Neal Morse – Jesus Christ The Exorcist (Live At Morsefest 2018)
Album review by; Myk
Neal Morse has been around for a while with Spock’s Beard, Transatlantic, Flying Colors, Yellow Matter Custard, The Neal Morse Band to name a few, he is a workaholic (based on the sheer number of releases) multi-instrumentalist and classic rock composer.
For this live performance of his self-penned rock musical extravaganza, he pulled together a host of talented musicians and singers for a performance that could easily grace a West End stage.
It has all the necessary elements in great story telling, drama, great tunes and a large and talented cast. This performance was recorded live at Morsefest 2018, detractors may state that the subject matter is not to everyone’s taste with the overtly religious content but given the story is based on the life of Jesus (the role filled by the superb Ted Leonard) it’s impossible to get away from that element. However musically this is a masterpiece, there are clearly the prog elements you would expect from Neal Morse but there is so much more, driving rock tracks, laid back acoustic numbers and superb vocal performances from the cast.
The backing singers and choir adding depth and intensity, with a horn section and a string quartet filling out the sonic landscape still further. So good is the overall delivery it’s very easy to forget that this is actually a live performance where Neal isn’t actually the lead performer as he fulfils multiple roles as musical director, narrator, singer, guitarist and keyboardist.
There are so many highlights throughout but ‘The Mad Man of the Gadarenes’ was particularly amazing with multiple vocalists singing different lines in unison and it would be impossible not to mention Talon David playing the role of Mary Magdalene, with an incredible mature vocal performance from this teenager giving the impression of a seasoned stage veteran. Overall musically there were elements from progressive rock, through classic rock, west end musical, gospel, the list could go on, but it all emphasises what a talent Neal Morse is and should appeal to any rock aficionado.
The accompanying DVD of the show captures the cast thoroughly enjoying themselves and is well worth exploring.
4.5/5
The principle cast are;
Ted Leonard – Jesus
Talon David – Mary Magdalene
Nick D’Virgilio – Judas
Rick Florian – The Devil
Matt Smith – John The Baptist
Jake Livgren – Peter
John Schlitt – Caiaphas
Neal Morse – Pilate, Demon 1, Disciple 1
Mark Pogue – Israelite 1, Pharisee 2, The Mad Man of Gadarenes
Will Morse – Israelite 2, Demon 3, Pharisee 1
Gabe Klein – Demon 2, Pharisee 4
Gideon Klein – Demon 4
Julie Harrison – Servant Girl
Musicians;
Neal Morse – Guitars & keyboards
Paul Bielatowicz – Guitars
Bill Hubauer – Keyboards
Eric Gillette – Drums
Randy George – Bass
Social Media Links;
https://www.facebook.com/nealmorse
CD/DVD or Blue ray of ‘Jesus Christ The Exorcist (Live At Morsefest 2018)’ available at:
https://www.nealmorse.com/product/jesus-christ-the-exorcist-live-at-morsefest-2018/
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