Glass Harp with the Youngstown Symphony Orchestra
Sunday, January 20, 2002

Review by Joe Petelin
Photos by: Neal Williams

Hello everyone!

I love reading hearing and singing the Psalms. On Sunday morning, the Entrance Antiphon in church was "May all the earth give you worship and praise, and break into song to your name, O God Most High". PSALM 65.

Wow - the Glass Harp did just that! along with the Youngstown Symphony behind them and of course some special musicians accompanying them---Chris Queen on Keys and "The Bad Boys" on horns as Daniel referred to them.

This was a Blue Ribbon concert folks with a lot of special touches. From the ornately decorated hall to the effectively done light show, the blue and red ceiling lights, and even a few fun loving dancers that approached the front of the stage during .."Changes" which an usher politely took care of in a prompt soft touch manner. There were Bell ringers down the aisles again after "Let All the Bells Ring" ( thanks to Chris Bell and partner) and a very receptive and gracious audience.

Before the show started, as Cathy and I entered the hall, we heard Beatles songs playing, including one of my favorites - Girl. For us that was a special touch.

Phil walked onto the stage dressed in a black tee and black pants and proceeded to introduce the Glass Harp plus Chris Queen to the cheering crowd. Phil then took a moment to tie his undone shoelace before starting the show. Phil paused to find a pick and joked to the audience that he hoped he brought his brain with him. But then the show began - what a special beginning to it all.....And Phil actually looked well rested for a change. We're glad you're getting some rest Phil. We want to hear your music for many years to come :)

And as Neal Williams commented, there were many smiling faces tonight including my 20 year old niece, Kim and her boyfriend Wes who heard the Glass Harp for the first time. Oh yes--- they enjoyed the show. Another smiling face that I couldn't help but notice was Isaiah Jackson's who while directing on stage patiently and joyfully waited and watched for Phil or Daniel's cue to resume the symphony lines during the songs. I think Mr. Jackson rather enjoyed all that Jammin coming from the GH and of course from his own orchestra members. The flute, violins and percussion were a sweet mix along with the horns and all.

The show began with Children's Fantasy and then the trio plus the horns played Nothing but the Blood. Nothing but the Blood had a lot of soul to it this evening and it had me humming the song the next few days.

Cathy and I thought John the Revelator (the 8th song played) was especially nice tonight (another great jam by Phil of' course). The best in our opinions that we ever heard it done. Our Towers and special effects God Bless America was awesome. sorry guys - I wish I could describe this in a more technically sophisticated sense but I mostly play acoustic guitar.

Rob Whitehurst would have enjoyed the song that the trio played for him as the audience put their hands together for Everlasting Light. Daniel thanked the audience for the clap-along. What a great song- great lyrics and literally a sing along. It is sounding better each time Cathy and I hear GH sing it in concert.

Chalice was next and I loved the keyboard bell-like sounds at the end of this song.

The Horns came back on stage for Presence of the Lord. It was a special and unique treat to hear a full flavored effect of the horns and keys along with (Phil playing a sensational lead guitar to this one - as he always does.) Daniel did his usual tremendous lead vocal again on this Blind Faith song.

The concert continued with Whatever Life Demands - it was great to hear this one. John played Shouts of Joy with the steady drumming beat and that identifies this song and he looked to be enjoying every minute of it. Phil put the finishing touches to the song with some special effects guitar that no-one can match and there were some bell like sounds again.

Phil completed the 1st half of the show with What A Day and of course Cathy and I just loved hearing Phil play this one solo on acoustic. It is one of our favorites ever by Phil and a song that lifts our spirit whenever we hear it in concert or listen to it at
home on CD. Before finishing the 1st half played some short excerpts from one of his instrumental CD's? and someone is going to have to help me with the name of this song.

After a brief intermission,

The second half began with Phil telling the fans that he dreamed that he was playing his guitar with the orchestra behind him and then the stage curtain behind Phil was lifted to unveil a full stage of symphony musicans. Phil playd the Overture as he did for the Oct. 2000 Powers show and he played flawlessly, with emotion and grace – just beautiful!

John brought out his acoustic guitar and they did Garden, Black Horse and Southbound. Just love those acoustic and vocal songs. The flute playing was exceptional on Southbound as usual.

One Day at a Time presented itself with an electrifying light show to match up with the musicianship behind it all. Wow!

Daniel introduced Days Gone By as he reverently referred to his father's birthday anniversary on this day. Daniel explained that his father had passed away twelve years ago and that he can reminisce about his dad with Days Gone By. The following song was "Let All The Bells Ring" a song that is especially touching for me since my dad (now deceased) was a bell ringer at the church he attended both in the old country and in Cleveland (which is also my hometown). I certainly can share in your thoughts Daniel about reminiscing about your father.

Child of the Universe was next and the "Bad Boys" were at it again. What tremendous sax solo and guitar interplay along with the rest of the horns. These are some more of the special effects that contributed to a nicely arranged concert menu of songs. Changes was next on the agenda --- more great guitar and flute and drumming and syncopation - How do you this guys? The concert began to wind down with a milder and shorter than usual version of Can You See Me which set the tone for Tender Love. What a sincere soft touch ending to a great evening.!

The trio came back for an encore " THESE ARE MY SPECIAL FRIENDS ." The guys told the audience that they are grateful for their support. Daniel remarked that there is more to come down the road and thanked everyone for their support!

If I have forgotten any songs, other than the Herb Alpert recording that was played as the fans exited the hall (!!!), please feel free to help me out. I think I got all of this right but I'm glad for any assistance.

I bought Phil's new Tour Guide, which is a nice tribute to Phil's career and recording. Great photos by Robin and one by Stybba, also. Now to get it signed!

Cathy and I were very happy to attend this concert along with my niece and her boyfriend. More SMILING FACES we had joy sharing this concert with were Bill and Jean Amey, (it was nice for us to meet Bill's wife for the first time) – Roman, Julie, and Colson, Neal (thanks for posting the concert photos; glad you and your Krispy Kreme doughnuts made it home safely!) Potterrick, and a nice couple that we met while waiting in line at the G.H. concert in Dayton in November, Clay and Jenny. We briefly met Phil's niece at the soft drink counter and enjoyed the chat. Another highlight for us was having the chance to talk to to John as he walked through the hall during intermission. We had to rush out right after the show, since our niece, Kim, had to get up at 5:00 am for work the next day, and we had to drive back to Cleveland. We were sorry we didn't see Mike Gerski or Dan Pecchia and missed Robin & Dave as well. All of you (especially the Skon family) were with us in spirit at the concert.

For anyone that we missed at the concert, our best wishes to you. And for those who couldn't attend, there is more to come as Daniel said at the end of the concert. Cathy and I are already looking forward to the Phil Keaggy concert in Columbus coming up in March. We will be attending with our cousins.

Joe Petelin