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Phil Keaggy

by Mark Starlin

Phil is one of those amazing guitarists equally at home on electric or acoustic. His acoustic playing often reveals Celtic and Classical influences, slapping, percussive effects, and incredible fingerstyle ability. His electric playing features volume swells, blazing runs, and a jaw-dropping ability to improvise that often leaves the audience in awe. Phil has also featured the E-Bow (a handheld bowing device) throughout his career. An amazing player and songwriter who can do it all on guitar.

In 1970 a rock power trio out of Youngstown Ohio called Glass Harp stood on the verge of superstardom. Propelled by the impressive guitar playing of 19 year old Phil Keaggy, the popular young band had secured a record deal and were opening up for the Kinks at Carnegie Hall in New York city. Their performance was being recorded to be released as a live album — success seemed inevitable. Yet behind the scenes things were not as they appeared. After suffering the loss of his mother the previous year, Phil began questioning his budding rock star lifestyle and embraced Christianity. He would soon leave Glass Harp and launch a successful and enduring career in the newly forming Christian music field. His choice to pursue Christian service over rock star fame has kept him from becoming a household name, but his playing stands in a class by itself.

Locating Phil’s music can be a challenge. Many of Phil’s best recordings are currently out of print. But they occasionally come back in print. The best method is to visit the Phil Keaggy website frequently to see what’s available. And, of course, there is always eBay.

One interesting side note: That live Glass Harp CD — Live At Carnegie Hall — that I mentioned earlier in the profile, is currently available at the Keaggy website. A rare, and somewhat raw, snapshot of a teenage Keaggy playing with skill way beyond his years.

Essential Recordings

Beyond Nature

Phil Keaggy

This all-acoustic instrumental recording should be in the library of anyone who plays acoustic guitar. A guitar masterpiece filled with engaging melodies and heartfelt playing that covers numerous musical styles. Even seasoned acoustic players will be impressed with Phil’s outstanding fingerstyle playing, unique chord slapping, and all-around great guitar work. While the playing is technically impressive, it fits the music and never sounds like showing off. Impeccable taste throughout.
Crimson and Blue

Phil Keaggy

This tour-de-force of electric guitar playing features awesome riffing and extended jams reminiscent of late 60’s and early 70’s power trios. This vocal recording was released in two versions: Crimson and Blue for the Christian market and Blue for the mainstream market. Unfortunately, due to this “marketing strategy”, Blue leaves off three of the best tracks (Stone Eyes, I Will Be There, Nothing But The Blood) and substitutes three other tracks geared for the secular market.
History Makers

Phil Keaggy

Unfortunately many of Phil’s best early recordings are out of print. Classics such as Ph’lip Side, Town To Town, and Your Love Broke Through which displayed Phil’s awesome playing in a vocal song setting are sadly unavailable. Not to mention the classic instrumental The Master And The Musician. There have been collections of this early work in the past — most notably the Time Vol. 1 and Time Vol. 2 collections — which have also gone out of print. Currently the only way to get some of these excellent songs (besides eBay) is the History Makers collection which covers many of Phil’s vocal “hits” from the 80’s and a pair of instrumentals. The guitar playing, as always, is impeccable. A good primer for those interested in Phil’s earlier Christian recordings.
Philly Live! (DVD)

Phil Keaggy

Phil has been touring solo for many years and has developed into a major “looping” talent. Phil uses live looping to accompany himself on virtually everything he plays. Although Phil recently released a CD of “loop improvisations” — entitled Roundabout — taken from sound checks and concerts, you need to actually see him create the loops to really appreciate what he is doing. So I have include this DVD. Philly Live is a DVD of a solo acoustic concert by Phil that offers a chance to see a looping master in the act. While primarily vocal songs, the guitar playing is outstanding throughout with a couple of instrumentals and plenty of solos and jamming. Philly Live is like a master class on live looping.