Does musical virtuosity or emotional appeal seem more important in
jazz? Italian pianist Stefano Bollani’s new solo album has both in copious amounts. 50 years on from the
rock opera’s first recording, it’s hard now to remember the countercultural thrill of Deep Purple’s Ian Gillan singing the part of Jesus, banned by the BBC. Bollani first heard Lloyd Webber’s musical at the age of 14, and has long wanted to record it. “I love this music,” he says, and interprets it here in a dazzling range of
jazz styles to get to the heart of each song. by Alison Bentley