Album review: NEAL MORSE – Jesus Christ The Exorcist: Live at Morsefest 2018

Frontiers [Release date 04.12.20]

The studio album was released first as now Neal Morse and Frontiers release a live performance of ‘Jesus Christ The Exorcist’, filmed at the 2018 Morsefest.

It is an all-star ensemble with regular Morse collaborators such as Bill Hubauer and Randy George involved, while Eric Gillette (usually a guitarist) played drums and Paul Bielatowicz is on lead guitar. There was a string and horn sections to give the full sound and the accompanying DVD is worth watching for the visuals by Christian Rios. On sound was Jerry Guidroz (Sons of Apollo, Neal Morse Band, Haken).

As for the cast the lead role of Jesus was taken by Ted Leonard of Enchant and Spock’s Beard. Joining him were Nick D’Virgilio (Spock’s Beard, Big Big Train), Jake Livgren (Protokaw), Matt Smith (Theocracy), Mark Pogue, Wil Morse and Talon David as Mary Magdalene. If that wasn’t enough, it is a bit of a who’s who in Christian rock circles as Petra’s John Schlitt and Rick Florian (White Heart) are in the cast too.

Talon David does a few show stoppers in the show, most notably ‘Mary at the Tomb’ and ‘The Greatest Love of All’, where she duets with Ted Leonard – simply superb. Those after some 70s prog rock will enjoy ‘The Madman of Gadarenas’, whilst the reprise of ‘Love Has Called My Name’ is an uplifting piece of gospel to finish the show off on a natural high.

You may not play this lots as it clocks in at just shy of two hours, however, I guarantee you will enjoy each airing and subsequent watch & listen of this rock opera. When time allows this would make a great touring show in the similar mode of the Trans-Siberian Orchestra with a changing cast of singers and musicians. ****

Review by Jason Ritchie

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