Search - Phil Keaggy :: On the Fly

Pure virtuoso Keaggy

09/26/1998

(5 out of 5 stars)

""It's the same, but different." Anyone who has followed Keaggy's music through the years knows that no two PK albums are alike. Every new Keaggy project is exciting because it will be different from the last, yet still be colored with Phil's masterfull guitar. "On the Fly" follows the pattern. This all-instrumental album takes one through various "moods." There's a 25 minute electric jam, an acoustic guitar medly, and many other moments of and hard soft electric and acoustic guitar. Keaggy masters many moods and guitar styles. He's not only a master of the guitar, but he's also a master of melody.This is my favorite of the Keaggy instrumentals. In my case that means it's my favorite Keaggy album. His vocals are good but he truely "sings" with his guitar. Keaggy is the great hidden gem hiding behind the label of "comtemporary Christian Music." If the world only knew of his greatness..."On the Fly" is a must have!"

A guitarists view

M. Murphy | Visalia, CA USA | 12/28/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I can listen to Phil play the guitar for days on end, and have been doing so for more than 15 years. I'm a mediocre guitarist, and have been continually awed by his mastery of expression on the guitar. 'On The Fly' is, for the most part, a performance on a guitar called the Parker Fly--hence the name of the album. The Fly is a unique instrument, and a dream to play. No one who has gotten to play one will ever forget it. The most remarkable piece on the album is the 24 minute 'Sojourner.' If you will, the listener gets to attend an extended jam session as Phil explores and stretches the limits of this incredible guitar. I own every instrumental album Keaggy has published so far, and I would rate this 3rd, just behind Acoustic Sketches & the Wind and the Wheat."

Front Row Seat to a Never-Ending Journey

Joe Summers | Roscoe, IL | 10/07/2000

(4 out of 5 stars)

"I recall being awestruck by Phil's abilities when I was first introduced to his work entitled "The Master and The Musician" nearly 20 years ago. To this day I marvel at this man's ability to 'paint' such exquisitely aural landscapes.The untitled opening track beckons you to follow; follow him into a realm of relaxation and contentment. However, 'On the Fly' is not an easy CD to listen to. The musician will be challenged by the finesse of this man's artistry. In track 2, the dancer will fight the urge to leap and twirl.I'll admit that I've fallen out of touch with Phil's works of recent years. I occassionally stop by for a visit, when time allows. As I listen to 'On the Fly', I am reminded of some of my personal PK favorites. 'Firewalker' (track 4) is a bit like 'Riverton' (Getting Closer, 1995) on overdrive and I smile as I listen to the movements.In 'The Way of the Pilgrim' (tracks 6 - 11), Phil becomes our tour guide, navigating us down roads he's traveled before and recalling for us with fondness, memories of those 'earlier travels' (The Master & The Musician) and sharing with us that which he has 'learned' over the years.Those of us of musical inclination will no doubt appreciate the front row seat Phil grants us occupation of during the 24-minute 'Sojourner'. I think the thing that amazes me most about Phil and his music, is his ability to take a musical notion, develop it into an idea and continue to build upon it, adding nuance and flavor to the point where a new notion is created and the process repeats itself. In the end, the canvas is beautifully balanced with all sorts of color and tone. For 25 years, the Master has truly blessed us with this Musician's talent. Phil's diligence in the pursuit of his gift is reflected in this collection more than any other work of his I can recall. And I believe that this is only another 'chapter' in a volume of work any Master would be proud of.Congratulations Phil!"