"Other people can go into great detail about this CD, but briefly, if you like either of these two artists separately, you'll like them together. The music plays like a couple of best buds having a jam session. "Picture Postcard Perfect Day" is my overall favorite, with its quirky humor, but the whole CD is worth getting, and is great road trip music. There is a message worth hearing, humor and great guitar. Highly recommended."
Highly Satisfying
R. Langdon | Four Oaks, NC USA | 06/24/2009
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I will echo a previous reviewer saying that if you like either of these artists you will really like this CD ... if you like both, even better! Strong from start to finish, there is much, much to like about this colaboration. Vocals, guitar, production, song-writing, message, passion, exhuberant fun, true friendship that shines through ... it is all here ... on my first listen, I had a smile on my face all the way through ... highly recommened to those who like Stonehill and/or Keaggy or for new comers who want to hear some very talented veterans deliver the goods! ...
- Scriptor"
Brilliant - Loads of Fun!
Myrddin Emrys | Raleigh, NC USA | 08/04/2009
(5 out of 5 stars)
"How can one listen to this CD and not smile? You just can't. It's fun and infectious and there's not a single song I'd leave out. I've been listening to it for about a month it's still in regular, repeated rotation on my commute, both coming and going. Simply put, this is a great disc.
The liner notes from Randy mentioned they hoped the "fun" they had found it's way onto this recording. The answer is a resounding "YES!"
I've been a fan of Randy's music for many years, and while I really do appreciate the spiritual depth & wisdom he can craft into many of his songs (while making it look easy), I just love when he gives vent to his wit, and sings about the humorous and fun side of things too: "When life comes at you like a raging bull, you must do more than shout, 'Ole!'" Love it love it love it.
And I can't sideline Phil's efforts on this disc, either. His stellar musicianship and memorable, McCartney-ish vocals are all over it, and he really makes it a joy to listen to. There have been a few days where I just could not get "We'll Meet Again" out of my head! Great stuff.
With music and songwriting this strong, I can only hope this Keaggy/Stonehill combination will return one day with a sequel (or two or... whatever). That's one hope that would help make the future irresistible enough to swan-dive right into!"
The Substance of Joy and Fun Rocks
William L. Porter | Covington, WA | 07/27/2009
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Having fun IS substance, ask any kid, and Mystery Highway has lots of substance all the way through. This is what the joy of Rock & Roll is all about. It's a joy to the ears and a joy to the feet. From start to finish this is one of the best rock albums to come out this new century. This is NOT a jam. These are well constructed songs and tightly played. Keaggy and Stonehill have put together 44 minutes of what Rock & Roll is all about.
The world needs more of this. Come on, everybody, and dance"
A Classic Ride
Kevin Belmonte | York, ME USA | 07/22/2009
(5 out of 5 stars)
"In Mystery Highway, Phil Keaggy and Randy Stonehill have created a benchmark album--one that is as much a celebration of friendship as it is a reflection of the artists, styles and bands that have shaped their musical sensibility. By turns, it is a heady mix of bluesy, innovative, classic rock.
Keaggy and Stonehill have been friends for years, but have never released an album-length collaboration. This release shows that their timing couldn't be better. This is an event well worth the wait.
To be sure, the influence of seminal bands like the Beatles and Cream is present, but it would be a mistake to think that Mystery Highway is merely a journey to nostalgia. Quite the reverse. Wry, observed, often-moving and insightful lyrics are wedded to artfully rendered guitar hooks and base lines. The result is combination of each artist's gifts that plays to their best strengths.
These friends have walked more than a few miles on the road of life together. Mystery Highway shows them to be ageing gracefully as artists, creating music that is at once vital, instantly listenable, and flat out fun. Vocally and musically, both men are absolutely on form. Here's to hoping this isn't only musical journey they take together.
Favorite tracks: "Who's Your Driver?" "Rockin' in a Hard Place," "Dreamspeak.""