GENRE: Rock/Hard Rock Acclaimed prog rocker Neal Morse returns with a new live set, “Jesus Christ The Exorcist (Live At Morsefest 2018)” As the title suggests, this new live album and DVD and Blu-ray, was captured at the annual Morsefest in 2018, where Neal and band performed his then new album, “Jesus Christ The Exorcist” in it’s entirety. This unique live album presents the entire "Jesus Christ The Exorcist" story set as a progressive rock musical. Here, the biggest change from any typical Neal Morse performance was that he was the musical director and not the main performer. The backing band included some of his usual collaborators like Bill Hubauer and Randy George, of course. Eric Gillette, usually the guitarist, was the drummer for the musical and showed off his incredible skills while Paul Bielatowicz was on lead guitar for the show. The orchestra included a horn section, a choir, backing singers, and a string quartet. The staging and lighting was nothing short of impressive, with the visuals by Christian Rios and sound by Jerry Guidroz (Sons of Apollo, Neal Morse Band, Haken) taking things to the next level. The lead role of Jesus was taken by Ted Leonard of Enchant and Spock’s Beard. Leonard’s voice is one of the best in rock music and he sounded stellar throughout the night. Joining Leonard was a fantastic collection of singers that included Nick D’Virgilio (SPOCK’S BEARD, BIG BIG TRAIN) along with Jake Livgren (PROTOKAW), Matt Smith (THEOCRACY), John Schlitt (PETRA), Rick Florian (WHITE HEART), Mark Pogue, and Wil Morse. However, perhaps the one that stole the show was newcomer Talon David, a local Nashville singer who took the role of Mary Magdalene. She has an incredible voice and brought many to tears during the finale duet with Ted Leonard. A highlight moment during the show was in the first act with the song “Legion” where Morse introduced his Gentle Giant influenced vocal medley with multiple vocalists all singing different lines in unison. Whether or not an audience member knows or appreciates the subject matter might influence their opinion on the show, but it is impossible not to be impressed by the spectacle of this performance. What Neal Morse was able to write and produce with limited time and rehearsals is nothing short of amazing. The music is the definition of epic prog and certainly will delight any Morse fan. Tracklist CD1IntroductionOvertureGetawayGather The PeopleJesus’ BaptismJesus’ TemptationThere Is A HighwayThe Woman Of Seven DevilsFree At LastThe Madman Of The GadarenesLove Has Called My NameBetter WeatherThe Keys To The KingdomGet Behind Me SatanCD2He Must Go To The CrossJerusalemHearts Full Of HolesThe Last SupperGethsemaneJesus Before The Council And Peter’s DenialJudas’ DeathJesus Before Pilate And The CrucifixionMary At The TombThe Greatest Love Of AllLove Has Called My Name (Reprise)Morsefest 2018 End CreditsDVD:IntroductionOvertureGetawayGather The PeopleJesus’ BaptismJesus’ TemptationThere Is A HighwayThe Woman Of Seven DevilsFree At LastThe Madman Of The GadarenesLove Has Called My NameBetter WeatherThe Keys To The KingdomGet Behind Me SatanHe Must Go To The CrossJerusalemHearts Full Of HolesThe Last SupperGethsemaneJesus Before The Council And Peter’s DenialJudas’ DeathJesus Before Pilate And The CrucifixionMary At The TombThe Greatest Love Of AllLove Has Called My Name (Reprise)Morsefest 2018 End Credits- MORSEFEST 2018: Behind the CurtainLine-up:Musicians:Neal Morse: Guitars, keyboardsPaul Bielatowicz: GuitarsBill Hubauer: KeyboardsEric Gillette: DrumsRandy George: BassCast:Ted Leonard: JesusTalon David: Mary MagdaleneNick D’Virgilio: JudasRick Florian: The DevilMatt Smith: John the BaptistJake Livgren: PeterJohn Schlitt: CaiaphasNeal Morse: Pilate, Demon 1, Disciple 1Mark Pogue: Israelite 1, The Madman of the Gadarenes, Pharisee 2Wil Morse: Israelite 2, Demon 3, Pharisee 1Gabe Klein: Demon 2, Pharisee 4Gideon Klein: Demon 4Julie Harrison: Servant GirlAdditional musicians:Wil Morse: Percussion, keyboardsGabriel Klein: PercussionViolin I: Laura EplingViolin II: Jake TudorViola: Michael LucarelliCello: Maggie ChafeeDouble Bass: Gideon KleinHorn: Holly SmithTrombone: David CooperTrumpet: Dominique CasterSax/Flute: Gabriel CollinsChoir director: Gideon KleinBackground vocals: Amy Pippin, April Zachary, Debbie Bresee and Julie HarrisonChoir: Bill Gilliam, Lisa Gilliam, David Klein, Laurie Klein, Jerry Klein,Rosie Klein, Robin Hanloh, Martin Wilde, Joanie Howard, Kathy O’Keefe, Brant Pippin, Levi Pippin, Josh Turrentine, Trevor Larkin, Elizabeth Turrentine, Pamela George, Dominic D’Virgilio and Marie-Claire Toussaint
