Fri 1/13 @ 8PM
Perhaps the most talented and creative band to come out of Youngstown, Ohio, Glass Harp was touted as a sure shot to break out nationally in the early ’70s. Their constant regional touring found them packing clubs, schools and church halls with overflow crowds, and the trio — guitarist Phil Keaggy, bassist Dan Pecchio, and drummer John Sferra — released three major label albums in two years from 1970 through 1972 and did some high-profile tours.
They earned critical kudos and captivated fans with their ear-catching, intense but melodic hard-to-categorize music, marked by the effortless entwining of their three voices and Keaggy’s distinctive virtuosic guitar, by turns delicate and roaring. They composed much of their material in marathon jam sessions, leading some to dub them a forerunner of jam-band music and giving them a selling point for younger fans.
On the verge, Keaggy left in the summer of 1972 to go on to a career in Christian music. The group limped through another year with replacement musicians before disbanding but never recaptured that magic. Pecchio went on to play with the Michael Stanley Band and Sferra has drummed for many local bands and musician. The group began to play select shows again following a 1997 reunion at the rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum, at venues such as the Kent Stage, where they played twice last year.
But they haven’t played their hometown in seven years. That changes this week when they perform at the Powers Auditorium in the DeYor Performing Arts Center. Tickets are $30-$55.