How to Appreciate Acoustic Guitarist Phil Keaggy

Phil Keaggy was the guitarist for a band called Glass Harp in the late '60s/early 70s.  He became a born-again Christian after a family tragedy, and then took his guitar skills to a solo effort, and oftentimes, teaming up with friends.  Since his conversion, he has carved out a unique sonic niche that few can duplicate, and in my estimation, many more should enjoy.

Phil's acoustic repertoire includes fingerstyle with tap harmonics, slap harmonics, tactful shred, ebow sounds, pedals, looping, and a relaxing but also invigorating feel to his guitar offerings.  I personally would start with the acclaimed "Master and the Musician."  This 1978 work shows a great deal of thought and artistry in acoustic and electrics waiting to be unwrapped by a willing listener.  It was the first in what became a series of Keaggy instrumental albums that include "Beyond Nature," "Acoustic Sketches," and "Lights of Madrid," just to name a few.  Check out the complete catalog on Amazon.

Pick up some of his works on You Tube.  If you are impressed, get "Beyond Nature."  Light a fire.  Find something artistic to do if you are so inclined.  Write poetry.  Write a letter to a long-lost friend.  Night time is the best for this.

Or perhaps just sit and listen.  Consider what is being "painted" by the artist.  Seek to ask deep questions about beauty.  Feel the ebbs and flows of the crescendoes and diminuendoes.  Keaggy does a great job of ordering the songs within an album--for some perhaps inexplicable reason, the overall effect leaves one emotionally gratified by the end.

Possibly the best way to appreciate Keaggy is to read some passages from Christian scholar CS Lewis.  Some of the passage in the link given is in the liner notes of "Beyond Nature."  Keaggy is inspired by Lewis in a lot of his works.

What can you take away?  Relaxation, an appreciation for artistry and beauty, and inspiration to enter the world of an artist's mind and the reason for his attractive, deeply felt faith.