-- By Stephen O. Moshier

            As ever, Phil Keaggy is exploring new territory with his guitar. The range of his musical geography is evident in two new CDs which have been released this Fall. “Inseparable” is largely a vocal album with some instrumental tracks. “Lights of Madrid” is entirely instrumental, inspired by traditional Spanish guitar. Both projects reflect a remarkable period of creativity in the life of this seasoned musician.

           Keaggy’s guitar mastery and ear for composition is noteworthy on "Lights of Madrid," full of the energy and appealing staccato rhythms of the traditional Spanish guitar. The arrangements include snappy percussion and romantic strings.

            A highlight of the album is the nine-minute-long “Overture (for guitar and orchestra)“ which was commissioned by the Nashville Chamber Orchestra. “Corazon de Fuego” is a beautiful dance for two guitars that was written and performed by Keaggy and Muriel Anderson (former instructor in the Wheaton College Conservatory). “Canarios” is a familiar Spanish guitar piece by Gasper Sanz that Keaggy performs with flair and precision.

            The Spanish flavor is heard in all of the tracks, even when they depart from the classical style toward jazz and new age. MIDI synth technology is used very sparingly here with great effect. For example, the muted trumpet in “The King’s Horse” is really Phil’s guitar.

            "Lights of Madrid" is on par with “Master and the Musician” and “Beyond Nature,” two of Keaggy’s most acclaimed instrumental albums. Some of the tracks on this CD were previously released on “Music to Paint By” and “On the Fly,” which had limited distribution (mostly through his fan club, www.philkeaggy.com).

            The lyrical content of "Inseparable" flows from Keaggy’s appreciation of contemplative devotional literature. The songs and the musical arrangements express a desire for closer communion with the Lord, deliverance from a world of strife, and hope in the resurrection of the faithful in Christ.

            Musically, Keaggy draws from various traditions and styles that appeal to him, such as classical, jazz, rock, gospel, contemporary worship and even reggae. Overall, the album conveys a rather futuristic sound. Apparently, the influence here is the music of Bjork, the young Icelandic woman who is “out there” on the cutting edge of popular music.

            The seventeen tracks for "Inseparable" were recorded in Keaggy’s home studio, allowing him to perform all of the vocals and instrumentals (guitars, keyboard, and percussion programing). Live drums are featured on some tracks. He takes advantage of MIDI technology to quite convincingly create the sounds of wind and brass instruments through his guitar, although in spots he comes close to overdoing rhythm effects.

           The introspective mood of the CD is set with the brief “Prelude,” a melodious progression of chords with echoing church bells and signature percussive guitar tapping. The writings of C.S. Lewis and Oswald Chambers inspired the opening song, “Chalice.” This mellow, acoustical piece celebrates the refreshment of the Lord’s table: “When suffering restores us, burns away the empty shallowness and softening the heart, to be broken bread and poured out wine.”

            The title track "Inseparable” introduces the more aggressive, technological sound. It is a gripping, mystical vision of Jesus reaching out to touch and heal. A rousing instrumental reprise of this song is included near the end of the CD. “Litany of the Spirit” is a 17th century poem by Englishman Robert Herrick, a call for deliverance in evil times which Keaggy sings with desperation. The musical setting is completely modern, as the lyric passes into a synthesized orchestral composition that evokes a science fiction horror. Yet, the song begins and ends with a gentle chorus of “Kyrie Eleison...Christe Eleison.”

           The album includes a delightful cover of Paul McCartney’s “Motor of Love,” which Keaggy regularly performs in concert. Another concert favorite is “Real Life.” Hard to call it a song; it is more of a dramatic interpretation, with backward loops and subliminal voices, of the gathering of the martyrs before the Lamb in Revelation.

            Both of the new CDs were completed over two years ago, as Keaggy waited for business issues to be resolved.  His record label, Myrrh was uninterested in releasing “Inseparable.” “Lights of Madrid” was to be distributed by the now defunct Unison division. Keaggy was ready to abandon the mainstream Christian music industry. Word Music Group, the parent company of Myrrh, foresaw the shame of losing a talent like Keaggy and created a new label for him-Word Artisan. Hopefully, this will be a home for Phil Keaggy and his guitar to continue exploring and creating wonderful music for our souls.   

Page Last Updated: November 5, 2001