Phil Keaggy

Item: Phil Keaggy
Author: Paul Michael Carhart

(1998)

Reviewed by Paul Michael Carhart

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Label MyrrhThe LighthouseUnsorted 1998

acoustic rock celtic pop rock singer-songwriter

Whenever word gets out that a new Phil Keaggy project is about to hit the shelves, the first thing that comes to mind is: "What's it gonna be this time, Mr. Keaggy?" Ask that question of this project, and one might be surprised. Indeed, Keaggy, who is renowned within both the Christian and mainstream markets for his guitar playing prowess, has traveled many different musical paths from soft acoustic instrumentals to Beatles-esque pop/rock and electrifying lead guitar antics. As such, as an artist, Phil Keaggy, represents a variety of things to a diversity of people. His new self-titled project, displays a sampling of Keaggy's ubiquitous personas.

Phil Keaggy is perhaps Keaggy's most well rounded project to date. The opening track, "A Sign Came Through A Window" is a smoothly rocking acoustic/electric combination that sets the tone for the entire album. While Keaggy has, in the past, released primarily either acoustic or electric projects, Phil Keaggy actually seems to find a comfortable balance between the two guitar mediums from the get go. As on other recent recordings, Keaggy experiments once again with Celtic influences - as is evidenced by the cuts "Under The Blood-Stained Lintel" and "Above All Things." However, if the Beatles-inspired Keaggy is more your cup of tea, you will find those McCartney-like elements within "Tender Love," "Quite Suddenly," "Days Like You," and "Under The Grace." Still again, if you prefer to spend your time analyzing the latest Keaggy lead guitar licks, you'll be taken in by "My Unspoken Words," "Chase The Bad Away," as well as the aforementioned "A Sign Came Through A Window" and "Days Like You."

Adding to the overall mix are also several ballads. In fact, the longest song on the project is also the most tender. The final track, "Jesus Loves The Church" speaks of all of the things we sinners do to each other, sometimes even in God's name, yet Jesus still loves us. One listen to this haunting bit of music encapsulated truth alone is worth the price of this disc.

Even Keaggy's voice, which is often absent on some of his other projects, is in rare form on this one. Possibly the finest vocal recording he has done in years, surpassing even his landmark 1995 project, True Believer, Keaggy's vocals shine.

In essence, Phil Keaggy is every fan's Phil Keaggy project. Nearly all aspects of Keaggy's diverse musical background can be found melded together on this vocal and instrumental project - acoustic and electric guitars merge together, traces of Celtic and morsels of modern rock whet the taste buds. Truly, Mr. Keaggy has taken the opportunity this project afforded him to prove that his music is very much like a bottle of fine wine: after nearly thirty years, it is only getting better and more full bodied with time.