As a guitarist, I've been conscious for a while that there's been a gap in my CD collection under 'Keaggy.' While I'd always heard great things about this man, for some reason it's only now that I own one of his albums. My mistake.
All that's been said about Mr. Keaggy's talents when it comes to the six-string is true (except for certain urban legends about Jimi Hendrix). Whether playing fingerstyle or strumming, there is a beautiful quality to his guitar playing which takes my breath away at times--some high speed players play so fast that all the passion goes, but Phil knows how to mix some awesome chops with a lot of passion.
"Sketches" is the right word to describe this album. The songs each give insight into a different area of guitar playing, mixing classical, Spanish, folk, blues, and rock influences. I'm occasionally reminded of Bruce Cockburn's acoustic instrumentals--perfectly mellow sounds that are great to relax to. If you haven't heard Phil yet, this would be a good place to start.
4.5 tocks
Other coverage for this album
The Lighthouse Unsorted 1998Reviewed by Robert BermanCan something be both inspiring and discouraging at the same time? I think so. I've been listening to Phil Keaggy's Acoustic Sketches, and I find myself overrun with excitement - and despair. Excitement because this is the Keaggy album I've been waiting for. This heir-apparent to the majesty of his Beyond Nature masterwork is filled with over an hour of the full variety of Keaggy's prowess. It's…The Lighthouse December 1996Reviewed by Robert BermanCan something be both inspiring and discouraging at the same time? I think so. I've been listening to Acoustic Sketches, Phil Keaggy's most recent homemade album, and I find myself overrun with excitement-and despair. Excitement because this is the Keaggy album I've been waiting for. This heir-apparent to the majesty of his Beyond Nature masterwork is filled with over an hour of the full variety…Similar sounding releases
2004California Guitar TrioWhitewater
2005Tony McManus / Alain GentySinging Sands
1977Bruce CockburnCircles in the Stream
1999Ramsie ShickSinner's Serenade
1991Lanny CordolaElectric Warrior, Acoustic Saint
2003Dave BeegleBeyond the DesertMore from Phil Keaggy
2001In the Quiet Hours
1997Invention
1999Music to Paint By - Splash
1995True Believer
1998Phil Keaggy
2000Lights of Madrid
