In honor of that tradition, Vinyl Voyage Radio will again be playing the original 1970 London concept album of Jesus Christ Superstar this Easter Sunday. If you are only familiar with the Ted Neeley version from the 1973 film, you will find this one to be very different.
To JCSS aficionados, this album is known simply as "the Brown Album." Released in 1970, it features Ian Gillan in the title role. Plus, Murray Head as Judas and Yvonne Elliman as Mary Magdalene.
This album pre-dates any stage performance of the production as a musical. It began its life as a "rock opera" concept album and was only performed a couple of times as a stage concert before opening on Broadway in October, 1971.
This production is unique in the story of Jesus in that it focuses strictly on the political side of the story, while glossing over the religious aspects. Considering when it came out, that should not be too surprising.
Andrew Lloyd Webber won a "Most Promising Composer" Award at the Tonys in 1971.
Join us for a listen. Jesus Christ Superstar will start at 12 pm central time on Sunday, April 16, 2017.
Only on Vinyl Voyage Radio.
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