People in guitar circles widely consider Keaggy to be one of the greatest to ever pick up the instrument. There's always been a story where Hendrix/Clapton was asked what it felt like to be the world's greatest guitar player, to which he responded, "I don't know. Ask Phil Keaggy." While there may not be any truth to that actual story, there is no doubt he can play faster, sharper, more intelligently and with more ease than any guitar player I've ever seen (and he's getting close to 60 years old). You can buy his albums and I'll be more than happy to recommend some (he's put out over 40 in his career), but it doesn't capture the live essence. He makes good guitar players stand with their mouths hanging open and in utter disbelief that a human just did that on an instrument.
It was the seventh time I've seen Keaggy and it may have been the best I've seen him, which says a lot. The only thing that makes me upset about watching Phil is that I'm watching him with only 350 other fans. But it was a choice Phil made a long time ago. See, he was in a band called Glass Harp that was touring the groups like the Doors and the Rolling Stones back in the 60s. They were just about to hit it big, playing in Carnegie Hall and huge venues, when Keaggy's mother died in a car accident. One week later, he became a Christian and decided to become a solo artist. While he's had an excellent career as an artist, selling millions of records and winning a load of awards, I couldn't help but wonder what kind of fame and fortune he would have had if he had continued performing as a secular artist. He would have got the recognition he deserved. But Phil knew that fame was fleeting and that serving God would give him an eternal reward. Sure, I'd love to see Phil selling out stadiums and blowing people's minds, but every time he plays in a 350 seat church, he touches each person with his talent...because a talent like that can only come from God.
Check out the You Tube videos on my page to get a glimpse at his ability. By the way...here are a few Phil Keaggy albums I recommend...
- Love Broke Thru (his second release, early 1970's)
- Master and the Musician (his first ever instrumental release)
- The Wind and the Wheat (incredible instrumental album. Includes "The Reunion," possibly the most beautiful song played on a six string.)
- Crimson & Blue (like the title says...a very bluesy record with some of his heavier tracks)
- Find Me in These Fields (Contemporary rock...released in the early 90's)
- Beyond Nature (Voted No. 3 on a list of all-time greatest acoustic albums)
No comments:
Post a Comment