Invention

Description

Invention is the sole album project by the three American singers, songwriters, and guitarists, Phil Keaggy, Wes King, and Scott Denté‎ of Out of the Grey, released on Sparrow Records in September 1997.

The a cappella harmonies that open the first song on this collaborative effort from three of CCM’s best guitarists (Phil Keaggy, Wes King and Scott Dente from Out of the Grey) dispels any ideas that this is a showcase for guitar technique. Instead, the four vocal and seven instrumental pieces demonstrate that great musicianship involves songwriting and arrangements as well as playing ability. From the opening rock-shuffle of «Watch My Back» to the Keaggy-pop of «River of Life» to the Hungarian surf music of «Budapest Control», the song and its development is always the focus. «53 Days in June» is a perfect example of this, beginning with a simple four-note riff and gradually becoming a fully realized piece full of tapping, bends and harmonics. The arrangements are astonishing in that, although as many as six guitars may be heard on a single song, the sound is never cluttered or overwhelming. With the exception of the solo Keaggy showcase «The Quote Jester», this collaboration demonstrates that musicianship is less about pyrotechnics and more about playing in service to the song. [Marc Castellani, AMG]

It should go without saying that this CD is a must-buy if you are a big guitar fan. Phil Keaggy is a legendary guitar player of long-standing reputation in the Christian music industry, and is well-known for experimenting with different styles. Wes King and Scott Dente (known for his work with Out of the Grey) are also strong guitarists in their own right. When these three men come together on one album, their blended styles result in a true work of art. I am not a huge fan of guitar work, but I am still hugely impressed with this album. My favorable response is at least partly linked to my love of instrumentals, which comprise seven of the eleven songs. The first song, «Watch My Back», starts with breathtaking harmony and then settles into a strong mid-tempo beat. Its lyrics construct a war metaphor, discussing the similarities and differences between a life lived for God and time spent in physical battle “in a place we cannot name.” The music overall is layered and complex, keeping the melodies fresh for repeated listenings. Many different guitars (both electric and acoustic) make appearances. There are seven different guitars in the opening number alone: a Martin Acoustic, two Taylor High-String Acoustics, two Gibson Les Pauls, a Gibson G-3 Bass, and a Zion Electric. The lyrics – when there are lyrics – blend well with the music and are full of Christian imagery, as in this excerpt from «River of Life»:

Down to the river
Where the roots of the healing tree
Draw from the river, the water of life
For the healing of you and me.

As for the instrumental pieces, some jam («The Moors of Bellevue»), some are more mellow («Angel Treads»), and some are not the usual fare («Budapest Control», which has a definite eastern European flavor to it). My personal favorite is a Keaggy solo, «The Quote Jester», recorded entirely on a Paul McGill Resonator Acoustic. It is an amazing song to have been done entirely by one person on one instrument and in one sitting. All in all, this is an excellent CD for driving or for background music for just about any occasion. It has seen quite a lot of time in my player since I acquired it, and it will see many more hours before I tire of it. [Lisa Reid, The Phantom Tollbooth, 1998]

> Apple Music (https://music.apple.com/us/album/invention/724413105)

CD tracklist:

01. Watch My Back – 4:51
02. Isle of Skye – 4:24
03. The Moors of Bellevue – 4:15
04. River of Life – 4:06
05. Budapest Control – 4:28
06. Angel Treads – 3:47
07. More to Be Revealed – 4:43
08. 53 Days In June – 5:41
09. Perspicuity – 4:17
10. The Quote Jester – 2:37
11. Something, Somewhere – 5:21

Note: Simultaneously released on cassette and CD by Sparrow Records. A Deluxe Edition is available at Bandcamp: https://philkeaggy.bandcamp.com/album/invention-deluxe

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