Phil Keaggy

Item: Freehand
Author: Chris MacIntosh

Freehand

(2003)

Reviewed by Chris MacIntosh

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Label Boondoggie RecordsThe Phantom Tollbooth2004

acoustic folk

Although he might not be a household name outside of the Christian music subculture, Phil Keaggy could and should be. He is one of the most talented guitarists of the rock generation and is in the same league as players like Robert Fripp. Now that it seems Phil is going the way of the independent artist, hopefully he will get the recognition that he so justly deserves. Presently he has two solo products out, the first called Special Occasions is a collection of tunes that he has written over the years for friends and relations on their birthdays, anniversaries, graduations and so on. The highlight of that album is a cover of "When I'm Sixty Four" by The Beatles. The other album called Freehand is an instrumental collection of tunes performed on acoustic guitar.

For quite a while now, I have been waiting for Phil to release an album that equals what we have come to expect from this truly talented artist as far as the instrumental passages of his concerts are concerned. With Freehand we have been given that album at last, and it has been well worth the wait. Now that Phil is living in the land of independent artists, he is free to do what he does best, make phenomenal music without some suit saying "We need a hit" or "Is that religious enough for our target audience". As I listen to these tunes I can almost see the smile on his face as he cuts loose on this collection of twenty three songs which are the best he has done since On the Fly. If the songs were not enough there is also a video on the disc of Phil performing one of the songs, "Cajon Pass" live in the studio. Now let me be really greedy and say that all we need now is a dvd of this album or perhaps of an all instrumental concert with Phil and Ric Hordinski joining forces.

Special Occasions is a great album, no doubt about it, but I think of the two Freehand is my favorite. I have really grown to love the adventurousness of instrumental music over the past few years. It can take you on mental journeys where ever your heart desires. Come along for the ride.

5 tocks