Phil Keaggy is one of my musical heroes. One of the very first Christian albums I ever got was the 2nd Chapter of Acts How the West Was Won. It featured Phil, and I was blown away. Holy cow, this guy could play like nobodies business. "What a Day" was one of my favourite songs - the chording arrangement was so effortless I was awestruck. Over the years I've accumulated a disgusting number of his CD's and I have over 20 albums by Phil on my shelves.

He's someone I'd love to meet, but would probably just sit there like a dumb ass and not say anything more profound than, "I like your music." Perhaps I'd be better just writing a little thank you here, just on the off chance that one day Sir Phil of the Nine Phingers reads this.

Dear Mister Keaggy, Sir. You are an awesome talent.

also see Stonehill - Keaggy

Crimson & Blue (©1994)

1: Shouts of Joy 2: World of Mine 3: Everywhere I Look 4: Love Divine 5: Reunion of Friends 6: All There Is To Know 7: When Will I Ever Learn to Live In God 8: Stone Eyes 9: I Will Be There 10: Don't Pass Me By 11: John the Revelator 12: Doin' Nothin' 13: Nothing But the Blood

It's been a while since I've written anything about Mr. Phil. Crimson & Blue is an album I've always enjoyed, and there are some really good pop songs here. The album kicks off with an electrified Celtic(ish) "Shouts of Joy" and covers a lot of musical ground. Some of the songs are more Beatlesque such "Love Divine" and "Reunion of Friends" but they aren't among my favourites on the album.

Where Phil really shines here are on the more moody pieces such as the tremolo driven "When Will I Ever Learn to Live in God" which is one of the more emotional songs he's ever done. But for me the most fun is when Phil pulls out the stops, as on "John the Revelator" a song that has that vintage Keaggy feel to it. "Doin' Nothin'" is a rocking tune, and reminds me why I became a fan of his playing in the first place.

All in, this is a great example of Phil being able to juggle a lot of musical balls, and not drop any.

Reviewed March 8, 2008

the songs: The True Believers / Wild Heart / Only You (Can Wash My Sins Away) / Salvation Army Band / Don't Let Go of my Heart / Son of Man / And On That Day / Be Thou My Vision / Have Mercy Lord / The Survivor

The first time I ever heard Phil Keaggy I was blown away. This guy could play. He has a vocal style that at times is reminiscent of Paul McCartney, which he makes no apology for.  True Believer is a solid effort, but nothing ground breaking. Over the years Phil has released some amazing albums. I'm not sure if I'd put this one near the top, but I wouldn't bury it at the bottom either. There's a fun version of "Be Thou My Vision", and "The Survivor" is vintage Keaggy. 

220 (©1996 Sparrow)

1: Animal 2: Arrow 3: Montana 4: Tennessee Morning 5: The Great Escape 6: Stomp 7: Highland 8: Beyond This Day 9: Ian's Groove 10: Watt Ever (220 Jam)

220 is close to celebrating its 10th anniversary, and the great thing about straight ahead rock and roll is that unless you use a lot of “cutting edge” sounds and effects it has a timeless quality. There is no doubting Phil’s place in guitar noodlers heaven. St. Phil of the Nine Phingers is a master player.

With 220 he’s finally given his fans what they’ve been waiting for: A full on rock album – of course there are mellow bits such as “Tennesse Morning” but on most of the tracks Phil is all over the place. Now, this isn’t a metal shred fest – this is Phil after all, rather than emulating Vai or Satriani, he’s more like a Larry Carlton or Eric Johnson. But of course Phil has his own sound and signature riffs.

Phil uses the same rhythm section through out, anchored by the bass playing of Spencer Campbell, and drumming of Lynn Williams which helps lend consistency to the project. Phil Madeira lends his B-3 on “Animal” which is a solid tune.

This is a full on fret-fest throughout.

Reviewed November 10, 2005

the songs:Prelude / Chalice / Blessed Are / Inseparable / Litany To The Spirit / Motor Of Love / Still Waters / Carry Me Back / Real Life / The Seeing Eye / Headlines, Part II / From The Beginning / Contemplate The Moon / Whose Heavy Heart / Inseparable Reprise / Shape Of The Journey / Little Star

This time around Phil treats us to one of his one man band efforts. It's a very contemplative album, and is very subdued. Phil is a master musician and he doesn't cut loose or do a lot of fret gymnastics just for the sake of being flashy on Inseparable. The songs are quiet and require more than just a casual listen.

I've been a fan for a long time, and to be honest this one got a few quick plays when I first got it, and then is sort of sat on the shelf. I finally decided to give it a "real" dedicated listen over a couple of days, and I'm glad I did. The title track is a wonderful song, and Phil who has always acknowledged his McCartneyess even covers one of Paul's songs on "Motor Of Love".

I'm not sure if this one will garner him any new fans, however, it's worth a listen just to see what's he up to - I don't think there's such a thing as a bad Phil Keaggy album.

Reviewed May 20, 2002