Jesus Christ Superstar - A Rock Opera (Original Cast Recording)

"The original 1971 London cast of Andrew Lloyd Webber's 'Jesus Christ Superstar' is still (and will surely always remain) the best version of this most creative and outstanding rock opera.

It features Deep Purple's Ian Gillan as Jesus, Murray Head as Judas, Yvonne Elliman as Mary Magdalene, along with a 76-piece orchestra for back up. Key tracks are the mesmerizing "Heaven On Their Minds", which powerfully sets up the album, and the highly emotional "Everything's Alright" and "I Don't Know How To Love Him" on which Yvonne Elliman shines beautifully.

Ian Gillan is in absolute top form vocally on Gethsemane (I Only Want To Say) and "The Temple", which are comparable to his work with Deep Purple, namely "Child In Time" which was recorded the year before. His vocal power, and incredible range, makes him unquestionably one of the best voices in rock. Gillan was offered the role in the 'Jesus Christ Superstar' movie but had to turn it down, due to commitments with his band. (The fact that he could earn more money in one week with Purple than the wages he was offered for a few months on location might have had something to do with it). While Ted Neely's interpretation of Jesus was commendable in the film, it was Gillan who put all the passion and intensity into the role, which guided Neely with his vocal arrangements.

No matter what your views are on the crucifixion of Christ, this great musical is a most enjoyable, thought provoking rock classic. The original recording of 'Superstar' captures the essence of Lloyd Webber's vision perfectly, and is a brilliant production with fine performances by all!"
-GEOFF (7th February, 2004)

Full cast:
Andrew Lloyd Webber - Organ, Piano, Director, Moog Synthesizer, Producer, Orchestration
Ian Gillan - Vocals
Kenny Wheeler - Trumpet
Harry Beckett - Trumpet
Louis Stewart - Guitar
Chris Spedding - Guitar
Yvonne Elliman - Vocals
Murray Head - Vocals
Mike Vickers - Moog Synthesizer
Annette Brox & Victor Brox - Vocals
Joe Castaldini - Bassoon
Keith Christie - Trombone
Jeff Clyne - Guitar (Bass)
Les Condon - Trumpet
Michael d'Abo - Vocals
Alan Doggett - Conductor, Moog Synthesizer
John Gustafson - Vocals
Ian Hamer - Trumpet
Ian Herbert - Clarinet
Clive Hicks - Guitar
Neil Hubbard - Guitar (Electric)
Frank Jones - Trombone
Brian Keith - Vocals
Bill Le Sage - Percussion
John Marshall - Drums
Anton Matthews - Engineer
Andrew McGavin - Horn
Chris Mercer - Sax (Tenor)
Anthony Moore - Trombone
Douglas Moore - Horn
Peter Morgan - Guitar (Bass)
Alan O'Duffy - Engineer
Peter Robinson - Organ, Piano, Piano (Electric)
Bruce Rowland - Percussion, Drums
Martin Rushent - Engineer
Alan Spenner - Guitar (Bass)
Chris Taylor - Flute
Brian Warren - Flute
Alan Weighall - Guitar (Bass)
Tim Rice - Producer
Carl Jenkins
Jeremy Gee - Engineer
Barry Dennen - Vocals
Henry McCulloch - Guitar (Acoustic), Guitar (Electric)
Tony Bridge - Engineer
John Burdon - Horn
Stephen Vaughan - Guitar, Engineer
Anthony Brooke - Bassoon
Paul Raven - Vocals
Paul Davis - Vocals
James Brown - Horn