Keaggy, King, Dente review by The Phantom Tollbooth

Invention
Artist: Keaggy, King, Dente
Label: Sparrow

It should go without saying that this CD is a must-buy if you are a big guitar fan. Phil Keaggy is a legendary guitar player of long-standing reputation in the Christian music industry, and is well-known for experimenting with different styles. Wes King and Scott Dente (known for his work with Out of the Grey) are also strong guitarists in their own right. When these three men come together on one album, their blended styles result in a true work of art. I am not a huge fan of guitar work, but I am still hugely impressed with this album. My favorable response is at least partly linked to my love of instrumentals, which comprise seven of the eleven songs. The first song, "Watch My Back," starts with breathtaking harmony and then settles into a strong mid-tempo beat. Its lyrics construct a war metaphor, discussing the similarities and differences between a life lived for God and time spent in physical battle "in a place we cannot name." The music overall is layered and complex, keeping the melodies fresh for repeated listenings. Many different guitars (both electric and acoustic) make appearances. There are seven different guitars in the opening number alone: a Martin Acoustic, two Taylor High-String Acoustics, two Gibson Les Pauls, a Gibson G-3 Bass, and a Zion Electric. The lyrics--when there are lyrics--blend well with the music and are full of Christian imagery, as in this excerpt from "River of Life":

Down to the river

Where the roots of the healing tree

Draw from the river, the water of life

For the healing of you and me.

As for the instrumental pieces, some jam ("The Moors of Bellevue"), some are more mellow ("Angel Treads"), and some are not the usual fare ("Budapest Control," which has a definite eastern European flavor to it). My personal favorite is a Keaggy solo, "The Quote Jester," recorded entirely on a Paul McGill Resonator Acoustic. It is an amazing song to have been done entirely by one person on one instrument and in one sitting. All in all, this is an excellent CD for driving or for background music for just about any occasion. It has seen quite a lot of time in my player since I acquired it, and it will see many more hours before I tire of it.

By Lisa Reid

From the artist roster, it appears someone held a party and invited their favorite guitarists--Phil Keaggy, Wes King, and Scott Dente (Out of the Gray). Not a bad idea. I wonder what they told them to bring? They seem to have showed up with an extraordinary number of different guitars, a couple of drummers, and an occasional bass player. I quit counting the guitars after twenty. It's clear to see that they are a passion with these three.

But this isn't a party album. It's the kind you want to get real comfortable with, turning on your best speakers or headphones, and laying back to savor the guitar work. Listen several times to catch the many nuances--the celtic feel of "Isle of Skye," the upbeat jazzy feel of "Perspicuity," and the world music feel of "Budapest Control." This is an album filled with all kinds of sonic pleasures, but they never really let go and explore any new ground.

As we all know, however, we aren't in paradise yet. I loved Keaggy's Beatlesque "River of Life" with its "Day Tripper"-type introduction (especially the hooky chorus), but the other three lyrical arrangements seemed like an intrusion into my private listening world. Still, a nice release for a fire and a cold winter night.

By Shari Lloyd