Phil Keaggy (instrumentalalbum)

220

220
Sparrow Records 1996

SJANGER ♦ classic rock/r&b/blues//instrumentalalbum

Time to plug it in and turn it up with this energized instrumental offering from legendary guitarist Phil Keaggy, entitled 220. He departs from his usually lighter instrumental fare this time around. Instead he offers up a electric, amplified instrumental, thus the album title. Keaggy is not overly flashy, but he is a phenomenal musician who knows how to use his talents. What he has that other lack is the ability to combine his phenomenal skill with emotion. There are many great guitarists who have outstanding technical ability and can solo with the best of 'em, but they last song writing skills or they lack the emotion to do anything but shred. This is what sets a musician like Keaggy apart from most other guitar players - the songs of 220 have many textures and emotions, with each song possessing it's own personality. Featuring 10 rock and blues based numbers, Keaggy's playing is graceful and fluid throughout, enliving the material with the true grace of a 40-year recording professional. From the bluesy opener «Animal» through the extended rock out of «The Great Escape» to the closing jam «Watt Ever», Keaggy displays incredible musicianship and a keen melodic sense. The album flows together and is a solid listen from beginning to end.

"Phil Keaggy returns to his rockin' roots with his fourth instrumental release and 20th album overall. 220 runs the gamut of styles ranging from the Southern boogie of «Stomp» and «Animal» to the breezy Earl Klugh/Chet Atkins flavored «Tennessee Morning». Mild prog tendencies appear on the Jan Akkerman-infused anthem «The Great Escape», and «Beyond this Day» harkens back to Spectral Morning/Defector-era Steve Hackett. Upon hearing the Celtic-rocker «Highland» and other subtle Celtic meanderings of recent albums, one might conclude that the artist has a suitable grasp of that art form and may want to consider recording an entire album accordingly." [AMG]