In the mid 70's I heard a similar rumor myself from someone who kept up with the business -- specifically that David Gilmour, when asked how it felt to be the world's greatest guitarist, told the interviewer that he would have to ask Phil Keaggy to find out. Keaggy himself denies the rumors -- heard him deny it at a concert in 1977 when he was asked about it by the MC -- but I think that the fact that the rumors are even credible is a testimony about how good he is.
Phil Keaggy - Emerging - Struck by the Love (1977)
Hear it at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iWKy1iVgQC4
(And NO, I did not post it on YouTube -- I just looked it up -- but I do have it on vinyl!)
Also check: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phil_Keaggy_Band
OK, maybe not "the best" among all solos, but listen to all of it -- you might put it or another of his solos in the top echelon. (Keaggy could play "Aqualung" in his sleep so top 20 for sure!)
I loved that guy in the 70's, especially this song. Contemporary Christian Music pioneer. Grammy winner. He is an even better guitarist now, although still not too famous. You can certainly get behind his lyrics compared to those of some of the other greats who are great at guitar but do not seem so successful at life.
Ack! Maybe so, but give Martin Barre his due! He's toiled away for 40+ years w Ian Anderson and rarely gets noticed.
; )
I'd have to give the edge to Agora (The Marketplace) from The Master and the Musician or The Reunion from The Wind And The Wheat.
Or of course, this little ditty.
I saw him do that piece using the E-bow live over 30 years ago.
Truly a legend before his time.
Cheers!