MARCUS CHEONG listens to Phil Keaggy and Rex Paul’s collaboration…
Phil Keaggy and Rex Paul
Illumination
2019
In a Word: Skillful
“It is clear that this is the album that Keaggy and Paul have always wanted to make. Illumination is a fusion of the skill, experience and faith of these two artists and the result is enlightening.”
Veteran guitar virtuoso and Gospel Music Hall of Famer, Phil Keaggy joins forces with multi-instrumentalist, singer/songwriter and producer Rex Paul to create the energetic new rock album, Illumination.
Keaggy has an impressive career spanning four decades and more than 50 solo albums while Paul has produced and played in more than 3,000 recordings. Their extensive experience shows in this collection of 11 tracks that exude the polish of seasoned musicians with a passion for this work. The result is a sound reminiscent of classic, arena rock from the Eighties fuelled by aggressive guitar riffs, thudding drums and in-your-face vocals where their faith in God is at the forefront.
The melodies are catchy and toe tapping. Guitars take the spotlight in nearly every track, with either guitar solos or tag-team guitar duels showcasing the artistry of the musicians.
The album features several reimagined Keaggy classics including, Time, Spend My Life with You and Full Circle in amongst the new original tunes. The second track, Calling us Home, exemplifies the joyful, inspirational stadium rock vibe of the album with its emotive vocals accompanied by soaring guitar riffs. One track, however, trades the electric guitars for an acoustic sound accompanied by a piano – the ballad Let Everything Else Go which is placed strategically in the middle of the album as a palate cleanser.
Paul has stated that, “Illumination is art that encourages and refreshes us” while Keaggy described the album as “a triple shot of expresso. It’s mature but sounds young”. It is clear that this is the album that Keaggy and Paul have always wanted to make. Illumination is a fusion of the skill, experience and faith of these two artists and the result is enlightening.