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Jam Band Pioneers Staring Guitar Virtuoso Phil Keaggy
Playing extended solos and long group improvisations at their concerts Glass Harp is recognized as one of the early pioneers of jam rock. The members were virtuoso guitar legend Phil Keaggy, bassist Dan Pecchio and drummer John Sferra. They were a power trio in the tradition of Cream, the Jimi Hendrix Experience and the James Gang. Glass Harp released three studio albums on Decca Records "Glass Harp" (1970), “It Makes Me Glad” (1971) and “Synergy” (1972) which reached 192 on the Billboard Hot 200 album chart. They disbandedin 1972 when Keaggy went on to an award winning solo recording and performing career in Christian music. Dan Pecchio co-founded the Michael Stanley Band. Glass Harp reunited for a reunion concert in 1988 and has since released six recordings and made numerous concert appearances.
Playing extended solos and long group improvisations at their concerts Glass Harp is recognized as one of the early pioneers of jam rock. The members were virtuoso guitar legend Phil Keaggy, bassist Dan Pecchio and drummer John Sferra. They were a power trio in the tradition of Cream, the Jimi Hendrix Experience and the James Gang. Glass Harp released three studio albums on Decca Records "Glass Harp" (1970), “It Makes Me Glad” (1971) and “Synergy” (1972) which reached 192 on the Billboard Hot 200 album chart. They disbandedin 1972 when Keaggy went on to an award winning solo recording and performing career in Christian music. Dan Pecchio co-founded the Michael Stanley Band. Glass Harp reunited for a reunion concert in 1988 and has since released six recordings and made numerous concert appearances.
Youngstown Rockers
Youngstown Rockers
In 1968 guitarist Phil Keaggy age 19, along with longtime friend drummer John Sferra and bassist Steve Markulin formed the legendary band Glass Harp. They began playing at clubs in the Youngstown area and recorded demos. In 1969 they released the single "Where Did My World Come From?" on the United Audio label. Markulin left the group to join his cousin Joe "Ting" Markulin's group The Human Beinz. Phil and Dan recruited bass player/flautist Daniel Pecchio a former member The Poppy.
In 1968 guitarist Phil Keaggy age 19, along with longtime friend drummer John Sferra and bassist Steve Markulin formed the legendary band Glass Harp. They began playing at clubs in the Youngstown area and recorded demos. In 1969 they released the single "Where Did My World Come From?" on the United Audio label. Markulin left the group to join his cousin Joe "Ting" Markulin's group The Human Beinz. Phil and Dan recruited bass player/flautist Daniel Pecchio a former member The Poppy.
The band's following grew quickly across the vibrant Northeast Ohio music scene that included the the James Gang, the Human Beingz and Law. Glass Harp's hot spot was JB's in Kent Ohio.
After winning an Ohio area "Battle of the Bands" one of the contest judges contacted Grammy winning record producer Lewis Merenstein convincing him to come to Youngstown to see Glass Harp in concert. Hearing Glass Harp perform Merenstein recommended them to
The Music of Glass Harp
Decca Records.
Decca signed Glass Harp to a multi-record deal in 1970. They recorded their first album "Glass Harp" at Jimi Hendrix's Electric Lady Studios. In support of the album they toured the U.S. opening for The Kinks, Iron Butterfly, Yes, Traffic, Chicago, Humble Pie, Alice Cooper, Ted Nugent, and Grand Funk Railroad.
Memorable Concerts
Glass performed a ground breaking live concert on PBS in February 1972. It was one the first concerts to be simulcast on both television and early FM radio. The recording was finally released as the “Circa 72” DVD in 2006. The band went on the headline shows from the Fillmore East to the Winterland Ballroom. In the Fall of 1972,Glass Harp played at New York’s prestigious Carnegie Hall opening for the Kinks. They received a thunderous ovation from the audience. Their live performance was released as the “Live At Carnegie Hall” CD in 1997.
Break Up
Phil Keaggy played a final gig with Glass Harp on August 6, 1972 at My Father's Place in Roslyn, New York. He left the band to begin his award winning and prolific solo career in Christian Music. Keaggy became seven-time recipient of the GMA Dove Award for Instrumental Album of the Year and was nominated twice for a Grammy Award for Best Rock Gospel Album. Keaggy has released more than solo 50 albums.
Guitarist Tim Burks replaced Phil Keagey joing Glass Harp on a tour of East Coast colleges and universities in September 1972. Violinist Randy Benson joined Glas Harp in April 1973. The new four piece Glass Harp played progressive rock in the style of King Crimson and The Moody Blues. October of 1973 violinist Randy Benson left the group and they continued to perform as a trio with Sferra/Pecchio/Burks. Their last concert was on December 2, 1973 at Norwalk High School, in Norwalk, Ohio. The group broke up at the end of 1973,
Sferra and Burks formed the group Hartship in 1974. Sferra later became a studio musician and produced his own music. Daniel Pecchio became a founding member of the Michael Stanley Band.
Reunions
Glass Harp reunited in 2001 to record the "Strings Attached: Live" album performed with the Youngstown Symphony Orchestra. They recording again in releasing Hourglass (2003) and the concert jams compilation CD “Stark Raving Jams” (2004). Glass Harp released “Live at the Beachland Ballroom 11.01.08” in 2010. They band became play short- concert tours in 2000 and has continues to perform together at several concerts each year since.
Glass Harp Official Website
References
Glass Harp Ready For Reunion Show by Jim Henke The Vindicator - Dec 25, 1988
Glass Harp Ready For Reunion Show by Jim Henke The Vindicator - Dec 25, 1988
Rock Exhibit Includes Band From Youngstown .The Vindicator - Mar 30, 1997
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