Phil Keaggy

Now approaching his fourth decade as a Christian artist, Phil Keaggy has proven himself one of the genre’s most gifted exponents many times over. His 1998 Myrrh album — simply titled *Phil Keaggy* — makes an excellent introduction to his work. His trademarks — warm Paul McCartney-like vocals, fine-etched melodies and fluent guitar playing — are abundantly in evidence here. Tracks like “A Sign Came Through A Window” and “Tender Love” are graced by buoyant tunes that will delight any fan of late-‘60s British pop. Keaggy adds Middle Eastern motifs to “Beneath The Blood-Stained Lintel” and brings in Bulgarian vocal elements for “Above All Things.” As a lyricist, he’s always infused his expressions of faith with a youthful sense of wonder, and this time he draws inspiration from such sources as the Christian poet H.A. Ironside and Fifth Century theologian St. John Chrysostom to achieve a deeper resonance. The contemplative mood of the album is given a jolt when Keaggy unleashes searing electric leads in tracks like “Chase The Body Away.” Shamefully overlooked by secular rock fans, Phil Keaggy is ripe for discovery — and this self-titled release is a good place to start.

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