Phil Keaggy

Roundabout features various ad hoc recordings made by guitarist Phil Keaggy before concerts and during his soundcheck. Referred to in the album liner notes as "soundcheck loops," these tracks are often free-flowing, atmospheric, and somewhat avant-garde cuts featuring Keaggy playing solo acoustic guitar through various effects pedals, including a sampler. Usually recording straight to a tape machine or even a computer, Keaggy would improvise these songs before playing a show and later listen back to them. Here, he has compiled the most compelling of his "soundcheck loops." Although somewhat self-indulgent and perhaps not to everyone's taste, Roundabout is nonetheless a unique and intimate look into the creative process of a truly gifted and virtuosic performer. ~ Matt Collar, All Music Guide