As a teenager in the mid and late sixties, I was a guitar player in a local band around Youngstown, Ohio. Phil also had a group that played in the area during the same time. This is an area that produced The Human Beinz (Nobody But Me). It was obvious from the first second anyone heard a 15-16 year old Phil Kaeggy play that he was in a completely different league than the rest of us. One night I went to a club to hear him. Joe Walsh was there for the same reason. Phil invited him to the stage and they jammed for what seemed simultaneously like hours and mere seconds and then it it gone. That was the night before I decided I had no future playing the guitar and to finish college instead. Always a phenomenal talent. Always a genuinely nice guy. I was never a Christian music fan, but I’ve been a jealous guitar playing fan of Phil’s for a long time. He’s earned and deserves every accolade ever given to him.
As incredible as his guitar playing is; the lyrical message in his songs is way more incredible as it's the key to the origin, purpose, morality and destiny of your life. Take another listen.
@@zone47that sounds psychotic for real I know the original songs and I can play them. His music raised me as a Christian however what you said there wasn't from a pure musicianship perspective. It was from your paradigm! Of control And unconsciousness
@kafungechaofficial4746 I get what you're saying. I grew up in the '70's and I don't care for Contemporary Christian Music, at all. It has nothing to do with the message, it's the musicianship. I love the old hymns, and the covers; whether it's Alan Jackson or Celtic Worship. Much of Contemporary Christian Music, and Popular Music is like plain white toast, IMO.
Saw him this past Sunday at the Barrow Theater in Franklin, Pa. The show was sold out. He played for almost two hours straight. My mother purchased seats for us in the 1st & 2nd row. We were greatly blessed by Mom. As always, it was pure joy to observe the music just pour out of him through his guitar and voice. He is a gifted, musical genius; a virtuoso. A dedicated servant of our God Most High.❤
I saw him like 10 years ago with my parents. It was ethereal, think about that show all the time. Come back to watch this at least once every 4 months lol
I first heard of Phil in 1991. A friend told me I "had" to see this guy play. I really went only because my friend was going through a divorce and was really lonely. I get there and this one very small man comes out with some gear and an acoustic guitar. No band. I'm thinking this was going to be a boring couple of hours. Phil then proceeded to blow my mind for almost three hours, and I would have stayed all night if he had kept playing. Been a die hard fan ever since.
I watched this guy, solo, in a late night tent at Greenbelt festival (UK) in the mid 1980s. I'd never heard of him before. I just laid on the grass and shut my eyes. It remains one of the highlights of my life. Thanks Phil.
Ok this is AMAZING!! I recently came back to Yahweh after a long time lost in the world and decided to throw out all my old music and listen to only Christian artists and music. And wow just wow! This is amazing for ANY musician let alone a God fearing Christian. Love it!
Having had the rare opportunity to pray one-on-one with Phil, prior to one of his concerts, I have to say he is one of the warmest, most genuine and considerate people I've ever spoken with.
I knew him for a bit back in the early 70’s when I attended meetings at the Jesus commune-like barn Love Inn up in Freeville NY in the Fingerlakes. It was all guitars& tambourines etc.. There was more talent in that one place than you could shake a stick at. Phil is/was a genuine pilgrim of kindness. He Loves The Lord, I can still see it here.
I knew him when.. The 60's.. We grew up in the same neighborhood, playing together in garage bands..He is the best ever.....His guitar is never out of tune... He tunes his guitar 46 different ways, to make the magic that you all could not possibly understand..
It's been five years since you posted this comment, but if you see this response--do we know we each other? I'm Steve Acker. I played with Myron Grombacher in Hard Willow and later, in the band LAW. I have known Phil since the New Hudson Exit days.
Phil is a longtime guitar hero of mine.... he was the first one that showed me a whole new world for acoustic guitar techniques I just didn’t know.... what a great musician he is...
First heard Phil in Seattle 1977. Didn’t know who the little guy with the guitar was. Rushed to get closer to check him out. What an immense talent. Still a fan decades later. God bless Phil
This Man is soooo insanely good at playing the guitar. He completely wrecks everybody. We've been listen to him for over 30 years. He plays live like very few people. Thank-you Phil. You are truly mind blowing in every way.
I have been a fan a long time. There is a new generation of players out there that can play fast and precise. But only Phil explores with his art and creates something uniquely him, and his music will resonate through the halls of time.
Ladies and gentlemen - The incomparable Phil Keaggy! If you've never experienced him live, you need to - My mind is still blown after many years! God broke the mold when he made Phil. His playing inspires greatness and originality in others. Keep up the amazing work Phil. "In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven." Mathew 5:16
@@Oneness100 There is significant difference between playing style of Phil's and Michael Hedges. People create their own ideals which are perfect in their eyes. Phil's playing moves me to maximum. I don't care whether there is a more skilled player than him. So... Never compare such top notch musicians, it will only make you look low.
@@heddyrogue4187 And where exactly did I compare them or say anything negative about Phil? I just said they haven't heard of Michael Hedges, who is similar in the type of music they play and Hedges was a great player.
@@heddyrogue4187 what's hypocritical Is that the only one comparing is YOU. I just simply stated to check out Michael Hedges. There's a list of musicians that move me, Phil isn't on that list of my all time favorites, but he's a great player for sure.
Ever come across someone who does something or has a some talent that is so unbelievably special and unique that you just KNOW God put that person on earth to do that very thing? That is exactly what I think of whenever I hear Phil play guitar. And to think that as opposed to the drums they couldn't afford, they bought him a guitar instead (Thank God!). Also interesting to realize he's missing half of his right hand's middle finger - guess he didn't need it!
Truly inspiring! I listened to a little cd called something blue, driving around in the Arizona desert at night with stars bright enough to light the way. To this day I have not heard another guitarist be so clean and innovative. Jimi Hendrix himself has been quoted as saying Phil Kaeggy was the greatest living guitarist in his day. He still is...I'm in awe of what God can do with someone who dedicates their life to expressing, in sound, the voice of many waters of God in Revelation chapter 1.
The man is touched by god. I'm not religious by any sensible definition of the word but his playing is something else. It's a really beautiful re-verb he has on it which helps but that is some amazing playing. He has the kind of talent that shines brightly and causes in equal parts awe and inspiration. Why is Phil Keagy not more famous than he is. A criminally underrated guitarist. Luv and Peace.
he's actually extremely famous, he has been since the late 70's I believe. the "main stream" wont touch him though cuz like you said he's something too special for that corrupt scene. only true seekers find such gold as Phil Keaggy
BENNYin theTECH Famous since about 1970 actually. Kim Simmonds of Savoy Brown fame told me in person in the mid 70's that "all the famous rock guitarists know who Phil Keaggy is, just not the general public."
Then this means that Phil Keaggy really loves Jesus Christ and will NOT compromise his values and faith with God. Phil Keaggy is determined to run his race with valor for Christ to the very end.
Interesting to know, your name is derived from Hebrew: "Yohanan" meaning: "God is Gracious" Don't let men & their constipated religious piety keep you from seeking to know the true God-Creator of all that is. There is no better Journey, ...or Destination. Look into real history and hear the words of Yeshua (Jesus) when he taught the people around him - as if he were speaking directly to you... - and apart from religion... You may be pleasantly surprised. *†*
I’m old now, listening and playing for many years , but never have I heard anything or anyone playing like this I can hardly believe my own eyes or ears. God bless this guy.
Phil should be the first artist that is heard in every music appreciation class! The epitome of class, grace, joy, and law of attraction. This is truly a man who’s fulfilled God’s calling.
I agree with a previous post. Saw him in 1986 and the genius and artistry is unique, unlike any other. Have been amazed ever since. His music has helped get through life's up's and down's. Forever fan!!! 🤟
WOW!!!! WOW!! WOW!! I am in absolute awe listening and watching the musical genius of Phil Keaggy in action!!! He just takes you into the heavenlies!! Phil, Thank you. You are so highly anointed by God and you bless us in such an amazing way!!!!!
Phil's playing has that mystical, Indian, Sitar, style to it that makes you want to just close your eyes and meditate. His talent is God given for sure.
It's amazing how much looping and layering he does on the fly. He isn't just a guitar technician, but an effects technician. I think that sets him apart from any other guitarist.
1st time hearing this man and it is amazing my ears have been tuned to guitar from being at a Tommy Emmanuel concert and he told me to watch this video and I love it
all that on an acustic guitar . the man is a very good steward of His God given talent. love to see and hear his workmanship,helps me remember from whom all mercy & blessings flow !
@@PoseidonDiver im guessing not many people, even with years upon years of practice, can ever be as inventive with music as Keaggy is, at least not in the same way
I'll echo what I said of Phil in another post: Thanks, Phil, for continuing to channel the Master and make your music listenable and enchanting for all ages.
I'm not sure he was the first to use looping live, but he was the first performer I've seen to show what you could really do with it. He's been doing live looping since 1994 starting on the Jam-Man. Anyone who is doing live looping today owes a debt of gratitude to Mr. Keaggy for paving the way.
I probably ought to stop mouthing off and pony up for a ticket to see the artist. He is considered the best there is and I am in no position to question to judgement of the fine people of Music CIty, USA. Thanks to Phil Keaggy for posting on You Tube.
...just absolutely masterfully done, sir....and this performance will hold up forever. Thank you for sharing this with RU-vid, and may you always be well.
I sure remember listening to this guy when i was a little boy. He sounds even more amazing now than previously. He's been around like forever... I like this loop approach of him... Interesting not only organic...
Kudos to the people watching this intimate live event on their phones-especially the guy holding the phone directly in front of the girl's face to his left-America!
Phil.. Miss you brother. Glass Harp. Kent, OH, Daytona and the last time I saw you when you performed for the Nashville Chamber Orchestra in Nashville. You bless us much. Dene
Glad you have discovered him, Luke. I first heard of Phil back in the late '80s. By then he already was around for 20 years. I promptly bought every album of his I could find. I encourage you to see him in person. Seeing him like this in this video is just amazing.
Go enjoy KT Tunstall's live Jools Holland performance then ;) she integrates her pedal (named Wee Bastard) into almost every live performance. There's no argument that Keaggy is simply masterful on a guitar, loop pedal or not. Sometimes I've thought he's been using one when in fact he seems to just be able to hit twelve notes at once.
He's amazing isn't he? The first time I saw him was in 1981 in Suburban Maryland, back when he used to tour with his band. Instead of his usual Les Paul Standard, that particular night he was using a custom built guitar from what was then a local, totally unknown custom guitar builder from Annapolis MD. At the end of the show, he acknowledged the incredible workmanship of the guitar he was using and the guy who built it. The builder happened to be in the audience that night so Phil had him stand up. It was none other than Paul Reed Smith.
I've seen him do this piece live several times and watched many videos of other versions. This is a masterwork of invention, and playfulness, and grace. Phil's music is a gift from God.
I saw him do this live, too, in Indiana back in the 2000s, and have heard a few CD versions of it, but this is one of the very best. Still, his "Music to Paint By" version really gets Irish blood pumping in a way this doesn't.
The Music to Paint By collection is a treasure. Thank you for reminding me it's sitting in my collection with dust on it. I'm going to play the whole thing now.
Saw him perform at Magic Mountian in Valencia California. I think it was 1985. And then he played at a Banquet for my High School Senior Class in 1987. Incredible musician.
I saw him as a teenager many times, and six times as an adult. Jimmy Hendrix & Jimmy Page, both said, Phil Keaggy is the greatest guitar player of all time. Phil Keaggy is the Holy Spirit on guitar.
This has been in my 'Watch later' playlist for a very long time, as I didn't have time to watch it when it first showed up in my suggestions, but seemed like it'd be really good. I was right
