Customer Reviews

How the West Was One

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This is the second of three live recordings 2nd Chapter of Acts did. The first was a two album set with Barry McGuire taking 2/3 of the concert. The third was with Michael and Stormie Omartian, with 2nd Chapter having 2/3 of the concert. This one has 2nd Chapter of Acts and Phil Keaggy splitting it 50/50.

2nd Chapter opens up with the first four songs. For those who don't know, Phil Keaggy played guitar on the second studio project of 2nd Chapter of Acts. Phil's solo on "Hey Whatcha Say" is awesome. Phil then does the middle portion, with 2nd Chapter of Acts coming back and finishing the project.

When this was recorded, both groups had two albums out. Phil did "Another Try" from his third album (a version different and better than the studio version), and Annie Herring did a pair of songs from her first solo album ("Dance With You" and "Grinding Stone"). Original songs to this project included Phil Keaggy's "My Life", the Matthew Ward solo "Psalm 61", and Annie's solo "Receive".

This is one of the best concert packages ever. Excitement, warmth, power -- it's all here. Keaggy and A Band Called David get progressive on "Rejoice" and even on "Time." The best rendition of "Love Broke Thru" and Matthew Ward at his finest!

For music that is over a quarter century old, this album stands the test of time. My particular favorites are the Keaggy numbers, most of which are live versions of song off his first two albums. The musicianship on this album can hold its own against any music of its period, and blows away much of what is forced onto the public now. If you want to hear authentic Jesus music, when the artists were more concerned about the message than the money, give this a listen. You'll not be disappointed. Favorit song is Keaggy's 'Time', blues/rock ala Cream.

I wore out 2 copies of the cassette version of these albums when I was in high school and it had been YEARS since I'd heard it, but the music was definitely better than I remembered. I wish I could say that of all of my childhood memories. :) Guitar and vocals are superb and timeless. Great trip down memory lane!

When I first asked Jesus to be my Lord and personal savior in my undergraduate school in late 1976, my best friends introduced me to Phil Keaggy, the Second Chapter of Acts and other contemporary Christian music. My spirit was filled with joy as I listened to Matthew Ward, Anne Herring and Nelly Grieson in harmony. "Easter Song" has become a standard. I have fond memories of Phil Keaggy and his band performing "What A Day". Yes, the Christians in the Western part of USA (that is, west of the Rockies) were one in the Spirit and one in the Lord, and I definitely recommend this 2-record set to anybody who is interested in contemporary Christian music during its heyday.

When I was 15 (back in 1985), I had the good fortune to start working at the local radio station in my hometown of Andrews, TX. I worked weekends and on Sunday morning, I got to play Christian Music. My job was to play records from 6am until 10am then air the church services of the two largest churches in town. I really didn't know anything about Christian Pop/Rock music at that time, so I was playing about 2 or 3 records that I liked by Dallas Holm and Amy Grant over and over again. After a couple of weeks, this guy walked into the station with a huge stack of records and "How the West Was One" was among them. I had never heard of Phil Keaggy, but he was one of my favorite artists from the moment I played this record. He is even better live than he is on his studio albums, that is what makes this recording so special. 2nd Chapter of Acts is Great live too. Matthew Ward has probably the most amazing voice of any male vocalist I have ever heard!

I'm not a fan of 2nd Chapter of Acts, but Phil Keaggy's set on this album ranks up there with its contemporary Frampton Comes Alive for live rock improv married to catchy songs. A lot of the Glass Harp spirit shines through in Phil's performance, and "A Band called David" does a fine job keeping up with him. Standout tracks include Time, Rejoice, Just the Same, and a nice version of Your Love Broke Through.

Although I've been a Keaggy fan for years, this was my first introduction to 2nd Chapter of Acts and "a band called David". I was unprepared! Not only does 2CoA shine with tight harmonies and creativity, but their backup singing adds more power to Phil's "What a Day", making this live version far superior to the studio recording. "Hey Whatcha Say" is a great opener, too, despite the dated (but not overly-glossed) disco bassline. In addition to all this, the band is TIGHT, and the concert recording is one of the best I've heard in ANY decade!

One musical footnote: There are very few groups (at least in the mainstream) that have relevant lyrics anymore. In fact, it seems to me that ANY band can be called a "Christian group" as long as they don't have offensive lyrics. Since Petra disbanded and Christafari got watered-down, there don't seem to be many performers brave enough to say "Jesus is Lord" anymore!

I've owned this set in various forms since it was released. It is a watershed in Christian Rock and plays as well today as it did when it was recorded. I can't over sell this album and highly recommend it.

One of the best live representations of 70's Phil Keaggy guitar work. Buy it and enjoy, this will truly bless you!