JESUS

Very different to the demo version: harmonies are now four-part, the interlude is shorter and there's a piano doubling the rhythm guitars and bass. During some upcoming albums (especially 'Opera' and 'Races') Freddie would do very nice arrangements where those three instruments play very different (and distinctive) lines, but here he was much simpler.

Jesus is one of Freddie's earliest compositions in trinary meters; he would do that often throughout the years, including We Are The Champions, Somebody To Love and the last song he ever wrote, A Winter's Tale. Uncharacteristically (for the era), Brian uses the little finger during a fast-lick at the end of the solo.


General Information:

Music & Lyrics by: Freddie Mercury
Arranged by: Freddie Mercury
Written: 1971
Length: 3:45
Released on: 13th July 1973

Produced by: Queen, Roy Thomas Baker & John Anthony
Mixed by: Mike Stone
Engineered by: Roy Thomas Baker, Mike Stone, Ted Sharpe & David Hentschel

Recorded: 1971 - 1972
Recorded at: Trident Studios, Soho, London

Keys: Bm, D, Cm
Meter: 4/4
Form: Cyclic

Acoustic Drums: Roger Taylor
Electric Bass: John Deacon
Electric Guitars: Brian May
Acoustic Piano: Freddie Mercury

Lead Vocals: Freddie Mercury
Backing Vocals: Freddie Mercury & Roger Taylor


Songwriting:

Apparently written while Barry Mitchell was still in the band, but never performed live with him.


Recordings:

Backing track plus overdubs.


Equipment:

Bechstein Piano

Fender P-Bass

Ludwig Drums

Red Special Electric Guitar