Customer Reviews

Live at Carnegie Hall

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4 star:		(1)
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1 star:		(1)

 

 

It's a miracle this CD is in print, since all three of Glass Harp's original albums (Glass Harp, Synergy and It Makes Me Glad) are apparently no longer available in any format.

Fortunately, I had the sense to buy those ultra rare gems on CD (Germany's Lineca label) 3-4 years ago when I saw them in a local record shop. A few minutes ago, I scanned all major online CD stores and saw no listing for them. So if you want to hear perhaps the world's greatest guitarist performing in one of America's best -- but least well known -- power trios, YOU MUST BUY THIS CD IMMEDIATELY!

Phil Keaggy is the most gifted, magical, imaginative and technically brilliant guitarist I've ever seen or heard. I've seen him in concert 4-5 times and each time I sit in awe, leaving the concert only reluctantly and nearly with tears in my eyes because I was so moved by his virtuosity.

Glass Harp's Live! At Carnegie Hall CD would be astounding if it were released today, from a guitarist in his thirties or forties who had been playing all his life. But this concert was recorded in the very early '70s (circa 1971) by a guitarist only in his late teens. Even then, Phil Keaggy was a master of the instrument, playing his Les Paul with more speed, passion, flamboyance and precision than guitarists twice his age. Unbelievably, he's only gotten better since.

I agree with a previous reviewer: the last song, alone, is worth the price of admission. "Can You See Me" is nearly 30 minutes of jamming from Keaggy, bassist Dan Pecchio and drummer John Sferra. Keaggy's McCartney-esque vocals soar over the top of the swelling instrumental intensity, which gradually builds to an unforgettable crescendo.

I can think of one other band this intense that broke up way too soon: King Crimson. If that original line-up hadn't splintered when Ian McDonald and Mike Giles left the band after just one album and US tour, there's no telling what heights they could have reached. I feel the same way about Glass Harp. Keaggy left the band in 1972 to pursue a career in Christian music (which was death to his guitar prowess even though it fed him -- and others spiritually) and Glass Harp quickly fell apart. Granted, they lasted in their original line-up three times longer than the original King Crimson band, but it was still a band who's life was cut short way too soon.

I wish I would have known Glass Harp re-united in Youngstown, Ohio, in late October of this year. I would have driven there to see them. As it was, I saw Phil Keaggy play solo in Grand Rapids a day or two after the Glass Harp re-union. It was, as usual, an evening I'll never forget. Words simply can't describe the man's talent. (And he's as humorous as he is talented. I'd pay just to hear the man tell jokes and stories.)

I can't stress this enough: don't wait to buy this CD.

While you're at it, check out everything Phil Keaggy has ever recorded, especially his latest efforts. In the past 4-5 years, he's had the guts to crank up his amps and play with an abandon not typical in Christian music circles. He's still a master musician in any fretted format, but he's unusually gifted on an electric guitar.

I don't know who has the original master tapes for Glass Harp's first three albums, but I think someone, somewhere should do everyone a favor and re-issue them in a remastered format. They deserve the widest possible audience.

Glass Harp is priceless...and this CD deserves a place in your collection.

Glass Harp's legendary 1971 performance at Carnegie Hall is captured in full on this fantastic CD. Back in the late '60s and early '70s, Glass Harp was a band that was just on the verge of being the next biggest band in the world but never quite made it to that point. They did, however, manage to become the opening act for many now-legendary bands. The Carnegie Hall gig on this CD is from when the band was on tour with The Kinks. Judging by the intense musicality of Glass Harp's performance, they may as well have blown The Kinks off the stage.
Glass Harp performed five pieces during this gig. They hit it off with the full-force of "Look In The Sky", a heavy Joe Walsh-influenced rocker that features some solid band playing and great vocal work from guitarist/singer Phil Keaggy. Next up is the equally forceful "Never Is A Long Time" which has a slight Hendrix feel to it along with a commanding vocal delivery from bassist Daniel Pecchio. This is followed by a fantastic blues-rock version of the Gospel hymn "Do Lord", a big highlight for this performance. Drummer John Sferra takes over on lead vocals for his composition "Changes" which has a somewhat latter-day John Lennon feel to it.
To close their set out, the band launches into a nearly 29-minute take on their epic piece "Can You See Me". This is where the band pulls out all the stops. In addition to the proper song, Phil Keaggy launches into a driving guitar jam which leads into short snippets of two Glass Harp pieces "David and Goliath" and "One Day at A Time". There is also a drum solo from Sferra and a flute solo from Pecchio. This is an ending to end all shows.
The year following this concert, Glass Harp split up. Phil Keaggy became a well-known and legendary figure in Contemporary Christian music and is still considered to be one of the world's finest guitarists. Nearly 28 years later, Glass Harp returned to live performances in 2000 and released an excellent double-live CD entitled "Strings Attached". In 2003, they released their first studio album in 31 years, "Hourglass".
The "Carnegie Hall" album is a stunning document of an obscure but legendary band on the brink of a breakthrough. The excitement and strong musical energy pierces right through the speakers and leaves you stuck to your chair. Glass Harp's music as well as their positive message is timeless. The "Carnegie Hall" CD may not be an easy CD to get a hold of, but it is an essential title for Keaggy fans, Christian music fans and Classic rock fans. My advice for this CD can be summed up in two short words: Buy It!!

Glass Harp Live! at Carnegie Hall is truly a must have recording for Phil Keaggy fans, especially if you play guitar as I do. It's hard to imagine that he was only 20 years old when he played that night in 1971. And I agree with other reviews I've read, that as I've listened to Keaggy recordings through the years since, as well as having seen him in concert numerous times, he only seems to get better on the guitar, if that is possible. I play this recording for my guitarist friends, Christian and non-Christian, and, without exception, they are blown away with what they hear. Too bad that many have never heard this CD, or even remember Glass Harp. If you like Cream and Hendrix, then this CD is for you. I'd also recommend the following Phil Keaggy CDs: Phil Keaggy's Premium Jams, Blue and his playing on the 2nd Chapter of Acts' 1977 tour album, How the West Was One, which, if you can find a copy, is one of the best recordings of Keaggy live in concert, especially his version of "Time" on that album. Phil, if you read this, I'm still waiting for you to put out a new, live CD with bare bones Paul, Strat (Tele would be nice, too) and vintage amps!

Considering when this gig was recorded and the fact that Phil Keaggy was in his late teens at the time, this is one of the greatest "live" recordings you'll ever hear. But to fully appreciate it, you MUST PLAY IT LOUD! If you don't, you will not enjoy it nearly as much. The first time I slapped it into my CD player I was alone at home, so I cranked it up! WOW! It was like being at the concert hall. The next time I played it, I turned it down to a more conservative level...it was a different CD altogether. It sounded pretty lame, to be honest. If you can't crank it up, don't buy it. Keaggy does do some pretty amazing stuff on his Les Paul. The last track is a showcase for this ace. It is your typical 70's-style jam with each member getting his chance to strut his stuff. It is obvious this trio knew each other well, as they play off one another over the course of nearly 30 minutes on just this one song. I'm sure The Kinks (the band Glass Harp opened for) had a hard time besting the opening act. Make sure you check out Keaggy's "Blue" CD.

Back in the late 1960's as a teen, my friends and I would go anywhere Glass Harp was performing in the Youngstown, Ohio area. We loved them! We thought they were as good as anyone on the radio. To remember the experience of being at teen dances listening and dancing to their covers of Beatles songs from the White Album, (Phil Keaggy did a MEAN Paul McCartney)and their own brilliant music with the gloriously l-o-n-g guitar and drum solos brings back a really warm fuzzy feeling! The sweet voice of Phil Keaggy and his genius on the guitar can never be forgotten. Too bad the band did not gain the national recognition they deserved. I feel priveleged to have experienced their live, wonderfully LOUD music in my life and I am so gratified to read reviews from their fans from other parts of the country who became familiar with the band and Phil Keaggy after they became involved in Christian music. I know that Phil Keaggy became a happier person when he converted and turned to Christian music, but I remember fondly when his band was the best hometown rock band Youngstown, Ohio ever had.

Glass harp will make me cry when I hear their recordings! It is that good.When Jimi Hendrix said " maybe you should hear Phil Keaggy" , he was right ! Glass Harp please keep recording and doing your shows! Buy , Buy,Buy, Buy any thing by this band!

If you can find this at a reasonable price, get it. It is excellent and Keaggy's guitar shines. Also look for their Strings Attached cd, also outstanding.

I picked up this CD a few weeks back. I've been a long-time Keaggy fan, but had been unable (like most everyone else) to find much Glass Harp music (I did stumble across their debut album and grabbed it up immediately). I found that this CD and the Glass Harp-Strings Attached were available through the Keaggy website, and jumped on them both. This album booted Cream out of my car CD player over a month ago, and has been my constant companion since. If you like rocking guitar, driving drums, and melodic yet energetic bass, grab this one. It will grab onto you and not let go. Oh, yeah, the lyrics are pretty good, too, and uplifting. And don't be fooled by there only being five titles. The music runs nearly an hour, and there is actually a little snippet of another Harp song, "One Day At a Time" in the middle of the 30-minute jam of "Can You See Me." Also strongly recommend GH-Strings Attached, a double disc live set from the late '90's, showing these fellows have not lost their chops over time. Buy 'em both and be blessed. <><

This is truly astounding! While the notes don't tell when it was recorded, it's likely that it was some time around 1971, when Phil Keaggy was in his early 20s. Even then, he had a wealth of ideas and technique that show that he's been gifted from the start. The songs are good, the package is generous (about 51 min.), and the music is tasteful rather than bombastic. This stands on its own; it's not just a curiosity piece

Glass Harp was a power trio that had no equal. It's career was short, but like that of a Supernova, it's quick burst on the scene has left a mark in the history of Rock and Roll. Most notably the lead guitarist, Phil Keaggy, is without a doubt the greatest guitar player of all time. His talent lies between classical and the hardest of rock and roll. He has no limitations, and MUST be seen live to truly appreciate the genius that is Phil Keaggy.