks. This is
the one I usually play first to friends. Buy it.
<can't remember the title!> *****
Instrumental album based on the life of CS Lewis. All acoustic. This is PK
at his acoustic best. I've got a real mental block on the title, though.
Any offers?
"Crimson and Blue" ***1/2
I'm a bit disappointed in this one. I think his mind's wandering again.
Perhaps it'll grow on me - I've only had it a couple of months.
"Revelator" ?
Album of remixes from Crimson and Blue. No opinion - I haven't heard it.
Recommendations:
++++++++++++++++
Best guitar playing: "How the West was One". You'll be staggered.
Best all-round album: "Find Me In These Fields".
Best instrumental album: the one I can't remember the name of. (sorry!)
Best acoustic album: the same one.
I bet I've missed some. We probably haven't had all of his back catalogue in
the UK.
Hope this helps,
- Robin.
---
Disclaimer: I bet ICL haven't got a corporate record collection. And even
if they did, I doubt Phil Keaggy would be in it.
Logan Shaw
[ Phil Keaggy ]
> Excellent, versatile guitarist. I'm a fan. However, this sparks a question in
> my mind. Every time I hear about Phil Keaggy I hear mention of Glass Harp,
> his (mainstream) band in the late 60's/early 70's. They never made it to the
> UK, but can anybody answer these questions:
>
> 1. Are Glass Harp albums still available in the 'States on CD?
> 2. If so, which label?
Not sure, but I don't *think* so. I know that an original Glass Harp album
can cost upwards of $80. Of course, that's at Bill's Records and Tapes
in Dallas, and Bill sets prices arbitrarily based on how he's feeling at
the moment.
> PS. IMHO, "Find Me In These Fields" is the best of the late-period Keaggy.
> Check it out.
_Beyond_Nature_, Phil's most recent all-instrumental album, is also
very good. It's him on acoustic guitar with another occasional acoustic
instrument thrown in.
Also, _Revelator_ is a short, low price CD of outtakes from the recording
of his most recent album (which is called _Crimson_and_Blue_), and it's
worth a listen as well - there are a couple of tracks which are just him
jamming with a drummer. This albums is mostly electric guitar (in contrast
to the other one I've mentioned.)
Hey, and while I'm on the subject, I have to mention that I think his best
instrumental album is _The_Master_and_the_Musician_. It's both acoustic and
electric guitar. One thing I've noticed is that many of the guitars on this
album have a really beautiful tone.
He really does pretty well for a guy who only has 9 fingers...
Now, if he'd only do a concert somewhere in Texas for once!
Adios,
Logan
--
Danny didn't like all the hate __________________/___ lo...@pencom.com
He was desperate then he found the open gate ___///__
Guards were standing there all day ______________/___ I do not
Something made them look the other way __________/___ speak for
-Elim Hall, "Testimony" ___________________/___ Pencom
Logan Shaw
>
> Instrumental album based on the life of CS Lewis. All acoustic. This is PK
> at his acoustic best. I've got a real mental block on the title, though.
> Any offers?
The album is, appropriately enough, titled _Beyond_Nature_, a little
phrase good ole' Clyve Staples (Lewis) used in an essay somewhere.
> "Crimson and Blue" ***1/2
>
> I'm a bit disappointed in this one. I think his mind's wandering again.
> Perhaps it'll grow on me - I've only had it a couple of months.
Yeah, me too, but my roommate likes it alot. I don't understand.
> Recommendations:
> ++++++++++++++++
>
> Best instrumental album: the one I can't remember the name of. (sorry!)
>
> Best acoustic album: the same one.
Once again, it's _Beyond_Nature_.
Adios,
Logan
Tim Beach
>In article <52...@rb.icl.co.uk>, r...@rb.icl.co.uk (Robin Parkinson) writes:
>[ Phil Keaggy ]
>
>>
>> 2. If so, which label?
>
>Not sure, but I don't *think* so. I know that an original Glass Harp album
>can cost upwards of $80. Of course, that's at Bill's Records and Tapes
>in Dallas, and Bill sets prices arbitrarily based on how he's feeling at
>the moment.
>
I thougt the same thing last week and even responded as such. I found out
last friday however, that the first two Glass Harp albums are available on
a German label. There available here at the import shops. ($19 each). I think
I'll go get them when I get a chance.
--
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Tim Beach | phone: 216-826-6750
NASA Lewis Research Center |
Cleveland, Ohio 44135 | email: fsj...@tua.lerc.nasa.gov
Steve Wyrick
lo...@pong.pencom.com writes:
>In article <52...@rb.icl.co.uk>, r...@rb.icl.co.uk (Robin Parkinson) writes:
>[ Phil Keaggy ]
>
>> Excellent, versatile guitarist. I'm a fan. However, this sparks a
question in
>> my mind. Every time I hear about Phil Keaggy I hear mention of Glass
Harp,
>> his (mainstream) band in the late 60's/early 70's. They never made it
to the
>> UK, but can anybody answer these questions:
>>
>> 1. Are Glass Harp albums still available in the 'States on CD?
>> 2. If so, which label?
>
>Not sure, but I don't *think* so. I know that an original Glass Harp
album
>can cost upwards of $80. Of course, that's at Bill's Records and Tapes
>in Dallas, and Bill sets prices arbitrarily based on how he's feeling at
>the moment.
I think the Glass Harp albums were reissued here (in lp format, of
course) in the late 70s/early 80s on a Christian label, probably Myrhh or
Maranatha, so maybe they also are available on CD. Haven't looked for
Keaggy's stuff lately; sorry I can't provide concrete info.
I saw Keaggy live about 10 years ago and he was incredibly inventive on
stage; to my mind better live than on any of his studio albums. For a
live performance, check out "How the West was One," a double live album
(as an lp set, anyway) with Keaggy and 2nd Chapter of Acts (and I think
his only live recording to date?). Be forewarned, though, this is a
CHRISTIAN album so there is some prostelytizing (by 2ch).
My favorite album of Keaggy's thus far is "Master & the Musician" however
I have yet to hear "Beyond Nature."
---------------------------------------------
"The national budget must be balanced. The public debt must be reduced;
the arrogance of the authorities must be moderated and controlled.
Payments to foreign governments must be reduced, if the nation doesn't
want to go bankrupt. People must again learn to work, instead of living
on public assistance." - Marcus Tullius Cicero, 55 BC
Steve Wyrick (sjwy...@lbl.gov)
swa...@ducvax.auburn.edu
(Keaggy stuff deleted)
> I saw Keaggy live about 10 years ago and he was incredibly inventive on
> stage; to my mind better live than on any of his studio albums. For a
> live performance, check out "How the West was One," a double live album
> (as an lp set, anyway) with Keaggy and 2nd Chapter of Acts (and I think
> his only live recording to date?). Be forewarned, though, this is a
> CHRISTIAN album so there is some prostelytizing (by 2ch).
I saw Phil Keaggy in Birmingham, Alabama back in the late 70's. The ad in
the paper had a quote from Jimi Hendrix ("Phil Keaggy is the greatist
guitarist in the universe" or something similar). I didn't notice that the
ad had been placed by some Birmingham area Christian group. So anyway, I
went to the show. Phil came out and started doing his thing. I thought he
was extremely hot. He was backed by a small combo that was not at his level
musicianship-wise. He played a rocking style of music with touches of
fusion thrown in. I enjoyed it very much and I remember thinking that some
of his playing reminded me of Jeff Beck's. After about 45 minutes, I was
really getting into it and he switched from electric to acoustic. He played
some interesting stuff on acoustic (although, I wanted the driving electric
stuff). Then he switched to a classical guitar and started preaching. For
me, the show died right there. I wasn't exactly AGAINST the preaching, it's
just not what I was there for. He preached and preached and strummed on his
classical guitar for a long time. After what seemed like an eternity of
this, I left. In retrospect, I was probably too impatient. If this
happened today, I would probably wait through the entire sermon in the hope
that he would do something interesting at the end of the show (and for those
of you out there who are born againer's, I got the message, trust me, I got
the message -- I just thought 100 times was enough already).
In retrospect, I thought Phil Keaggy was great. Maybe I'll go out and get
one of his recordings.
--
David Swanger, Auburn University, Alabama, swa...@accs.duc.auburn.edu
Jim Blakeman
I have about six of Phil Keaggy's CDs. He seems to alternate instrumental
collections with Beatles-like collections. You may have to wander into a
Christian book store to find them, as I haven't seen them anywhere else.
His latest release "Crimson and Blue" features (I think) a reunion of
the Glass Harp folks. It's an excellent album, and not overdone with
preaching. Also check out "Beyond Nature", his last instrumental album.
I'm looking forward to seeing him when he comes to Dallas. Friends of
mine who have seen him say he is incredible in concert.
Did you know that he only has 3 fingers on one of his hands?
Steve Wyrick
>I saw Keaggy live about 10 years ago and he was incredibly inventive on
>stage; to my mind better live than on any of his studio albums. For a
>live performance, check out "How the West was One," a double live album
>(as an lp set, anyway) with Keaggy and 2nd Chapter of Acts (and I think
>his only live recording to date?). Be forewarned, though, this is a
>CHRISTIAN album so there is some prostelytizing (by 2ch).
I dug out my copy of this album over the weekend for another listen & I
realize I said a couple of misleading things in my earlier message.
First it's actually a 3-lp (2-cd reissue) set; and second there's
actually more preaching on the album (by both Keaggy & 2nd Chapter) than
I remembered (I used to be more into this stuff than I am now). I'd
estimate, however, that out of around 2:15 on the 3 disks there's
probably about 45 minutes of Keaggy that would be of interest to
guitarists; it's a good sampling of both his electric & acoustic playing.
His electric technique still blows me away.
Michael A. Heiser
Today, Phil is still alive and kicking and has released 17+ solo albums. I
believe the 3 Glass Harp albums are out of print (they were on Decca).
Phil was even nominated for a Grammy last year, but lost to Petra.
--
Mike
"in this day & age...music performed by humans...hum?!"
- wilde silas tomkyn
Wayne Francis
>In retrospect, I thought Phil Keaggy was great. Maybe I'll go out and get
>one of his recordings.
A friend of mine gave me a copy of Sundays Child. Not bad stuff!
--
Bud Francis
b...@megatek.com
Gregory Torrance
>Did you know that he only has 3 fingers on one of his hands?
Actually, he is only missing one. It is the middle finger of his right
hand. Apariently (sp?) he lost it as a kid, when a water pump fell on
it.
It doesn't seem to have held him back, tho. Perhaps if he looses some more,
he will improve :-)
Robert W. Northcott
I assume this is his picking hand. Is this the same finger Garcia is
missing or not? Either way Keagy is really good.
Logan Shaw
> I'm looking forward to seeing him when he comes to Dallas. Friends of
> mine who have seen him say he is incredible in concert.
Phil is coming to Dallas?!?!? Yes!!! When, when, when?!?!?
I'll probably be driving up from Austin to see it.
Once I heard that Phil Keaggy was coming to Austin, and it turned out
that someone had gotten Phil Driscoll and Phil Keaggy confused. Phil
Driscoll is IMHO just another cheesy gospel music singer, so needless
to say, I was quite disappointed.
> Did you know that he only has 3 fingers on one of his hands?
Only if you don't count the thumb as a finger... :-)
Logan Shaw
>
> Today, Phil is still alive and kicking and has released 17+ solo albums. I
> believe the 3 Glass Harp albums are out of print (they were on Decca).
>
> Phil was even nominated for a Grammy last year, but lost to Petra.
Aieeee!!!!!!!
Lost to PETRA?!?
I guess they're more pop-oriented, but their last decent album was
in the early 80's...
Michael A. Heiser
>Once I heard that Phil Keaggy was coming to Austin, and it turned out
>that someone had gotten Phil Driscoll and Phil Keaggy confused. Phil
>Driscoll is IMHO just another cheesy gospel music singer, so needless
>to say, I was quite disappointed.
Phil Driscoll was the trumpet player in Blood, Sweat, and Tears.
As for Petra, they aren't a pop-oriented group. More like arena rock along the
lines of Def Leppard. If you haven't heard any of their last 4 albums, you're
missing out.