Neal Morse Releasing Epic Rock Opera 'Jesus Christ The Exorcist'
Neal Morse's epic new rock opera called 'Jesus Christ The Exorcist' will be released June 14th via Frontiers Music Srl.
This is a Progressive Rock Opera 10 years in the making, it was written and produced by Neal Morse and includes performances by Neal and an all-star cast of vocalists and musicians. It is a double album set featuring about two hours of music that encompasses all the spectrums and genres Neal Morse is known for and will, of course, tell the Story of Stories.
Discussing the track 'There's A Highway' Neal Morse said, "This song is about Jesus beginning his ministry and telling people to “repent for the kingdom of heaven is at hand”. The concept of “There’s a Highway“ is that if we humble ourselves before God, then he will lift us up! For those who are feeling low, there is a "Highway" to a better place indeed! Thought this would be a nice song to release on Good Friday. God bless you all!"
When asked about what fans can expect sound wise from the album, Morse explains, "Oh, it is completely diverse. There are touching ballads, rousing ensemble pieces, classical elements and dramatic Broadway musical type songs as well. It is really meant to be listened and experienced all the way through as you would a play or an opera. I hope that people will experience it in that way because I think that’s where they will really find the power in this piece of music." He continues, "These songs and pieces of music were all written for this rock opera specifically. I wrote the first draft in 2008 and 2009, I believe. Then, last year in preparation for a performance at MorseFest I rewrote the whole musical again. I couldn’t be happier with the final outcome and I am thrilled that it is coming out on Frontiers this June."
With a cast of amazing vocalists and musicians like Ted Leonard, Eric Gillette, Nick D’Virgilio, Randy George, Bill Hubauer, Matt Smith, Jake Livgren and others, this progressive rock opera is a landmark event that will leave its mark on every listener. “Let him who has ears to hear…let him hear!” “Jesus Christ - The Exorcist”, had it’s live world premiere in 2018 and was performed by a Prog Rock all-star cast featuring Neal Morse (keys, guitar), Paul Bielatowicz (lead guitar), Bill Hubauer (keys), Randy George (bass), and Eric Gillette (drums). Featured vocalists included Ted Leonard (Spock's Beard, Enchant), Nick D'Virgilio (Big, Big Train, Spock's Beard), Jake Livgren (Protokaw), Matt Smith (Theocracy), Wil Morse and more. Also, John Schlitt (Petra) and Rick Florian (White Heart) were added to the performance as well.
