| Back to Article | ||
Guitar Legend Phil Keaggy Shows Off His Playful Side |
||
| 2006-05-17 | ||
|
Nashville, TN - Two-time Dove award winner and Grammy nominee Phil Keaggy is busy preparing for the July 4, 2006 release of his latest instrumental project. JAMMED! is a genre-defying album that blends rock, blues and funk with hints of fusion and jazz. The project features production notes penned by Keaggy himself, whose thoughts and personal stories behind each of these tracks give listeners an insightful glimpse in the remarkable 30-plus year career of one of the world’s greatest living guitarists. Not only does JAMMED! effectively showcase Keaggy’s inimitable guitar virtuosity, it also boasts guest appearances by many of his longtime friends and collaborators, all of whom are renowned musicians in their own right, including drummer Keith Carlock (Sting, Steely Dan), former WhiteHeart bassist Anthony Salee, BlackHawk drummer Mike Radovsky, bassist Spencer Campbell (Amy Grant, Kenny Rogers), and drummer John Sferra, who co-founded the legendary band Glass Harp with Phil Keaggy in 1970. The album is co-produced by Phil Keaggy himself, along with Bill Deaton (Alan Jackson, Keith Urban, Michael W. Smith) and Lynn Nichols (Newsboys, Shaun Groves, Twila Paris). “This is a fun album of jams that I’ve performed over the years with some amazing artists,” comments Keaggy. “Some jams developed out of other songs, while others were birthed from trying to learn each other’s styles.” This twelve-song collection features remixes and new arrangements from Phil’s Premium Jams project along with three brand new songs. Fan favorites like “Blueberry Jam,” “Route Canal” and “Elect Rick” take on new life in the hands of this master guitarist, proving once again why Phil Keaggy is one of the most admired musicians on the scene today. In fact, ChristianityToday.com says that JAMMED! is “a clear display of talent from one of CCM’s most gifted musicians.” “One of my favorite jams is ‘Kegworth Speaks,’ which was recorded in 1996. It was the day that bassist Anthony Sallee introduced me to drummer Keith Carlock. Together we created this jam in my little home studio,” reflects Keaggy. He continues commenting that “another favorite track on the album is ‘Blueberry Jam.’ It features the drum work of my longtime friend John Sferra and was the ending outro to the song ‘Baby Blue.’” Phil Keaggy’s fans range from those who aspire just to be able to play his mistakes, to professional guitarists who have been strongly influenced by his style. He is equally loved and admired by those who don’t play guitar, yet find solace in his beautifully penned lyrics and memorable melodies. With accolades too numerous to mention, to say that he is a favorite of both fans and critics would be an understatement Guitar Legend Phil Keaggy Shows Off His Playful Side, page 2 A few notable comments include: “Phil Keaggy is a renaissance man. He’s flourishing with creativity and is skillfully taking the art of guitar playing to a new level.” - Crosswalk.com“… arguably the finest guitarist in the history of the CCM industry.” - Phantom Tollbooth“… his music…is at once deeply personal and universal, poignantly expressed through Keaggy’s masterly musicianship.” - Yahoo! Music.Phil Keaggy’s discography contains close to 50 solo albums, both vocal and instrumental, as well as eight releases with his highly acclaimed band Glass Harp. His music has been honored with seven Dove Awards and a Grammy nomination. He continues to sell out concerts all over the US with his ever-changing style, ranging from rock-and-roll to fully orchestrated instrumental compositions. Additional information about Phil Keaggy and his music is available by visiting http://www.philkeaggy.com. JAMMED! is available on and distributed through TAG Artist Group. Formed in 2004 by industry veteran Dan Huisinga, TAG Artist Group offers a home to new and established artists who are ministering on a national level and have the ability to commit to national marketing. As the fastest growing independent Christian distributor, TAG Artist Group is home to Phil Keaggy, as well as Bryan Duncan, Clay Crosse, Leon Patillo, Steve Archer, Chuckie Perez, Bruce Carroll, Ceili Rain, Randy Stonehill, Kent Bottenfield, John Cox, Greg Troyer, Roads to Rome, Janelle, Joy Oliver and Brett Rush campaigns. |
||