Hosanna: A Portrait of Jesus

Description

Hosanna: A Portrait of Jesus is sort of a rock opera by members of the British folk-rock combo Reflection, independently released on Reflection Records in 1973. The album was recorded live at Central Hall Westminster in London, England. (Methodist Central Hall, also known as Central Hall Westminster, was the headquarters of the Methodist Church of Great Britain until 2000.)

Members up London’s Reflection community serve up another winner here with this live dramatic performance, coming off as sort of a British rock opera. Even with the youth choir Charisma contributing a good deal of the vocals, the end result is a very listenable folk and rock blend the music moving with a raw electric vibrancy. «The Samaritan» and «See Him Kneel» are two of my favorite tracks here, basement electric guitar and organ weaving a beautifully mysterious mood. «Thirty Three» is another powerful song, a climactic ballad featuring the lovely lead vocals of Sue McHaffie backed by Charisma’s eerie murmurs. Same UK label as Reflection, 20th Century, Sounds Of Salvation and Lonesome Stone. [Ken Scott, The Archivist, 4th edition]

LP tracklist:

Side One
A1. “Hosanna Theme”
A2. “The Long And Lonely Days”
A3. “Sing Life, Sing Love”
A4. “So Hard To Stay Close”
A5. “O For A Closer Walk”

Side Two
B1. “See Him Kneel / Meditation”
B2. “Behold, We Go Up To Jerusalem”
B3. “Thirty-Three”
B4. “Benediction”
B5. “Hosanna Theme”