546. Phil Keaggy

My new Web site is: www.lelandsklarsbeard.com. My book "Everybody Loves Me" is there plus my BEARD T Shirts and high quality prints of my paintings and drawings.
Here are the directions to my new club house if you want to come and hang. flatfiv.co/pages/lees-clubhouse. There is fun swag there too!
My PO Box is: Leland Sklar
PO Box 92316
600 Lincoln Ave.
Pasadena, CA 91109-9998

[@tomcoyan1730]

Back in the 80s, a band I was in opened for Phil Keaggy. He was the most humble, authentic, and talented musician I have yet to meet. The icing on the cake was that after he finished his (solo) set, he asked us to come back up and we played two more songs together. Definitely a highlight for me!

[@RockinRobb]

Knechtel, Omartian, Keaggy, Gordon and Sklar...what an incredible band!

[@dragonflySummer09]

Exactly! Amen to that 💜🎸

[@bobsmith1098]

As said in olden days, "you ain't just whistling Dixie" there....

[@francisgoulart5648]

I got to meet Phil after a performance about 7 or 8 years ago. As a guitarist I was pretty bummed still after losing a finger and mangling another in a table saw accident. Phil showed me his hand with the missing finger, and he signed a CD I had purchased "Blessings on your remaining fingers". I did continue to play, and subsequently learned to play bass also, where Leland has been quite an encouragement to me.

[@mickknight6963]

Awesome story!

[@jackprice7828]

Thank you Leland for giving Phil the well deserved credit. Truly one of the best guitarists in the world. Time is such an iconic song especially from that 70's era.

[@FRN2013]

And the live version of _Time_ is one of the greatest rock songs of all time.

[@gregorye.seneffsr.767]

Thank you for this. Phil is amazingly gifted, but also very giving. He suggested to a group of artists who get together for lunch monthly that they hold a benefit concert for our family after our adult son passed. (They did and it was tremendous.) I first met him in 1977 and he is unfailingly friendly, kind, and encouraging, as is his wife, Bernadette.

[@timzier9016]

I got born-again in 1976. When I heard music like this I was so on fire! This stuff is real. Jesus is the Real Deal. Thank you SO much for sharing!

[@KarenGillespie-ul1ol]

So did my husband!

[@strong_voice_of_truth]

Praise God! As it's winding down, I look forward to meeting you in heaven at His feet. God is good to us, brother.

[@donmcc6573]

It's good to see someone like Leland Sklar acknowledging the genius that is Phil Keaggy. Christian artists do not get the recognition they deserve from the secular music world.

[@lylecampbell9036]

Leland has played with just about everyone

[@CyclingM1867]

Phil Keaggy is my favourite for many reasons, especially his guitar skills.

[@jeffmiller2396]

Have you seen the video he made where he played on Michael W. Smith's "2" album?

[@homebrook]

I grew up on Phil Keaggy. He's the real deal. But artists today don't get respect because they don't earn it. CCM is just awful!

[@AnthonyTrendl]

Ccm, just like its secular counterpart, is hit or miss. Plenty of dogs out there that will be forgotten. But good musicians will always shine, and ones like Phil will shine the brightest.

[@bobandmaryw4336]

My girlfriend and i ate a burger with Phil before a concert in Houston Tx . He played Time then in 1976. Later 1978 married that gal. Still with her. You fellas were amazing to us then. So glad you give a nod to Phil. Also followed 2nd Chapter Acts then and Barry then and a group called Arkangel , Kemper Crabb. Boy you brought special memories with Love Broke Through. He used an E-Bow with his guitar amazing ! My wife and i both thank you! Bless you!

[@dougwebster1813]

The last time I saw Phil at a church in Vegas, he'd go off in his own world playing whatever came to his spirit for ten minutes and then look at the crowd and say, " I'm Back!' He just exudes the joy of the Lord!

[@PhilliptBates]

"The Master and the Musician" is still one of my favourite albums. His entire catalogue is amazing, but it's great to know that you contributed to this album, which is a great one. You've worked with two of the greatest Phils alive... quite an achievement. My name is also Phil, so I"m honoured to share their name. I also love 2nd Chapter of Acts and Matthew Ward, as well as Michael Omartion. Loved this video, and keep rockin' Leland!

[@greghetrick5804]

Your right. Been listening to The Master and Musician for years. Just recently picked up the vinyl

[@SDesWriter]

Saw Phil play in the mid 80s just after I started playing professionally. It was a humbling experience but also an inspirational one. Ridiculously talented, but even better at finding the tasty lick that fits just perfectly.

[@todddale7041]

“Time” was the first Keaggy song I ever heard and he’s been my favorite musician (other than Kerry Livgren) since the 70’s. All praise to the Lamb of God! 😊

[@seanrandall8174]

Leland, thank you so much! It’s so great to hear you speak about Phil Keaggy. This great album. Love broke through, And these great songs and recording session. You are a master at what you do. Thank you for the music. So now I will dig out all my Phil Keaggy records and praise the Lord. 💯❤️👍

[@jeffmiller2396]

I love how he just sits and absorbs these songs, and lets us do the same.

[@TundraMan]

Not only is Keaggy one of the top electric guitarists, he's also one of the top acoustic guitarists as well. Usually players are definitely more skilled in one or the other. On top of that, he's a great vocalist who at times reminds me of Paul McCartney.

[@aandpman]

Phil actually IS a distant cousin of Paul McCartney. I've seen a picture from a wedding they both attended of another relative, where Phil & Paul are sitting on a bed, holding guitars... Paul's guitar neck pointing to the left of the frame (since he's a lefty) & Phil's to the right (since he's a righty). I think Phil had gifted Paul a guitar at that event.

[@AndrewLazoAuthor]

@@aandpman Jim Olson gave Phil the guitar as a gift to Paul…

[@paulnyman6739]

@@aandpman Phil's close friend was the Bride (Robin Eastburn) is related to Linda (who was Paul's first wife).

[@treed873]

@@aandpman Absolutely! I also think that he sounds like the late great Keith Green on Love Broke Through.

[@pablobruning4508]

@@treed873 Keith Green wrote this song alongside songwriters, Randy Stonehill and Todd Fishkind in 1977.

[@stephenblackstock5447]

I'll share my Phil Keaggy story. Twenty some years ago, I was playing bass in a group that opened for Phil. I guess you could say it had a "new age, atmospheric" feel. Most of the songs were written by the guy who fronted the band who actually rented the theatre and payed to bring in Phil. He and his road manager Steve flew in from Pittsburg on a cold, snowy February night with an acoustic guitar and a small rack of delay units which he used to totally amaze everyone for I'll bet at least two hours. My life was pretty chaotic at that time and I played that show after hearing that afternoon that I was the father of a baby who was coming along in a few months. The mother and I were not married and quite frankly, we didn't get along that well. Needless to say I was in a bit of a fog that night. After the show, I and the piano player were standing down stage as Phil was speaking to people and signing autographs, etc. He saw me standing there and excused himself for a moment while he came over to me, shook my hand and asked if I was the bass player and while I don't remember exactly what he said was very complimentary about my playing. He didn't say anything to the piano player who was no slouch either, but turned around and returned to the people who were waiting. I was speechless and I'm sure he didn't know what was going on in my life at the time. I always hoped I would meet him again to apologize for maybe seeming like a jerk , but I figure I'll have to tell him in heaven. That day I experienced one of the worst and one of the best moments of my life.

[@glennbelfiore5776]

Phil is just amazing that way.

[@rosssoutherland8118]

I’ll share this story with Phil next time I talk to him. I’m sure Phil had no hard feelings whatsoever. Phil’s a great and understanding guy. God bless

[@mickknight6963]

Cool, well there ya go!

[@sauerbone5208]

I love this era in Christian music. Phil, Matthew Ward, Keith Green, etc. I had no idea that you played with these guys. So cool.

[@PhilliptBates]

Sweet Comfort Band, Chuck Girard and Russ Taff... Rez Band. Also love Michael W. Smith. I still go back and listen to Keith Green... what a talent.

[@CyclingM1867]

Fantastic time in music overall, especially Christian music.

[@davidstair9657]

I saw phil in 2000 in the Vogue theatre in Vancouver. There was a point where the entire theatre started to say out loud “no way! This is not possible!” I was holding on to the arm rests and shaking my head! I think I even heard, “what the hell is happening!” I still can recall the wonder of watching this cat play his guitar! Aw, maaaan!!! I’m going to get my headphones!!!

[@williamball2392]

I had the privilege of meeting Phil Keaggy during the 80s back stage at 6 Flags Magic Mountian on Christian Rock Night and he was humble and gave God all the credit for blessing him with this gift. Years later in 1987 when i was graduating from high school my U S Government teacher who knew Phil personally was able to have him play a concert at a banquet hall for my school. And once again it was an incredible experience. Everything Mr Sklar sais about this man is so true and more. Thanks for making this video. GOD Bless.

[@mickknight6963]

I was just a young drugged out hippie on the street in New Orleans when a stranger stopped and led me to Jesus! Anyway, I've told my story since that day in '84, but rarely ever share that the guy, that stranger who loved me as messed up as I was, we briefly talked music/guitars, and he said, "Have you ever heard of Phil Keaggy?" I said, "no". He said "man, there are some awesome great Christian musicians and music now aways, and Phil is one of the best guitarists in the world and he loves Jesus! You need to check him out!" Then he told me stuff that changed my eternity! But Phil Keaggy came up and stuck. I soon bought his album "Town to Town" and the song "Full Circle" on that blew me away! This was '84. Great sound on his guitar! And that was my '84 intro to Phil.....I see you weren't on that one, but Michelle Pillar was background vocals, she was married to I think Larry Carlton so wow! He always has good people.. You have I know played with him, too. Ok I'll shut up! Thanks a lot for this one on Phil Keaggy, man. Good brother.

[@peterfrey2000]

I was driving back to Texas from Mississippi and had planned a stop on the way where Phil was playing, so I could see him in concert. It was at a church and he had just finished sound check. I was just standing in the lobby trying to stay out of the way and he walked up to me and said I am “ Phil Keaggy” and shook my hand and started talking to me.

[@ruxpin76]

In November of 1976, on a cold and snowy 18th day, I was born into the world at only 6 months gestation. The doctors didn't know if I'd survive 24 hours. Given the cold upstate NY winter, they waited a day to transport me from snowy Ithaca to Syracuse. Phil and Bernadette Keaggy, who had lost some children, came to pray with my parents at the hospital. They were all part of Freeville, NY's "Love Inn," a Christian hippie commune faith community. A kind and giving soul, Phil has stayed humble to this day. Love Inn was a bunch of people just trying to be real with each other and figure out who this God is... I grew up in that environment, with Phil and Peter Hopper, Dan Cunningham, Lynn Nichols, Phil Madeira, Ted Sandquist playing together...and occasionally my dad, David Hamilton, joined in on keys.. I was quite young when Phil and Glass Harp eventually moved on, but I remember (just) some of the music and snapshots in my mind. I've been a fan since, though loosely. This was neat to hear, and I encourage you to have that reunion... I'm a lowly keyboardist, but musicians like you inspire me to push myself further. I stumbled across this vid, but I'll sub for more... Cheers, ~Ted

[@touchmycamerathruthefence]

My parents met at "Love Inn" as well.

[@pjbostic]

Phil Keaggy is making a guest appearance on my 5th solo release coming out in early 2024 and he did an amazing job. I couldn’t be more honored!

[@markhunter3966]

Thank you Leland for your part and giving honor to Phil. He deserves it. What a talent, what a gift, and he still gives all the glory to God. I would love to meet Phil Keaggy one day, if not here on earth it will be a joy in heaven. His album "What a day" brought me to tears and helped root and ground me in Christ Jesus when I was attending college at EkU. We are all getting older. "His name is time and it's coming to an end..." may God bless you Leland.

[@leoquesto9183]

I heard and became obsessed with Annie, Nellie and Matthew when I was five years old, their harmonies, range, and power. My mom bought me their albums and that’s how I learned of Keaggy, Michael Omartian, and you! 2nd Chapter played large Orpheum type venues, we’d see them, and they were unbelievable live. Thanks for sharing these stories about Keaggy.

[@kevinroberts2395]

Oh Dear. I had that album and didn't realize it was the great Leland Sklar playing bass. Legend. What a career you've had. Thanks for the music Lee.

[@lifeandtext]

Phil is one of my favorites; I had the privilege of seeing him live twice. A true gentleman, too! Check out ‘March of the Clouds’!

[@PlainD]

The first time I saw Phil was in 1974 - he was only 23 years old. From that point on, my jaw would drop during every PK concert that I went to. I also remember the Herrings, 2nd Chapter of Acts, Barry MacGuire, etc. (I used to be a Jesus freak.) Thanks for this stroll down memory lane! And I remember seeing your name in the credits/liner notes of one or two of PK's albums.

[@timwhite2236]

Pretty amazing bass playing to compliment Keaggy's guitar work - Omartian is such a keyboard player! Wow.

[@Matzoa07]

Phil is one of my favorite musicians! Saw him twice. Once in a big hall and the other time in a small intimate setting!! Amazing both times! Love Broke Through was written by Keith Green and Randy Stonehill …. But Phil made it his own! Time is such a great song and it’s fun to see how the song evolved over the years since this album! It still remains a jam song in every rendition! Thank you for you wonderful playing on this album and for your personal experiences with the other players!! Matthew Ward is one of the best singers you’ve never heard of in music!! Goose Bumps every time I hear him sing!

[@markwestaway7207]

Listening to Matthew Ward is an experience. Capable of vocal gymnastics and the blend with his sisters was glorious.

[@MACTRUQUE]

Love Broke Through was an album that really spoke to the possibility of musicians being believers and fine artists without being genrefied.

[@TheShrubbist]

His albums Ph'lip Side, Town to Town, and Play Through Me, are some of my favorites from any genre

[@racegts]

Phil is such an AMAZING guitarist and such a peaceful & loving person.

[@hawkrider88]

And as amazing as his guitar playing is....his voice just blows me away!

[@douglaswebster1028]

I saw Phil at a church in Vegas when he did an acoustic set. Being a guitarist I would love it when he would go off into his own world for 10 minutes just playing whatever came into his head. Then he would look look up at us and say, I'm back! God gave him a gift and he took that gift and owned it! What a great brother!

[@bassmanmac2]

Had the honor of playing at Jesus 74 with a different group. Phil was there and it was my first time hearing him. I’ve been a fan ever since! Thank you for sharing these songs! It was like sitting in the room with you. I’m a bass player and I’ve always been a fan!

[@zonalmusicgroup9887]

Met Phil in early 60's early Glass Harp, he played several gigs I was a co-booker on, as well as a few sessions @ Christian Couterpart Studios in Cincinnati, Ohio.

[@TheMartyrsProject]

Known Phil for almost 50 years! He played on both of our albums, 'Martyrs Prayer' and 'Mystic Chapel'... even managed to track Phil doing a four minute solo. Great for you to do this!

[@GlennHallLivingWater]

"Just the Same"... now I know a little more of the reason why that particular song was so great. The bass guitar I heard, which I thought was Phil, must have been you! I always admired your music, brother, even before I became a Christian in early 1977 and learned of Phil shortly thereafter. To this day Phil is still my favorite guitarist and you, Leland, are my favorite bass guitarist. God bless you with peace and health.

[@MattTPlaysMusic]

I’ve had the privilege of seeing Keaggy live a few times. Always mind blowing.

[@meshica7]

Keaggy/Glass Harp..amazing music!!!! He is in my top 5! His album The Wind And The Wheat is just beautiful!

[@edkawalec3360]

Agreed! The Wind and the Wheat is just one of the very albums ever!

[@reidwhitton6248]

Cool! I've had that record for at least 40 years. Not only are the songs and band great but Phil's vocals are superb! He was all of 25 years old back in 1976.

[@Five0Music]

Phil is a monster guitar player, great family man, and humble human being. Thanks for giving him some love and recognition on your channel, Lee. It was Phil’s music (that you also played on!) that gave me something to listen to in my early Christian days, while sorting my relationship to all styles of music and getting my musical feet on the ground. Thank you for your contributions to helping me find balance there.

[@left0verture]

A shorter video to hear the people Lee HASN’T worked with. So glad to hear his gracious words about Keaggy, 2nd Chapter and that circle of folks. Lee, you’re a gracious guy. /respect

[@davidrbanta]

Thank you for this. I was 17 at Woodstock and loved that culture, but got wrapped up in my own darkness. At is 36 (1988) I was born again and got into Rich Mullins and his entourage...a whole new realm of music grabbed me! I had played bass in a psychedelic blues band in Michigan called The Blues Machine, so was following the music of a guy named James Taylor, where I discovered your work! Thank you for continuing what you do here! Your knowledge of the music scene is fantastic...reminds me of Vin Scelsa!

[@Tommy-Art-Strong]

Was fortunate to see Phil perform many times around the Ithaca, NY area when I was a teenager in the 70’s. Hitchhiked several miles to hear him play at Love Inn and still seems like yesterday! He even came to our high school and played. Was way beyond top notch even back then.😊

[@chiptrimble]

I was there with my older Brothers as he was doing What A Day. I've met and seen him a dozen times or so and there is no more of a down to earth, humble man who is, as someone above said, unreasonable talented. I'll say, over the top GIFTED by Our Father in Heaven!

[@tonyaguon2559]

My uncle Mike was from Cleveland Ohio and he told me he used to watch Phil And Joe Walsh duel it out in local bars! he also gave me Phil’s first two Glass Harp albums! Saw Phil perform over 30 times live in the 80s and 90s, still one of my all time faves and Phil’s presence on Bandcamp is going strong!

[@eddiethek]

Please, no more apologizing for not playing along. Anyone who has viewed your channel even briefly, has to know that you're burning the candle at both ends, with all that you're involved with. Frankly, your "hosting" and music intros/back stories are - for me - the preeminent features of these great visits.

[@kendriediger9364]

Well said! Couldn't agree more. :)

[@sethcashman1011]

Agreed!

[@844jimthompson]

Well said Eddie..

[@artrogers3985]

Yup. Well said. But I admit I really like watching him play.

[@ericfleetwood6744]

Absolutely. Every video is informative and very interesting. I look forward to watching every afternoon.

[@FRN2013]

As great as the version is that Leland played, the *live* version of _Time_ is one of the greatest rock songs of all time. Almost ten minutes of *awesome.*

[@pocket1684]

Leland, what is crazy is: My dad was a James Taylor fan, so I heard your playing there. My mom was a rod stewart fan, I looked at the credits, there you are again. Then all of these christian albums my parents got into 2and Chapter of Acts, Phil Keaggy, etc... its amazing you have worked on so many albums from POP starts, Legendary Songwriters, Lyle Lovett, David Crosby etc..to some of the best Christian music I remember. Crazy, I was listening to you on all of these different records. My guitar teacher taught me Take Me Closer Just the Same on guitar when I was 12 yrs old.

[@rb032682]

In February, 1971, my high school band opened up for Glass Harp at Kenmore high school, Akron, OH. I had heard about Phil Keaggy because Glass Harp was based out of Youngstown Ohio and they were getting quite famous in NE Ohio region. So, my band set up on a separate stage and played while Glass Harp's roadies were setting up on the main stage. A lot of my high school friends were there so we had a decent crowd response. We had a little PA and not much other gear so we were torn down and loaded into our cars by the time Glass Harp started. When they started playing it was magical. Phil Keaggy on guitar, John Sferra on drums, and Dan Pecchio on bass. About 2 minutes into the first song, Phil took his first solo and blew us all away. The first time hearing Phil doing his volume control technique is psychedelic, a very freaky sweetness. I was thinking it was good I didn't have to follow that magic. A great show. Then the kids who hired us asked us to play for intermission and made us an offer we couldn't refu$e....😨 That same band also opened for Glass Harp almost exactly 50 years ago, in mid-to-late May(?) 1971, Damn 50 years ago!?!?!! We got to use their PA and stage on that gig, and their sound man, Al, cranked us up in front of 5000 people. I was too young and stupid to realize I should have been nervous playing in front that many people when I could barely play the guitar. I did get a little better in later years. And, yeah, I bring up that Phil Keaggy memory as often as possible.

[@kevinvirnelson7868]

I've seen Phil about 10 or 12 times.Not only an amazing guitarist but a truly gifted song writer.Always seeks to honor Jesus in his music!

[@stephendawg1]

Thank you for inviting us to hang out with you and just listen and enjoy! Phil has been my hero since the early seventies. Adjectives are insufficient to describe the man. To sit in your woodshed and bob our heads together while listening is so fun. I love all your contributions to the great playlist of my life, Lee! You are a master and we are grateful for your gift!

[@TheOriginalRick]

There were a lot of bands doing "Jesus Rock" during the early 70s, but Keaggy and Omartian showed us that Christians could rock with the very best of their secular counterparts. Met Phil a number of times as I was working in Christian radio, and I can testify that he is the nicest, humblest gentleman you can imagine.

[@curtiseverett1671]

Christian music was always where musicians went when they weren't good enough to make it in the real "non-cult" world.....

[@TheOriginalRick]

@@curtiseverett1671 Welp, Dear Readers, who you gonna believe, some rando on the 'net or Leland Sklar? 🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@markwestaway7207]

Phil Keaggy is just brilliant full stop.

[@andymelendez9757]

Played on a song that Phil played on. His playing definitely spoke for itself. He did this astounding arpeggiated thing that floored everyone who heard it. The kind of part that lifted the song to a higher place.........

[@dsquared1956]

You have played with so many many hugely talented people....Really enjoy getting the inside skinny...

[@tobindoodle8901]

Great session today, thank you Leland. You need not apologize for not playing. You have been so generous and gracious with the time you spend sharing your memories and music. It gives me great pleasure to see how much you love your profession. Don't ever think your life is not worth talking about, you are a wealth of important history and your life is part of that. Please write a book. Blessings and hugs.💓🤗🙏 Stay safe.

[@TheShrubbist]

His tracks from the live album How The West Was One with 2nd Chapter of Acts is phenomenal. I became a fan on the 1st listen. He is a gem. Thanks for introducing his music to people who've never explored CCM from that era.

[@nodrog567]

Jim Gordon’s drumming is just so in the pocket - such a great feel. He’s not in a hurry to get anywhere - just so in the song and in the moment.

[@carlboswell986]

One of my all time favorite guitar solos, is the outro of "Time" on "How The West Was One". Absolutely blows me away every time I hear it.

[@bikerhighmiler8998]

Now I'll have to dig out my turntable and albums.."how the west was one" is a great album!

[@roxleyldc]

Oh man, that album is my favorite album !

[@kevinkingrey4067]

I was lucky to see Phil live twice, once solo acoustic and once with the original Glass Harp. One of my biggest guitar inspirations. Thanks Leland, for this showcase. Great reminder of how truly huge and vast this early Keaggy music is.

[@binsinc]

It seems like yesterday (actually early 70,s ) seeing the Glass Harp perform at a local high school. Phil’s playing and singing was so perfect in that band. A few years later (1973) Phil approached me while I was demonstrating a Lowery organ in the center of a local shopping mall. The organs volume pedal allowed me to bend notes down a half step by sliding my foot to the left.It must of caught the attention of Phil,s tuneful ear. Phil came over and stood a few feet away staring at me an inquisitive look of amazement. When I finished playing we had a short conversation when explaining about the foot pedal technique. Still one of my fav musicians. Children’s Fantasy

[@kennethschweighardt4920]

One of my favorite Albums, it was given to me on my birthday after I became a Christian in 1979. Thank-you for sharing Lee!! God bless you..

[@andrewscher239]

Great to hear Michael Omartian. Love his piano on "Arthur's Theme" and Jeff Porcaro's drumming. He also played piano on "Aja"!

[@kurtweiand7086]

What a treat dude. You blessed 🙌 my evening. Haven't heard some of these songs since "76". Can't wait to meet Phil in heaven!

[@brettmarlar4154]

Phil is an amazing player! He also was one of the first pioneers of live looping. Bassically taking what Robert Fripp was doing with Frippertronics to an entirely different level.

[@tickmann]

I LOVE Phil! Our tape was still on the deck when Phil came into the studio.. The engineer cued it up and asked Phil to just play... He recorded a flawless take on top of our track in one take! What a thrill it was to listen back as the engineer told us the next day what he had done. It was just a fun gesture but what an honor... The track didn't do anything commercially but what a story to tell. Another thrill was when I went into my guitar tech Norik Renson.. there was Abe Laboriel!! Of course, I gushed.. I told him I used to listen to him on the 2nd Chapter of Acts albums.. He came over to me, gave me a crushing bear hug and said 'God Bless you' with that beautiful smile. A year later I ran into his son, Abe Jr. I recounted the experience to him.. He just smiled and said, 'that's my dad'! Great post Lee! P.S. I've had the honor of flipping you the bird as you snapped a photo in Burbank.. Keep up the great posts Lee.. Thank you!

[@BretWaltonDrums]

The level of musicianship is INCREDIBLE. You guys just KILLED IT! What a shame we don't get to hear arrangements like this anymore. ☝️🙄

[@shawscustomguitarservicess1270]

Thank you SO much for honering Phil in your video. Coming from such a talented and blessed musician as yourself means a great deal. So kind of you ! Thankful for all the talents you have been so honored to have been able to support and set in with. Thank you so much once again.

[@aandpman]

Oh goody goody! Phil is my fav artist of all time. Been listening & following him since the 70's. Saw him live several times, and each time I was in awe. Thanks for this one, Leland!

[@dannyguillory8941]

I got to see Phil Keaggy live back in the late 70's along with John Michael Talbot in Houston. The both played solo and were mind-blowing. Until, I came across them I had no idea that a great musician could explore the universe with a guitar! Thanks for sharing.

[@ProfFLopez]

wow, thanks you so much sir Leland Sklar for that musical production with Phil Keaggy, this music accompanied me when I was young and confused. The message of this music is faith in Jesus.That love really broke me through.

[@tonygville2969]

I had the honor of seeing Phil and his band 🤣 in Atlanta back in the early eighties. The Brother did a solo for at least 40 minutes, and it blew my mind. I believe that I still have the double set with him and The Second Chapter of Acts, and a Band called David. Epic Stuff 👍 Thanks so much for sharing your time with him. PhilSide is one of my favorites. Super Way Cool 👍 Viva Cristo Rey 🙏 I saw The Second Chapter of Acts at The Fox Theater and I thought I was Heaven. I also remember when Mylon was the janitor at Mt Paron when he was coming off dope. Love them all.

[@sethcashman1011]

Loved the “playlist” today. Thanks for spotlighting the singular Mr. Keaggy (speaking of brilliance). Hope everyone’s having a great morning/afternoon/evening.

[@Linda-wk9ue]

Hi Seth! Waiting on rain (again). Hope you have a great evening!!

[@GPartysGtr]

Thanks so much for these memories. I had heard a little bit of Phil in Glass Harp and backing others, but when I bought Love Broke Thru, it made me a life long fan. I remember seeing your name, as well as Larry Knetchel and Jim Gordon in the credits - I knew you all from all the album covers I’d read in my youth - and completely knocked out by not only Phil’s playing, but the incredible chemistry of the band on this album. I always felt like some of the jams at the end if these songs were too organic feeling to have been planned out, so I appreciate your confirming much of it was just “keeping the tape running.”

[@sethcashman1011]

@@Linda-wk9ue hey Linda, hopefully the rain wasn’t too bad. Plenty here today.

[@MikeAndDawnGineseMusic]

Thanks for a walk down memory lane. Heaven is going to be an awesome party, the ultimate orchestrated concert, is all I can say. Beautiful! 🎵💜 Dawn

[@Ian-Steele]

The Jim Gordon story is so sad in many ways. Mental health problems should not be hidden away. We are all potential sufferers.

[@jimmycampbell78]

If you look up photos of him on google images, there's one of him photographed in incarceration, it's disturbing and chilling to be perfectly honest with you. He has a thousand yard stare. His poor mother.

[@FreedomRock44]

So True!

[@gustavoborchert]

In my opinion, how the case was handled shows a poor, dehumanized, to say the least, perception of a mental condition.

[@Ian-Steele]

@@gustavoborchert I’m in the UK so there was really no publicity for what happened here. All that I know from my recent reading. The name Jim Gordon was very familiar from reading sleeve notes on albums back in the 1970s.

[@rayjeske6564]

Jim hauling off and punching Rita Coolidge and nearly killing her just another part of his legacy.

[@grinkashman7884]

I was a monitor engineer through the 90's, Did sound for him a few times both with band and solo. Gotta say he was one of the NICEST humble dudes, he served me food!.As well as an amazing guitarist! (For perspective I am an bassist atheist with high moral values. I live by the conception of Karma ) . You are awesome , man!!

[@brianetheredge7323]

I get so enamored with Phil's playing that I forget the fact that he had an amazing voice. He seamlessly moves back and forth between lead vocals and blending in with the background ensemble in live settings, demonstrated so well on "How the West was One." Unless you've done it (or tried and failed to do it), you have no idea how difficult that is...there's such a fine line, and to do that while playing an instrument is just amazing.

[@theonlydjtopcat]

Keaggy, Gordon , Sklar, Omartian, Knechtel are a SUPER GROUP alone!

[@jeffsond]

8min 49 seconds in and I’m really enjoying this . Thank you. I was such a huge fan (and even more now) Phil’s back in the late 70’s early 80’s . He came to a place our church owned called the Sheep shed in the St Louis area. I was stoked to see him. Finally got to meet Phil after one of his concerts probably 12 years ago. Wow what a great guy. Now back to your video.

[@joyfultrails]

Mr. Sklar, you have no idea how many times I have listened to this classic song (and that whole album) over the years. I even played it on a show I used to produce on a classic rock radio station in the 90s and early 2000s. What a song. Thank you for contributing your talents to it. I've seen Keaggy live at least a half dozen times. You're right, he's amazing.

[@whatcher8151]

much appreciated Lee. I seen Phil a few times, once with Paul Clark at The Adam's Apple in Fort Wayne. After the show they were mixing with the crowd I asked Phil if he would like to go out and have pizza. A quiet reserved, shake of the head no. Okay. I used to take kids from a Children's Home here in Logan County before it was shut down. Then in Lima, Ohio, He got there just in time, still huffin and puffin, as the plane was delayed. All those years playing How the West Was Won, Double Album Set on drums. Boy I miss that. all my equipment was destroyed by a home demolishing,y lawyer sent the city a letter with me agreeing that the lawyer and myself be notified before so I could about 300 grand in everything I owned, my Roland digital set, My RTR Series 2 speakers 150lbs. ea. Bose 901's also with a Marantz 2325 125 wpc with awesome Dolby Sound, My Ludwig Red Vistalite drum set with 2 floor toms, Zildgen cymbals, the old Tama Heavy duty stands, ahhh! My inheritance, memories. I found out and had a heart attack over it. I could not think about it for fear of another heart attack so I left it lay. Been 4 years now. So much to list. All pictures, generations of them and antiques. No letter came to either of us , it happened a year later. why? Because I did not want to pay storage fees for nothing, for a year.

[@chiptrimble]

Lee, your 'love breaking through' for Phil Keaggy, and introducing him perhaps to many on your channel here is a very honorable and beautiful thing. I watched Phil playing his first album as a believer: What A Day, while visiting the Jesus/hippie- style commune at "Love Inn" outside Ithaca, NY in the early 70's. I've listened to all of his early work albums so many times that i missed entire decades of secular music in the 90's! A relatively obscure album, with beyond gifted artists titled 'Emerging', MUST BE LISTENED to as the common shaking of the head under the brilliance happens each time in the hearing! Master and the Musician, another of Phils Masterpieces is smother not to be missed. I'm grateful for YOUR catalog and like others, would be grateful to hear more of your astonishment with the myriad of players you've been gifted to play with over the decades! Respect. I do pray, that you were in conversions with Phil and have discovered NOT any 'religion", but the true Christ Jesus, the Lamb of God who takes away the separating sin of the world. Phils love for Christ is evident to all who know or have heard him. Thanks again Lee! Great hearing of your love for Matthew Ward, Annie and Buck, and Phil! 2nd Chapped of Acts vocal harmonies are atmospheric and angelic! Not to be missed...

[@magamemes3453]

My oldest brother turned me onto Phil in the 80's. I was instantly blown away. It was around the time Kerry Livgren came out with Seeds of Change.

[@GTX1123]

The first time I saw Phil perform was in 1981 at a high school auditorium in Prince George's County Maryland. He wasn't playing his usual cherryburst Les Paul nor his Strat. At the end of the show he asked the builder of the amazing guitar he played that night to please stand. A then completely uknown 25 yr old Paul Reed Smith stood up in the middle of the audience. He had loaned his first prototype to Phil to use for the show that night.

[@ChrisDoyle2112]

I love your expansive knowledge of musical genres, and that you’ve played with people I grew up listening to, like Phil Keaggy, Matthew Ward and 2nd Chapter of Acts!

[@AndrewLazoAuthor]

Traveled with Phil for a couple of years as road manager-THANK YOU SO MUCH for shining the spotlight on Phil. I trust you know he and Joe Walsh go waaayyyy back…?

[@AndrewLazoAuthor]

Also wanna say a thousand thanks for you, @lelandsklar for all the incredible music that I love which you helped make so magic. You’re a gift! And your generosity is so appreciated!

[@stevemartin7096]

Hi Andrew, thanks for your comment. I'm interested in more about Joe and Phil...are you at liberty to say what their connection is? Thanks.

[@AndrewLazoAuthor]

@@stevemartin7096 Sure! Phil’s band Glass Harp often played with James Gang in NE Ohio, and Joe was supposed to play on Crimson and Blue, but Ringo called. They auditioned each other for bands, played on the stage together, and knew each other fairly well. There’s recent video of JW reflecting on PK’s monster playing: kzbin.info/www/bejne/m2jTlJyZrayVhdU

[@rayjeske6564]

@@stevemartin7096 A major guitarist named Glenn Schwartz fronted James Gang, then literally had to get out of town to avoid some kind of legal trouble. He lateraled the ball to Joe Walsh, who then became the lead guitarist and frontman for James Gang. James Gang was the house band for a little historically significant club called JBs in Kent, Ohio, where Kent State is. After James Gang, Phil Keaggy's Glass Harp became the house band at JBs. So in a five year period, from about '67-'72, you had these little power trios with world-class guitarists, all of whom knew each other. You could literally go see them several nights a week for a small cover charge. While Joe went on to become the more commercially famous due to his being hired by Eagles, the locals overwhelmingly considered Phil Keaggy the greater talent. Joe himself refers to Phil in an interview as "a monster."

[@CiscoDuck]

@@AndrewLazoAuthor True that Andy, but there's more - the 1st Les Paul guitar Phil ever played was Joe Walsh's the first night he brought it to JB's to play with the James Gang - he even let Phil use it on GH's 1st set! I have a photo of Phil playing Joe's LP that night (Neil Williams took the pic!) also noteworthy is Joe later sold THAT Les Paul guitar to Jimmy Page after Pagey heard Joe's set when JG opened for LZ! Joe had just bought a new LP guitar and Page wanted it but Joe sold him the older guitar. THAT was the LP that was either destroyed on the tarmac at JFK by a reckless forklift driver or the one that was stolen at an LZ concert and Pagey has yet to get it back.

[@DanaHarding]

Thanks for sharing this, Lee. I forgot how much I absolutely love that album. Definitely in my top 3 Keaggy records. The thing I always loved about Phil is that, as talented as he is, he is so incredibly humble. Thanks again for bringing this great album back out!

[@ZippyThePinhead]

First off, thank you for sharing your stories of the projects you've been involved in recording, I get you might feel uncomfortable talking about your recording history, but there are those of us who want to hear your stories of people we also admire as musicians. I went to a christian college back in the early 80's, and Phil Keaggy was HUGE back then. His album "Town To Town" had just come out, and so my girlfriend had a cassette of that we listened to a lot. We also got to see a concert of a bunch of christian bands, and Phil played with a band there. That's also where I first heard the live version of "Time" by Phil on the "2nd Chapter of Acts- How The West Was One" album. Awesome version of that song there. So again thank you for sharing!

[@TedSchoenling]

They say don't meet your heroes. Phil Keaggy has been a guitar hero of mine since I heard him play the first time. I probably own everything he recorded, even with Glass Harp. I went to see him play 4 or 5 times.. and met him twice. As great a guitarist and singer and songwriter that he is, he is even a greater person. Humble, kind, genuine. He will blow your socks off and melt your face with an electric, he will blow your mind with an acoustic. And yet he is just so cool, kind and loving.

[@msclark7338]

Glad to hear you and many are fans of Phil. I've seen him maybe 18 times, met a couple of times. I would love to hear a jam with you guys... live. :)

[@CiscoDuck]

Leland, glad that you had the chance to record with Phil Keaggy! What a session! The way you and Jim Gordon connect on the tracks is remarkable. As much as I love the studio version of these songs, my introduction to Phil and his music was his LIVE set from the 2nd Chapter of Acts album 'How The West Was One' with Phil and a band called David' produced by Buck Herring. The tracks were recorded at two concerts they did in Sacramento and Redding from the 1977 tour they did together. The band is Richard Souther on piano and keys, Herb Melton on bass, Peter York on rhythm guitar and Gene Gunnels (formerly of Strawberry Alarm Clock) on drums. Phil's song 'Time' goes on into extra innings in a jam lasting for nearly 10 minutes! Keaggy's pyrotechnics were barely hinted at on the Love Broke Thru LP compared to his out the door and over the top guitar excursions revealed on the LIVE version of 'Time' alone. It's worth noting that there were no overdubs or punch-in's on Keaggy's solos or anything else on the album - Buck Herring flat refused everyone who played or sang on the album that requested any kind of fixes. Phil Keaggy and Matthew Ward BOTH told me this. I also read an article in a Christian music magazine which reviewed the 20th anniversary of the album with fresh quotes from an interview with Buck Herring who was asked specifically if there were any post-production fixes or overdubs and he said that there wasn't time as the record label wanted tapes in the mail asap to fulfill contract obligations. Phil Keaggy lamented that his version of 'Time' that was released which was recorded at the Redding concert wasn't as good as the previous night in Sacramento. Herring agreed but revealed that the sound on the recordings from the previous concert wasn't as good as was desired because the main recording console in the mobile unit was recording the band at a half-tone flat and the EQ settings were too flat for good fidelity. Plus the sound was at a lower volume than normal. Some settings on the mobile recording console had to be adjusted for the 2nd night in order to get the tracks they needed for the album. The next day after the 2nd concert the tapes were boxed up and sent to Myrrh Records and none of the rest of the shows on the tour of the remaining 16 cities were recorded. It's noteworthy that Gene Gunnels drums on this LIVE album were brilliant. He was asked to join Lynyrd Skynyrd the same day that Ed King, guitarist for Strawberry Alarm Clock was invited to join by Ronnie Van Zandt. King took the job and Gunnels had another gig he was leaving the Clock for already, a decision he regretted because the gig flopped and the band he was to join broke up and he floundered for a spell. 'How The West Was One' is often cited as the best example of his playing ever recorded. I asked Phil once who his favorite drummers were and he said his friend from Glass Harp for LIVE concerts, Jim Gordon for studio recording and Gene Gunnels as the dark horse drummer hardly anyone talks about who was almost as good as anyone he ever played with. Check out the 'Time' version from that LIVE album - it's on KZbin.

[@whodder06]

We're honored just to have you here Lee.

[@strong_voice_of_truth]

I grew up on this music. Keaggy is like the soundtrack to my life... been with me from the time I was born in '75. I was into music very early... like 5. I remember seeing Leland's name on albums and wondering who he was. This is great to be able to see the man behind the great sounds.Thank you, Mr. Sklar.

[@edkawalec3360]

Just now hearing this insightful video with you, giant PK fan here from the mid-‘70’s, love all your work as well! Thanks for sharing , all those awesome tunes!!!

[@timzier9016]

Lots of good memories come back when I hear the song, "Love Broke Through"!!!

[@davidstair9657]

I left death metal and was immediately enthralled by Phil and Keith. Now I listen to Phil, Keith, and Christian Death metal from Poland, I think? Praise the Lord!!!

[@durandrobinsonmusic]

There is such an inspirational quality about a musician like Phil that is comfortable with himself and his craft that gives him confidence to write and play his own way, to forge his own path so to speak. Not trying to copy or pander to current tastes, but create the right setting for the each story he's telling. I'd wondered about all that wonderful "after the story's over" glorious playing in "Time". Really glad it didn't end up on the cutting floor. Thanks as always for your stories!

[@cubbie8330]

So many incredible musicians came to prominence during the Jesus movement. Glad many of these "giants" are still around and their stories being shared.

[@GTX1123]

Thank you for posting this video Leland. I've seen Phil perform 12X - mostly in the 80's with his band. Most of those shows he would do "Time" which was always a fan favorite. Where Phil really cut loose is at the end of the studio where you hear the fade out with the Hammond B3 solo. Live, they would keep going and when the Hammond solo ended, Phil would go absolutely nuts and just SHRED for 5 minutes straight while skat singing with his solo.

[@phfrukten]

Thank you! Really love the way you’re playing on ”Take me closer” on that album. The first time i heard it, I had to look up who played bass, and there you were.