PK Notes on Live In Boston 1974:

I’d like to make a few brief, but important remarks about this live concert with my friend of many years—Peter York.

Even before I left Glass Harp in Aug 72, Peter and I became friends. His brother Bruce introduced us and Peter at that time had also lost one of his older brothers to illness. I too knew of tragic loss in my family…

Having discovered that Peter was a believer and, at a very early age, was a very dedicated and gifted guitarist who could also sing well—we hit it off right away.

One of the things I enjoyed about our friendship was the humor and fun we had in our friendship. We were serious about music and our faith, but we didn’t take ourselves that seriously and so the result was “this is fun”!

We’ve remained friends over all the years and watched our mutual families grow.

In 1977, Peter sent me a reel to reel tape copy of this concert from 1974. I came across it while looking through the “archives” of past recordings, plugged in a reel to reel tape deck and imported the music into Pro Tools.

Listening to us almost 46 years ago really touched me and I wanted to share this concert with you. Peter gave his blessing to share it as well, and so here it is.

The songs were written by us both together and individually. I was 22 at the time and Peter was 16!

I hope you will be blessed hearing this collection of songs as they were played and sung at Gordon College, Boston MA.

One of my deep regrets is that Peter and I didn’t make that album we dreamed we would make.
I must admit we both became quite busy during and after our time together as a duo.

That period in my life was an oasis, in a sense—so enjoyable and fun. That very year I recorded the What A Day album, got married to my sweetheart Bernadette and toured with the band ~ Love Song.

The unity I hear, however, in this concert between us two young musicians is one of the highlights of my musical life and development!

Memories I shall never forget,

Thank you my bro—Peter!

Phil
June 14, 2019

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Notes from Robert M. Hunt, Seattle, WA – February 10, 2023

April, 1974 - Gordon College spring concert with Phil Keaggy & Peter York. One of Phil's biggest and most memorable songs was “What a Day”, and on this particular occasion, I would summarize it as “what a night!”

Living in Pittsburgh suburbs in late 1960's, early 1970's there was a small 3-member band called “Glass Harp” out of eastern Ohio (Youngstown), not too far from western PA. In 1971, a good friend invited me up to Thiel College to hear this group. Phil had just recently received Christ as his Savior and I was curious to see this group in live performance. Needled to say, it was a memorable evening! We hung around after the performance and had some small talk & exchanges with the band members. I mostly chatted with John Sferra (drummer) but was keenly focused on Phil and his gentle, sincere demeanor and openness regarding his faith... it was a memorable night.

Fast forward to late 1973. I was up in Boston area at Gordon College…, a conservative Christian school (no dancing, drinking or smoking allowed!) I had shared some of Phil's music with some dorm mates and they were impressed! Wow.... what if we could get him to come up here to do a small concert? The wheels were turning... I had contacts back in Pittsburgh, and a roommate had a relative in the Jersey/Long Island area involved with music concerts -- we had a plan in the works. In presenting this idea to the student body president and Student Affairs personnel, they were a bit hesitant with the “hard rock” playlist we presented. After a few weeks and assurance that a riot would not break out (kidding), discretionary permission was granted.

During the 1973 winter break, I went home to Pittsburgh, and Phil was playing solo at Chatham Center. I met with him briefly after the concert to button down plans for the concert back at Gordon College, (pickup at Logan Airport, equipment, staging etc.) – it was a go, and set for Wednesday April 10, 1974. The one issue would be to spring Peter York free for the day (he was still in high school and needed the principal's permission, and it was granted!) Wow... this was all coming together in such an unprofessional, unorthodox manner. At the college, we had mikes and an Amp and audio equipment, so all Phil and Peter needed to bring were their guitars.

Peter's older brother was a student at nearby Gordon Seminar, so the two were able to stay with him while they were there. Morning of April 10th, borrow College van and head to Logan Airport... anxiously, with eager anticipation. There they were! Casual, friendly, and eager to be there. We waited for their luggage and guitars to come through, and then off... to campus. The concert was originally to be held in a large student center multi-purpose cafeteria, but this was rather large for a mostly acoustic guitar concert, so we moved it to the chapel... cozier, warmer and excellent acoustics! The room was packed and I'm guessing about 200 (mostly students), filled the room to capacity.

As you listened to the songs.. there was an air of intimacy that evening. Without mentioning any names or circumstances, some lives were deeply touched, wounds from personal losses were healed and I don't think anyone went back to their dorms that evening without being deeply touched. Oh... “What a Day” or.... “What a Night”! Such a blessing of intimacy in their sharing of songs!

I was able to see Phil years later when he came to the Pacific Northwest, and was again blessed by his sharing. When he assembled the “Master and the Musician” Band tour, I saw them in Bend Oregon and was able to speak briefly with John (Glass Harp drummer). As we chatted afterwards, he stated that he thought he remembered me a bit from the Thiel College show.

As well, in Coeur d’Alene some years back, I had the great blessing of meeting with Phil backstage in the Green Room with Randy Stonehill. Phil has been solid and sincere through it all - just as fresh and vibrant as at that Gordon concert in 1974. Enjoy the music… and thoughtful reverence, giving all loyalty to God ;>)

Robert M. Hunt, Seattle, WA, February 10, 2023