AMG Review of Acoustic Sketches

Marc Castellani
All Music Guide

This collection will primarily appeal to guitarists who are fans of Keaggy's acoustic work, because while there are a few fully developed songs, many of the pieces are exactly what the title states: sketches. The majority of the songs are performed on solo guitar with the aid of the "Jam Man," a device that allows the guitarist to record a snippet of music and then play along with it. Some of the songs are fully realized and very worthwhile for the casual listener (e.g. "Paka" and "The 50th") and Keaggy also performs a beautiful solo acoustic version of his song "Spend My Life with You." The rest will inspire guitarists with the skill and technique involved, but do little for the average listener. Includes "Swing Low, Sweet Chariot," an outtake from the Beyond Nature album that has a good time with the classic spiritual.