Reviewed by Alan & Angeline Chesters

This much admired maestro has recorded 23 pieces of varying length on six-string guitar, using six different guitars in the process, giving flavours of Spain, Italy, Ireland, Africa, Japan and America. It's fitting that the title 'Freehand' should be used because, as the sleeve notes suggest, Phil Keaggy paints full compositions and shorter sketches in this collection, without any vocal tracks. The album was particularly uplifting for me as I got into painting the outside of our house. While some track titles, such as "Cajun Pass" and "Bodhran Brawl'", clearly show their inspiration, I looked to the internet to find that "Chester's Tree" must be inspired by a red oak, considered a landmark meeting place in the town of Chester, Virginia! Also enjoy seeing the master at work, as there is a CD-Rom video section of him playing 'Cajun Pass'.

The opinions expressed in this article are not necessarily those held by Cross Rhythms. Any expressed views were accurate at the time of publishing but may or may not reflect the views of the individuals concerned at a later date.

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