Customer Reviews

Jesus Christ Superstar - Highlights

5 star:		(6)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

I bought this CD after I wore out by father's tape of the 1970 London Concert Recording. It's a great performance, but to be fair I like the 1970 performance better. I think the 1970 London version conveys more passion. Overall, the vocalist on this CD execute their performaces more cleanly in this version than in the one I'm used to; it was nice to be able to hear the words clearly, but I think the amount of passion was reduced because of the exactness of the pronunciations and cut-off. And I have to say that I loved Alice Cooper as King Herod. Still, it didn't quite shake me to the core like 1970 did. The Performance of Jesus was good, but I think Steve Balsamo's voice sounded too feminine on the high note, beautiful as it is. And Joanne Ampil did not convey the sexual energy as well as she could have, her performance sounded a little to innocent for my tasts. Still, all in all this is an enjoyable version and I would recommend it to anyone who would like to hear a different rendition.

This cd is perfect, no negative comments on it at all! I've never liked the music of Jesus Christ Superstar but after hearing this CD I simply love it.

Joanna Ampil as Mary Magdalena is great, she was the reason for me to buy the cd (after seeing her in Miss Saigon: WOW!). Even though "I don't know how to love him" has been sung many many times by many people, she made a whole new song of it and gave it her own interpretation, which was great. Her "Everything's alright" and "Could we start again please?" were sung in a very sweet way, which I loved.

Steve Balsemo as Jesus was also great, that guy can sing! I was amazed that he could sing so high without singing false. His "Gethsemane" almost made me cry (and believe me, I hardly ever cry when listening to a cd).

The rest of the cast is also very good. The guy who sings Judas (I forgot his name...) is great and so is the rest.

If you haven't bought the cd yet: buy it!

this cd was one of the better JCS cds... the thing that dissapointed me about it most though is the lack of, im not sure what the word im looking for is , so ill just say passion. they sound alittle too singing, and not enough feeling. but it is a very good cd. you have to buy it.

This is a must have for any JCS fan. This is without a doubt the best recorded Jesus Christ Superstar soundtrack. Steve Balsamo is absolutely awesome as Jesus. I have never heard a voice like his. Glen Carter (who sings the part of Simon on this CD)does a great job with his song. He went on to play Jesus in this production and is supposed to be playing the part of Jesus in the video that is to be released (Easter 2000). Joanna Ampil has a lovely voice. She makes a wonderful Mary. This is definitely worth adding to anyone's collection. This is my favorite CD.

This recording of Jesus Christ is very, very good.
If you alredy own a JCS recording, you'll find that this one is a very good choice.
Highlights:
The cast is probably, one of the best. ¿Why?
Zubin Varla is an indisputable heir of Murray Head and Carl Anderson, with a powerful, and sensitive interpretation of the apostle.
Steve Balsamo has a beautiful, gentle-soft voice.
"Gethsemane" it's breathtaking with that wonderful 20 seconds note.
Glenn Carter, (Jesus in the newest recording of Superstar) plays here the role of Simon. I have to say that his interpretation is pretty nice.
Funny Thing: The 70's idol of heavy metal Alice Cooper plays the role of Herod. It's quite curious to hear Cooper portraying this role.

The cast also includes Joanna Ampil, David Burt and Jonathan Hart, as Mary Magdalene, Pontius Pilate and Peter, respectively.
Good choices. Just good, nothing extraordinay.

When I bought this cd I already had ten diferent recordings of Jesus Christ (including the newest one with Glenn Carter in the title role)but I was pleased to hear a such a good new recording of the Webber - Rice classic.
A must buy.

Out of all the Jesus's I have ever heard, Ted Heeley was the most captivating. That was until I heard this recording. WOW. Steve Balsamo is unbelievable. Though Heeley's trademark emotion is absent, the vocal talent of Balsamo exceeds that of Heeley's. The rest of the Album is great as well, except for Pilates dream song, which is a little fast. Alice Cooper fit in nicely (who'd of thought), and Zubin Varla is an exceptional Judas. Joanna Ampil does a respectable Mary. Not my favorite though. All arround, the most compatent version out there. It's FANTASTIC to hear these songs sung at the ocative they are supposed to be sung at. Put Balsamo on Broadway to replace that joke of Jesus in the new Broadway cast.

I saw this production in London and was able to buy a complete, 2CD recording of this cast. All around, this entire cast is strong; Steve Balsamo is incredible as Jesus- he has an amazingly clear, powerful, beautiful voice, and his "Gethsemane" will simply blow you away. Zubin Varla (Judas) sings with intense emotion throughout the recording, and his voice remains consistently strong through his whole range (which is definitely a plus if you're going to play ANY of these roles!). Glenn Carter is a great Simon, and it's nice to be able to hear him, considering he went on to play Jesus. The album is not without weaknesses- Pilate's dream is far too fast for my taste, and the Annas and Caiaphas can't compare to the unbeatable duo from the 20th anniversary London recording. The orchestration and arrangements are good, but very traditional- if you want to hear a JCS that truly rocks, check out the 1992 Australian cast recording. As a whole, however, this recording is one of, if not the strongest recording available.

This cast of JCS is totally awsome! Steve Balsamo moves as Jesus with his beautiful voice. Zubin Varla is the epitomy Judas Iscariot. The rest of the cast is also incredible including Joanna Ampil as Mary. My only regret is that there isn't a full version of this cast available, and if there is, i would like to know where i can get it.

This is an excellent version of JCS, I saw this production in London and this version captures the essence of that wonderful show! Steve Balsamo is excellent, he rocks your world on this recording! Personally, I think Ted is the best, but Steve is a very, very close second. Second best recording of JCS out there( and I have 8). Mark

Actually, I think they've done a good job but compared to original concept album....not so much strong. Most people are doing well but I really don't like Mary. I hate the performance. I just wanted to know how they sing and record JCS recently.