Search - Phil Keaggy :: Acoustic Sketches

Darcy K. (Darcyjo) from ROCKINGHAM, NC
Reviewed on 10/28/2006...

ANYTHING by Phil is worth a listen! This is totally an accoustic album, no vocals, but all original Keaggy material. A great introduction to one of the world's premiere guitarists.

A Master Guitar Player

T. B. Vick | The Lone Star State | 02/11/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This one of Phil Keaggy's better instrumental pieces. His playing his masterful, smooth, and sometimes unexpected (meaning he does things on the instrument that is not anticipated by the listener). Keaggy can play slow and melodic, or fast and furious.This CD is a series of acoustic pieces which have a classical, jazzy, soundtrack feel to them. Keaggy's music is filled with energy and vitality. There are moments when he is repetitious, but not in a tedious sense. Just as the title of the CD suggests, Keaggy is painting by music and the acoustic guitar is his brush.The CD has many different sounds, textures, and styles. As you listen, you can hear the different influences coming out in Keaggy's music. For instance, sometimes the style of Pat Metheny comes through pretty strong. On other tunes, Michael Hedges is present. Nonetheless, Keaggy sounds quite nice on all the songs. The CD has about an hour or more worth of music, all acoustic, and makes for great listening while reading. If you enjoy guitar work that has a wide range of texture and style then you will love this CD. And if you love this CD, then I suggest getting a copy of Phil Keaggy's CD titled "Beyond Nature." I highly recommend both works."

Great acoustic guitar, but not his best

Volkert Volkersz | Snohomish, WA United States | 09/16/2000

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Phil Keaggy is one of the true masters of guitar, and fortunately he has the sense to record his albums around musical themes, whether it's his Beatles influenced Christian pop music (favorably compared to anything McCartney has ever done), or the smooth jazz of "Wind and the Wheat," or high-tension wire electric of "220" (similar to Stevie Ray Vaughn) or his superb acoustic recordings, like this one, influenced by pioneers such as Michael Hedges, Will Ackerman, John Renbourn and Leo Kottke.Keaggy is one to readily acknowledge his musical influences, but at the same time he makes each creation his own. This recording is a fine example of his acoustic steel string virtuosity, but in my opinion, his 1991 recording "Beyond Nature," is a much tighter recording. "Acoustic Sketches" is an excellent recording, and highly recommended, but the title says it all. These are sketches, and just as it is pleasant to look at sketches by Rembrandt or Leonardo, a completed work is much more polished, and pleasant, and gives you a better idea of what the sketches were for.Until you can get your hands on "Beyond Nature," by all means, consider getting this one."