Description
Emerging is the sole album by the American rock combo Phil Keaggy Band (Phil Keaggy of Glass Harp fame with Phil Madeira, Dan Cunningham, Terry Andersen, and former Dust-guitarist Lynn Nichols), released on NewSong Records in December 1977, through the Jubilation Group distribution arm of Myrrh Records, a division of Word. The album was recorded during August 1977 by Gary Hedden at Hedden West Recording Studio in Schaumburg, Illinois; with Phil Keaggy and Peter K. Hopper producing. According to a note featured in the April 29, 1978 issue of CashBox Magazine, the album was recorded “live” in the studio with minimal overdubbing.
The band actually was an outreach of the Love Inn Ministry in Freeville, New York; and they were active from 1976-1979. (Their first tour was in 1977, before the recording of the album, and the band’s last gig was in Philadelphia in 1979.) Emerging is the third studio album by Phil Keaggy since he left the power rock trio Glass Harp. The same year Keaggy and 2nd Chapter of Acts released their triple live album entitled How the West Was One on Myrrh Records.
Keaggy Band Formed For His New Release
NASHVILLE – Reflecting and magnifying Phil Keaggy’s own musical abilities, The Phil Keaggy Band has just completed its first recorded work. Paul Baker, host and creator of the syndicated Jesus music show, “A Joyful Noise,” said, “When Jesus Music crosses over into the field of popular music, the move could well come from Phil Keaggy and his brand new band. The Phil Keaggy Band’s first release, ‘Emerging,’ takes a giant step in that direction.”
Keaggy and the band spent most of last year touring and working on their sound. Toward the end of the year, they went to Chicago to record their new album for New Song Records.
“Emerging” was recorded “live” in the studio with very minimal overdubbing. New Song Records is distributed by Myrrh’s Jubilation Group. [CashBox, Vol. XXXIX – No. 50 / April 29, 1978 (Gospel Section)]
EMERGING, PHIL KEAGGY BAND – New Song NS 004
This group is a hot contemporary rock and roll gospel music band. Lyrics are undeniably gospel, but if you didn’t know that in front, you might not find out for some time. They have created a sound which could bridge the gap between secular and gospel audiences. «What’s It All About», «Take A Look Around» and «Struck By The Love» are selected cuts. [Record World, March 18, 1978 (Gospel Album Picks section)]
On this album Phil Keaggy is joined by Terry Anderson (drums), Dan Cunningham (bass), Lynn Nichols (guitars) and Phil Madeira (keyboards). One of the most appealing factors of Emerging is its natural melodic carefree vibe, perhaps due in part to it being recorded “live” in the studio “with as little overdubbing as possible”. Keaggy is still obviously the main attraction, but he’s by no means hogging the show. In fact one of the album’s best songs, «Struck By Love», effectively brings Madeira’s songwriting, piano work and lead vocals to the spotlight. Jazz flourishes show up in «Where Is My Maker?» and the opening instrumental «Theme» (also written by Madeira). Tracks like «Turned On The Light» and «Take A Look Around» find the guys rocking in a friendly manner, while softer moments are expressed through «Ryan’s Song» (a tribute to Keaggy’s late infant son) and the shimmering acoustic ballad «Gentle Eyes». The latter song was not included when the album was re-issued on CD as Re-Emerging. [Ken Scott, The Archivist, 4th Edition]
LP tracklist:
Side One
A1.”Theme” – 1:25
A2.”Where Is My Maker?” – 3:50
A3.”Another Try” – 4:55
A4.”Ryan’s Song” – 3:09
A5.”Struck By the Love” – 5:43
Side Two
B1.”Turned On The Light” – 4:57
B2.”Sorry” – 4:09
B3.”Take a Look Around” – 5:16
B4.”Gentle Eyes” – 5:29
Note: Simultaneously released on 8-track tape, cassette, and 12-inch vinyl LP by NewSong Records. Remastered by John August Schroeter and Paul Schwotzer and re-issued on CD by Canis Major in 2000, re-titled ReEmerging. Featuring four bonus tracks recorded in February 2000: “My Auburn Lady”, “Mighty Lord”, “You’re My Hero”, and “Amelia Earhart’s Last Flight”. (“Gentle Eyes”, the last track on the original release, is not included on the CD re-issue.) Available at Bandcamp: https://pk-deluxestudiovocalalbums.bandcamp.com/album/emerging-remastered
Phil Keaggy Band – Live at Cleveland Music Hall (4-29-78), available at Bandcamp:
https://philkeaggyband.bandcamp.com/album/cleveland-music-hall-4-29-1978
https://philkeaggyband.bandcamp.com/album/bronco-bowl-dallas-tx-12-2-1977
Phil Keaggy Band – ReEmerging (Canis Major 2000)
CREDITS. Produced by Peter K. Hopper and Phil Keaggy. Engineered and mastered by Gary Hedden. Recorded during August, 1977 at Hedden West Recording Studio, Schaumburg, Illinois.
The Phil Keaggy Band: Phil Keaggy (vocals, lead electric and acoustic guitar), Lynn Nichols (vocals, electric guitar, acoustic guitar, classical guitar), Phil Madeira (vocals, piano, Hammond Organ, Fender Rhodes, Micro and Polymoog synths), Dan Cunningham (bass), Terry Andersen (drums).
Reviews
There are no reviews yet.