https://youtu.be/Pz8KfYD67CI
I've been doing some stuff for International Guitar Month on social media, and Phil Keaggy was one of the people I featured. I used a different video for that post, and until I came across this I'd forgotten that about what a great example of his skill this song is.
9 comments:
What a wonderful song played wonderfully by a guy I now have add to my list of three...my new list of three...which is added to all my other lists of three.
I've always been one late to the party, as it were, with regard to people like Keaggy. He's awesome. As I watched the vid, I noticed on the list of vids always present when watching vids without expanding to full screen, a video by Fil from Wings of Pegasus, whose analysis videos I began watching about a year ago. He has a rather short one of an old Keaggy performance, and it appears he's using the same guitar as the one in the video to which you've linked.
I have two guitars, both Squire models the Fender Strat and the Fender Precision bass. Haven't dusted them off in a long time, and was never so devoted to playing (being more singer than guitar player) and practicing. But just when I think I might pull them out of the case, restring them and begin anew, I see something like this which makes me say to myself, "Don't insult such people by pretending you can play." and change my mind. I mean, I'm just so impressed, amazed and in awe of great musicians. I do the same thing as regards singers. So it's a double hit as Keaggy's voice is awesome, too.
Thanks for posting it.
The only times I've ever walked out of a show and considered putting down my guitars for good is after seeing Keaggy.
Crimson and Blue-True Believer are probably the best albums to start with, they're full of great stuff. Keaggy, King, and Dente is also a great record with a couple of other great players.
Any of the videos are awesome as is the Glass Harp live album from back when he was a kid.
He doesn't play out much, and when he does it's usually solo acoustic, but he's always worth seeing.
Got to see him throw down with Kerry Livgren at one of the electric shows I've seen of his, absolutely amazing.
There's a video of a guitar teacher watching this performance (not a believer, never heard of Keaggy) and he is effusive in his praise.
I've mostly played guitar, and recently stepped out singing. It was pretty good, and I'll probably do it again.
I've been wanting an acoustic for, like, ever and because I don't like spending money, I haven't pulled the trigger. I gotta study that video because I like that kind of sound his guitar makes (aside from him making it sing). My plan was to build a repertoire of maybe a half-dozen songs, learn how to play them so I don't sound like a piker, and hit some open mike nights, just for when I'm jonesin'. Having moved away from all my musical pals, I don't even get to jam at parties now, so I'm relegated to sing-along sessions while driving around town. The first thing I think about when the wife and I travel back to Illinois is if I'll be able to hook up with someone for a jam, but thus far the time hasn't allowed it. Gotta shot in July, so wish me luck.
I'm more of an acoustic player than anything, even when I play electric. Although I have been moving towards some more electric specific techniques of late.
This is a great time to buy guitars. There are so many great options, and plenty of good choices that are affordable. My main acoustic is a Taylor that I've had since the late '90s, it was their least expensive option at the time, but It's been a great guitar. I just got a Seagull last year as a back up. Got it for like $225 at an going out of business auction. My youngest just brought my '80s Fender home with him and I'm looking forward to playing in the next couple of church gigs I do.
There are plenty of great used options out there, just find one you like and go to town. Guitar Center sucks for a lot of reasons, but their used section of their website is pretty sweet. As long as they still have their generous return policy, you can buy from anywhere in the US and have it shipped to your nearest store. If you don't like it after you play it, return it. FB marketplace also is a good option.
I've also been thinking of putting together a repertoire and hitting open mike nights, it sounds intimidating but fun.
Good luck finding someone to jam with.
A few years ago we put together a band from our office and played a gig for an office function. Had a blast.
FYI, while Keaggy uses amazing acoustic guitars, that sound fantastic, pretty much everything sounds great after it goes through thousands of dollars of studio gear.
One guitar manufacturer to check out if you want to drop some coin is Klos guitars in Utah. Absolutely gorgeous. I need to start saving for one at some point.
"Dropping some coin" is what I'd prefer to avoid if I can. Fixed income and all.
A local shop carries "Alvarez", which I had the opportunity to check out. I was in the store to get a set of strings and I heard what I thought was piped in guitar music. Turned out is was a dude playing an Alvarez beautifully. The model sounded great and the had about a half-dozen different models on display. I want one I can plug into an amp without having to attached a pickup for the task, and Alvarez has several which are so equipped. Even the most expensive one the store had wasn't outrageously priced and the one the dude was playing wasn't that one. I found the sound to be better than merely acceptable, though I again have to watch that video you posted to see what Keaggy's playing.
I once played a Washburn years ago that a supervisor brought to work. With my limited experience, I found it to be the nicest feel and sounded fantastic. He was selling it, and because I didn't like the guy, I tried to get him to drop the price lower than he was asking and he wouldn't do it. What he asked I could've handled at the time and now kick myself for not having done it. Oh well.
There are plenty of nice options out there that are pretty reasonable. I love my Taylor, and would get more in a heartbeat if I had the cash, likewise Klos, but for the money I think Seagull are some really nice guitars.
Alvarez had a reputation, back in the day, of being really nice instruments at reasonable prices. I haven't played any of their new stuff, but if you like one then it's good.
I go back an forth on buying an acoustic with the pickup already installed, especially in a lower priced guitar. To hit a price point, they have to cut costs somewhere and often it's in the electronics. My general advice to anyone who asks is to buy the best sounding/feeling acoustic you can afford without a pickup and install a nicer one later. However, that's pretty much how I treat all of my guitars. I don't think anything I own has the pickups it originally came with. The only exception is my Seagull, which was almost totally a price decision. ($700 guitar for $225). So far the installed electronics are fine, but if it ever becomes anything but a backup, who knows.
We got my sister a Washburn that was really nice years ago.
We are in a great time for guitars, the price/quality ratio is amazing and there are plenty of affordable guitars that are very nice.
Find something you like and that you'll play. Nothing else really matters.
"Find something you like and that you'll play. Nothing else really matters."
True dat! Too bad the axes I like best are expensive. But I think the Alvarez will suffice. If I play like shit, no billion dollar guitar will make it sound better.
Yeah, nothing wrong with liking/wanting something nicer. I've got a couple of pretty nice electrics, yet my current favorite is a partscaster I put together a couple of years ago.
I only wish I could play as well as the gear I have would indicate.
Post a Comment