Jimm L. (jimmer) from ALMA, MI Reviewed on 4/15/2016...
This is all instrumental as some of Mr. Keaggy's releases are. He is an undisputed master of guitar, most notably for acoustic. This venture delivers an all electric effort with a wide diversity of style and a great display of his awesome chops. If you can see him live, don't miss it!
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CD Reviews
Nice Instrumental Work from Keaggy (He Jams)
T. B. Vick | The Lone Star State | 02/14/2001
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Phil Keaggy starts this CD out with a major 'bang' via the song "Animal." Animal is rockin' and sounds great. However, this whole CD is a nice change of pace from the 'typical' Keaggy album (if there is such a thing). The songs range from bluesy rock tunes such as "arrow" to a more native type sound with the song "Montana." Moreover, songs such as "Tennessee" and "Stomp" have a slight country/folk style, and then Keaggy shifts gears and takes on a Scottish sound in the song "Highland." Keaggy then picks up a bluesy feel with the song "Ian's Groove." This album, of course, has many textures and styles. As usual, the guitar work is top notch. Keaggy is, hands down, one of the greatest guitar players in the music business. Unfortunately, since he is only marketed in the Christian arena, he is not as well known as say, Eric Johnson or Steve Vai. But, Keaggy is as good as any of the greatest guitarists in any genre of music.All the music on this CD is instrumental. The last track on the CD is one of my favorites. Keaggy simply cuts loose and has a little jam session where he demonstrates what he can do with his instrument (i.e. effects, style, playing ability, etc.). Overall, this is a great CD. I highly recommend it. Rock on Keaggy!"
Exquisite
PatrickB | Katy, Texas | 08/24/2001
(5 out of 5 stars)
"That's the best word I can use to describe this disc. Clean but not overly slick production, beautiful chord progressions, especially on "Arrow" and "Montana", and excellent compositions. Mr. Keaggy is no showoff. His lead runs are tastefully flashy ( yes, he combines the two ). "Tennessee Morning", "Beyond This Day" and especially "Highland" (I feel like I'm flying over emerald fields as this song fades off), are as beautiful as ANY songs by this artist. The supporting musicians play excellently. 220 is Phil Keaggy's Masterpiece. Thank you, Lord."
Excellent Instrumental Rock and Blues
Chad Davies | Barnesville, GA | 12/17/2003
(5 out of 5 stars)
"In a departure from his normally acoustic instrumental offerings (Lights of Madrid, Beyond Nature and Acoustic Sketches), Keaggy offers up a selection of amplified tunes (hence the album title). While most of the music is heavily blues influenced there are a few songs that are a bit off the beaten track for the album such as Tennessee Morning. The work is a tour de force for Keaggy as he displays his impressive skill on the axe as well as his ability to interpret the music with great feeling and nuance (unlike some other guitarists who have profound technical ability but lack the emotional ability to bring a song to life).I would highly recommend this album for any Keaggy fan as well as for those who like to hear someone just flat out wail. If you like what you hear, you may also wish to check out the outtakes from the recording sessions which can be found on Keaggy's "Premium Jams" two disk set which can be found at www.PhilKeaggy.com"
This one gets better with age
Chad Davies | 03/25/1999
(5 out of 5 stars)
"After buying the album I listened a few times and put it aside. It was only after coming back to it and really -listening- that I noticed how absolutely magnificent and subtle the guitar work is, and how it outshines most of the other work I have of Keaggy's (a VERY extensive collection). His flexibility and wide range are exhibited in this electric album, which I bought within a month of the recent acoustic only album. 220 is unbelievable, and highly underrated, and will now go in my collection as one of the very best I own."
Keaggy delivers a fine rock instrumental
PatrickB | 07/22/2003
(5 out of 5 stars)
"220 is and is not what one might expect. It is vintage Keaggy with a few twists. Make no mistake; the cover is certainly indicative of the content, but Keaggy offers a couple of detours along the way. The album opens with "Animal," a rocker with a whiff of southern and classic rock, along with a definite Keaggy-esque opening riff. "Arrow" begins with a reverse-recorded riff, then builds to an emotional crescendo. "Montana" is what the Old West would have sounded like had rock music been invented then. Keaggy uses a war-drum sound and an acoustic bridge. Then comes "Tennessee Morning." It is certainly the softest song on the disc, and carries Keaggy's usual understated acoustic style. His speed and talent are well-known, but on this particular track Keaggy displays his affinity for simplicity. "The Great Escape," no doubt a nod to the classic WWII prison camp film, is one of the most layered, and most urgent tunes. It's also one of the best on the disc. The basic tune has a cinematic ring to it, and about halfway through the song Keaggy breaks into a jam of sorts. "Stomp" is southern-flavored rock, "Highland" is celtic rock (complete with whistle and pipes), and "Beyond this Day" is reminiscent of "March of The Clouds." Track 9, "Ian's Groove," on which Keaggy's son plays drums, is bluesy and twangy, but it can best be described as "greasy." It even includes a live crowd at the beginning of the track. The highlight is Pat Bergeson's harmonica solo. The disc closes with "Watt Ever," a fun three minute jam with Keaggy, Spencer Campbell and Lynn Williams. This is an outstanding disc; it's great road music, and is a good one for the rock fan who's not heard Phil Keaggy."