Artist Info:Discography Album length: 12 tracks: 46 minutes, 41 seconds Street Date: July 4, 2006
2006 was a typically prolific year for guitar virtuoso Phil Keaggy. Along with the
acoustic project Roundabout, Keaggy released Jammed! - an appropriately titled collection of
live electric jams that have been recorded over the past 35 years. Forming a perfect document of what Keaggy
can do on an electric guitar, its focus on the live, spontaneous side of his playing is a refreshing
alternative to his more polished studio albums of late.
Starting off with a couple of rocking numbers, "Route Canal" and "Phlagan's Flow," Phil's love for
blistering solos and arena-ready riffs are obvious. The influence of the long-forgotten guitar era of the
1970s and '80s is readily apparent in Keaggy's sound ("Blueberry Jam" easily sounds like it could have graced
the intro of any Boston song from its heyday), but he also delves into other styles of playing throughout
Jammed! "Zee Blues" and "Watt Ever" follow less of a rock and more of an electric blues format,
while "Prehistrobie K-18" and "Joyphil" show a more subtle side to Keaggy's passionate playing - the latter
offering an electric take on the immortal melody of Beethoven's "Ode To Joy."
All of the songs sound great despite the lack of vocals and are perfectly constructed to highlight
Keaggy's amazing command of the strings. Melody and fluidity are always an integral part to his playing and
Keaggy's showmanship never overshadows what is essentially his biggest strength: the ability to incorporate
melody into even his most technically proficient solo. His playing is flashy without being excessive,
technical yet tasteful, and always tuneful. Even in his lengthier excursions, Keaggy never bores. The
nine-minute long "Kegworth Speaks" is a perfect blend of bluesy licks, layered solos, and tonal variations
that he runs off with casual ease.
With its live setting and its delightfully "punny" song titles, Jammed! is a better testament to
Phil Keaggy's remarkable six-string prowess than his experimental, yet mildly uneven acoustic effort
Roundabout. Fans of his patented brand of guitar instrumentalism will no doubt want to hear this one!
- Review date: 2/8/07 by Sherwin Frias
Record Label: TAG Artist Group
Album length: 12 tracks: 46 minutes, 41 seconds
Street Date: July 4, 2006
Buy It:Amazon.com
Record Label: TAG Artist Group
