Customer Reviews

Lights of Madrid

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Phil Keaggy's music has spanned numerous styles: rock, blues, jazz, folk, and country. When I first listened to the songs on this album, I was amazed by their musical and emotional complexity--this is definitely the most "classical" sounding thing he's ever done. (Don't get me wrong--lots of Phil's stuff overflows with musical complexity. But this album is yet another level of the man's ability--it contains backing strings, and even includes all the sheet music on PDF files.) I suspect that this album will be his next direction, because he has said in interviews that he wants to learn to arrange orchestral music and apply that to future projects. Another thing--don't get fooled into thinking that this album is just a bunch traditional Spanish folk songs. There are a few of those in a purely traditional style, such as "Caliente", but most are a blend of Spanish style and Beatles/Romantic/Folk style (for lack of a better description). There are numerous moments that bring me goosebumps, and "Overture for Guitar and Strings" has brought tears to my eyes--a chronicle of pain, redemption, and reflection, it's an amazing emotional and spritual journey. My favorite Keaggy album in a long time (and that says a lot).

In my mind, Phil Keaggy is one of the most inconsistent artists around. His albums range from timeless classics (Beyond Nature, Sunday's Child) to albums so bland they only received a few spins (True Believer comes quickly to mind and just as quickly is forgotten). His latest album, Lights of Madrid, happily falls into the former group with over an hour of compelling, well-crafted acoustic guitar instrumentals that span genres, techniques, and moods. As you may have guessed from the album title, many, but not all, of the pieces show a Spanish influence. Those familiar with Spanish classical guitar will not be disappointed as Phil very capably tackles the legato scales and technical playing required for this genre. Those familiar with Keaggy himself already know that he is a guitar player's guitar player with amazing technical skills, virtuoso skills which often take backstage to the melody and the structure of the song. His best work marries the two, as is evidenced here.

The title track is, of course, very Spanish with an upbeat, catchy rhythm, excellent backing percussion, and a memorable melody that is worked into the amazing guitar playing. In stark contrast is the peaceful "A Field of Flowers" which is simply two acoustic guitars, a cello, and a beautifully emotive melody that would have fit perfectly on the phenomenal Beyond Nature. "Allgeria" consists of many layers of guitars, orchestral strings, and keyboards as a single melody is pursued by each. By combining contemporary songwriting with Hayden-era classical, Keaggy wrote the nine-minute "Overture" for acoustic guitar and chamber orchestra. Here the guitarist has created an amazingly mature classical composition with solid pacing and development of ideas, definitely on par or better than any classical piece written by his hero, Sir Paul McCartney. I could listen to music like this all day... and frequently have since this CD came into my possession. The album closes, aptly, with the return of the Spanish-themed "Caliente", energetic dance music with some ripping xylophone!

The huge variety of tone colors, instrumentation, and melody makes this album so much more than an hour of naked acoustic guitar. If you order now, you'll get an enhanced CD that actually makes sense! Embedded in this CD are detailed tablature transcriptions of twelve of the fifteen tracks, complete with lead and rhythm parts with the solos painstakingly written out. Even without this bonus, however, this album is the best thing Phil Keaggy has written in nearly a decade: an instant classic for guitar freaks and lovers of quality music alike.

This is an amazing album. It is comparable to BEYOND NATURE in its compositional and technical excellence, as well as being somewhat of a watershed in Phil's recording history. Classical guitar is its focus and Latin music is its root genre. Keaggy shows the same versatility and virtuosity regular listeners expect and are still dazzled by. One can also continue to follow the development of Keaggy's compositional interests with orchestral music, as in the recent Christmas instrumental album and the self-titled track with the London Symphony Orchestra. I wanted to stand and applaud with "Bravo! Bravo!" after hearing Overture. Phil Keaggy is a true gift to all of us who listen to him. The joyful, passionate play his music bears is a testimony to his authentic faith. The only fault I see is that he seems to be having too much fun! Two thumbs up in Pasadena.

Like 1998's Acoustic Sketches, this is an all-intrumental offering from one of the music world's best kept secrets. Known principally as a contemporary Christian musician, Keaggy has been recording since founding the power trio Glass Harp in 1970. Over the next thirty years Keaggy has been one of the more pop-oriented voices in CCM, with Phil Keaggy and Sunday's Child a Beatlesque masterpiece from 1988. Even on 1994's Crimson and Blue he does a stunning version of Badfinger's "Baby Blue."

On Lights in Madrid, as the title would imply, this classical guitar outing brims with touches of Spanish folk music. [In fact, the album was originally released as A Touch of Spain.] Keaggy wrote or co-wrote all but one track and the 9-minute "Overture (For Guitar and Orchestra)" features violin and cello and was commissioned by the Nashville Chamber Orchestra. This enhanced CD also features transcriptions of ten of the fifteen songs.

If you've enjoyed Keaggy's previous instrumental outings, you'll want to add this one to your collection as well. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED

"Caliente" on Phil Keaggy's flamenco and Spanish influenced "Lights of Madrid" might be my favorite. But don't make me choose. I'd waver between "Picante" and "Lights of Madrid," but, given a different mood, the whole album is up for grabs. I like it that much. Not a dud tune to be found.

This is an acoustic album. You won't hear Keaggy's Paul McCartney-esque voice. Instead, you'll hear an album which is worth of auto-repeat. You'll be instantly drawn to the rhythms, but never bored by hearing them again.

Although Keaggy is acclaimed as a Christian musician, this is not a worship album, per se. Nor is it a rock album. However, it is a long way from easy listening. This is a guitar player's album, as well as an art music fan's album.

Open the album on your computer and find the sheet music ready to go (in PDF). I'm not a musician, and am unable to tell you much more than that, but they are very printable.

I fully recommend "Lights of Madrid" by Phil Keaggy.

Anthony Trendl
editor, HungarianBookstore.com

This is one of few CDs to get 5 stars from me (the others being You Had It Coming by Jeff Beck and A Gentle Presence by Doug Hartline). This is because I'm a picky reviewer and don't give 5 stars out that easily. Needless to say, this CD deserves 5 stars. Like Acoustic Sketches and 220, this album is all instrumental, and Keaggy pulls through in fine, fine fashion.

With a spanish feel to it, Lights of Madrid is musically astounding. The way Phil handles his guitar is amazing, and those Spanish guitars aren't the easiest to play, either. The other members of the band are fine musicians as well, making the whole album amazing. This truly deserves 5 stars. Phil Keaggy is a guitar master, and right up there (well maybe not QUITE as good) as Jeff Beck and Doug Hartline (who also made CDs deserving of 5 stars by me). Lights of Madrid is a great buy, highly recommended.

Outstanding Album! What more can I say that hasn't been said already? ALL the songs on this CD are beautiful. I've played it for co-workers and fussy family members with nice remarks as a result. Looking for music to entertain guests? You can't go wrong with this one! This is Keaggy's best guitar album. If you haven't heard his talent with instrumental music you don't know what you're missing! Even if you're trying to choose a first CD from Keaggy, I still recommend "Lights Of Madrid." On a personal note: I enjoy this CD Very Much. I have ever since day one. Lets just say it's NOT a dust collector.
(I wonder - can a person destroy a CD by playing it to much?)

An album full of lovely Spanish/Latin compositions, stunning acoustic guitar work and lush, sensitive string arrangements.

The song transcriptions provided on Acrobat files are a fantastic bonus for guitarists.

Highly recommended!

Phil Keaggy-legendary guitarist , singer , writer takes a slight detour into a more classical/flamenco style in this superb instrumental album.
As always there's plenty to delight the ear-indeed repeated playing is well rewarded.

A surprising artistic endeavor from a legendary guitarist. So you open the CD and think "Can he really tackle a Spanish guitar?" Yep. Keaggy puts his signature on every note, and stays true to form. I have never heard an album with such a good track order--the pieces are almost like a dream in the middle of the album, with a nice, gentle awakening toward the end. Additionally, you can do almost anything to this music. Entertain friends, have a Spanish theme meal, compose poetry, or just sit by the fire and listen with your beloved. Relaxing, sometimes rousing (the last two tracks are great first thing in the morning), always warm and beautiful, Keaggy will make your day.