NEAL MORSE: Jesus Christ the Exorcist
This star-studded double-disc live album captures the pristine sonics from Morse Fest 2018, where Neal and band performed Jesus Christ the Exorcist in its entirety. This enchanting concept album is a real rock opera, filled with drama, lulls and explosions of energy and jamming. Call it a prog rock musical, which is totally befitting the genre.
It’s a star-studded ensemble here. Neal’s band holds it all together (with Paul Bielatowicz on guitar, Bill Hubauer on keyboards, Eric Gillette on drums, Randy George on bass and musical director Neal on guitar and keyboards), but there are guest vocalists galore. Most notable for our readers is the voice of John the Baptist, sung by none other than Theocracy’s Matt Smith in “Gather the People.” It starts off soft and melodic, but in true Theocracy fashion, intensifies at the end with the declaration that “He will gather the people into one.” There’s also parts sung by Petra’s John Schlitt, Protokaw’s Jake Livgren, Mark Pogue, White Heart’s Rick Florian, Nick D’Virgilio of Spock’s Beard and Wil Morse.
One of the finest moments occurs when multiple vocalists chime in to give tongues to the Gadarene demoniac, otherwise known as Legion. Nashville vocalist Talon David gave Mary Magdalene’s entrance into the story a real torchy blues vibe.
One of the delightful parts of this mega live album is hearing Neal’s matter-of-fact narration. There’s an innocence, purity and devil-may-care vibe that comes across with a total lack of pretense. This is all about Jesus and it’s all about art. No apologies necessary and none given.
Without belaboring the point, there’s not a missed note or awry guitar tone to be found. The performance is outstanding and keeps the already compelling subject matter even more a reason to follow along the three year’s of Jesus ministry (mostly compressed on disc 2 to focus on the Passion Week events).
Those that have long lamented over and begged for a do-over of Jesus Christ Superstar have nothing to complain about and much to rejoice over here. While it might be audacious to claim so, Neal and company might have surpassed the 1970 Andrew Lloyd Webber production here. While the classic rock opera is much beloved and for good reason, you can stack up the parallel actions here and marvel at Neal’s touch: Mary Magdalene, Jesus questioning his followers, Pilate’s trial, the crucifixion.
The guitar jamming is impeccable in many spots – most notably the point after Pilate commands soldiers to take Jesus away at the end of “Jesus Before Pilate and the Crucifixion.” Keyboards and guitars battle it out in “Get Behind Me Satan,” which has a “Lady Double Dealer” quick pace a la Deep Purple.
Melody takes center stage in the beautiful refrain of “Love Has Called My Name (Reprise),” which ties the disciples’ revelation that Jesus is love personified and is worth following. The reprise affirms that all of mankind is saved from their sins. It’s a group-vocal worshipful moment and the grand finale.
This review covers just the two audio CDs, which only scratches one dimension of this performance. Do yourself a favor and pick up the DVD or Blu-ray and see the tunes come to life.
About Author
