Gethsemane (I Only Want To Say) Jesus Christ Superstar - Ilari Hämäläinen

Composed by Andrew Lloyd Webber / Lyrics by Tim RIce
Music and vocals performed by Ilari Hämäläinen
When I started to select the songs for my "musical" album, I wasn't considering this song on it at all, but then I happened to bump in to the live recording of Steve Balsamo's performance of Gethsemane and that totally opened my eyes. I think Ted Neeley's way of performing the song was always rhythmically too free, so the original melody disappeared.
My personal opinion is that Steve Balsamo has saved Webbers ass when it comes to this song. His unbelievable technically skilled and soulful performances of this song are unbeatable and I hope that one day I'm gonna reach his level as a singer.
Right now I'm in the middle of recording two solo albums, so there's not much else to see right now. But if you feel like following up, just check out the links:
My Official Website: www.ilarihamala...
My solo stuff in Spotify: open.spotify.co...
My solo stuff in iTunes: itunes.apple.co...
My public Facebook: / ilari.hamalainen.official
My band - Siberian Jay
Website: www.siberianjay...
Facebook: / siberianjay
KZbin: / thesiberianjay

[@JasGould-sh3fh]

This along with Ben Forster and Steve Balsamo give goosebumps and lots of emotion and vocal power.

[@papanomalyxd4475]

Still my favourite😇

[@ericshiraev4627]

Absolutely stunning.... The diapason, the delivery, the emotion... this is an incredible legacy to enjoy and for us, the humble students of music, to feel... and to appreciate...

[@ilarihamalainenofficial]

Wow. My humble thanks to you 😊

[@briandugan121]

I may or may not be the best critic on this, but when I was released from the hospital after eye surgery in '71, It was planted in my brain. Ian's Gethsename is still the best.

[@Lucinka58]

I have just been listening to several versions of this song and this was one of the best ones I heard so far :) Well done!

[@ilarihamalainenofficial]

Thank you Lucinka :D

[@Hiekkamestari]

Super like!

[@networkunplugged]

very accurate cover of this very hard song

[@Suedetussy]

I‘ve watched so many versions of this song, and this is the only one that i liked beside that of Ted Neeley.

[@angelesdiaz7116]

¡Qué agudos! So many colours in the same song...OMG.---You make Me cry with your eyes...

[@ilarihamalainenofficial]

Thanks you Angeles :D

[@ricardam.2791]

Simply amazing. You got an awesome and very compelling voice. This sent shivers done my spine!

[@ilarihamalainenofficial]

Thank you so much 🙏😊

[@papanomalyxd4475]

You have an wonderful voice!

[@szimari]

Wow! what a voice! It is perfect performance!

[@ilarihamalainenofficial]

Thank you very much :)

[@bmravdeo]

Great... thanks for sharing. BRAVO!

[@iBurnCDs]

I don't think I've felt this kind of powerful emotions from other covers... Absolutely amazing.

[@liisarummukainen321]

Ilari, rakastan tätä kappaletta ja sinun upeaa tulkintaasi. Sinulla on niin kaunis ääni.❤

[@ЕленаВ-ч6е]

браво, прекрасно!это сложнейшая вещь и спеть ее достойно могут единицы.вы-один из них.

[@ilarihamalainenofficial]

I wish I could read this 😅

[@ЕленаВ-ч6е]

@@ilarihamalainenofficial you are a wonderful vocalist

[@ilarihamalainenofficial]

@@ЕленаВ-ч6е Oh thank you 🤗

[@TarjanEkaUtube]

Huh huh!! En tajunnut, että meillä on tällainen upea esiintyjä ja upea miesääni Suomessa! Kiitos huikeasta esityksestä, Ilari, oli aivan erityisen hienoa saada seurata eläytymistäsi kappaleeseen ilman suurta yleisöä, studiomikin äärellä!

[@ilarihamalainenofficial]

Kiitos :)

[@kevinjuan]

in english by google: Understanding that Ted Neely is full stop to this issue, I can say without any fear is the other best version I've ever heard. God that voice, but more importantly, its owner is master of it.

[@ilarihamalainenofficial]

Thank you Max :)

[@ilarihamalainenofficial]

Hi people. Many of you have asked me about the registers and techniques that I'm using when singing. Here's some basic "rules" of my voice nowadays. I think the lowest tones that are usable for me are around F2 - G2flat, though somedays I need to sing all the way down to D2 when doing the disney-dubbing for Finnish television and films. (this morning I could sing down to C2...) But those lowest notes are really just "vocal fry" in tune - and not usable in live performance ;) Me passage or the middle register is from D4 to G4sharp. Usually in the A4 my vocal chords want to change in to a pure head voice. So the highest parts are not mixed, but I try to compress so much that I get a chesty or mixed sound there too. So is it mixed depends on definition. The sound is mixed, but I think the vocal-chord function is head voice. I am able to use belting up to C5, but that only works for very short phrases, since it's very straining. The highest "chesty" head voice is around A5flat, and beyond that the notes come only randomly depending on the day. Sometimes even the G5 is a struggle. Somedays I can make some kind of noise that hits the E6, but that's rare and extreme and really doesn't sound like singing anymore - just an effect :) I will post later on some hard rock performances, where I use the belting technique and hopefully some "opera" recordings, since I've studied the last 6 months only classical voice. I had to come back quite a bit with what I do when I started to approach the voice in a classical way, so that's the reason for a long break from posting new videos. But now it seems that I back in the game with some new tools :D - ilari ;)

[@andrewlilico2218]

Ilari Hämäläinen Your first "Why" is great but when you come down onto "should I die" it's too sweet & similar to Glenn Carter. You're down onto lower notes (& gave the option of improvising to lower notes if you want, since you've done the money note by that point in the phrase). You should be able to either use more compression or transit into more "e" in the falsetto vowel, to give the sound more edge. FWIW I'd recommend trying the latter first as more compression might strain the voice for later in the song.

[@andrewlilico2218]

I mean "have the option" not "gave the option". Smartphone typing!

[@missmelody6185]

Awesome version!!!

[@emanuelesalsettaofficial8064]

very well!

[@CharlieRogersMusic]

this by far is one of the best great voice

[@EricVigandt]

One of the best covers!!!

[@mashmakhanzpua]

THANK YOU GREAT ROCK OPERA GOES ON BEAUTIFUL VOICE I WILL REMEMBER FOREVER Thank You Ilari Hämäläinen Good Luck

[@gekost79]

Amazing ... just amazing !!!!

[@robertamazzei6886]

Bravissimo!!!

[@shiso7871]

So beautiful, so strong...

[@vapaaunelma]

Valtavan upeaa ja koskettavaa

[@ellyswift9576]

Beautiful.

[@marsissix]

Wauuuuuuuuuuu! Kiitos!

[@evam4262]

Another amazing performance!! Emotions come to life!!

[@noiseybloke3137]

Absolutely amazing - truly fantastic. One of the best I have ever seen, professional or otherwise. BRAVO!

[@MICHAELMYERS37]

bravo Phenomenal

[@sparked3113]

Totally awesome, thank you so much !!

[@ilarihamalainenofficial]

Thank you so much 🙏😊

[@NymphaNivis]

simply amazing!

[@Kazamon]

Kaunista, Ilari, Beautiful!

[@juliamachado9712]

amazing performance!

[@videosbyme1]

Absolutely amazing! Well done Ilari.

[@szimari]

I'v listened your song several time. You have amazing voice!

[@c.g.6140]

Of course I've got both JCS versions on CD. Till now, the true voices have been Ted Neeley and Ian Gillan. I've been listening for many days to many "Jesuses", includig Steve Balsamo. Mr Hämäläinen, you are great! Better than everybody else! Well, Mr Neeley is and will always be like Freddie Mercury: The best! Thank you for the pleasure listening to your voice. Yours sincerely Robert

[@ilarihamalainenofficial]

Oh! Thank you so much. These kind words will give me a lot of faith in practicing my voice more and more :D

[@amandarasmussuomigirl6413]

Wow thats so great and full of emotion by singing! Respect ... thats fantastic!!!! :)

[@iwonaborkowska9720]

This is just a m a z i n g performance ! ! ! ! Well done!!!

[@MusicalTveit]

This absolutely the best cover of Gethsamene i've ever heard! You are amazing!

[@Phase7FI]

Thank you MusicalTveit :D I hope you'll like the "Music Of The Night" that I'll upload soon. Maybe even today :D

[@georgiosmallis3256]

Listen to Steve Balsamo's please, if not. Anyways it is indeed incredible

[@YaninaMontreal]

wow!!! you are soo cool!! Amazing voice!!! BRAVO!!

[@papanomalyxd4475]

you are the God 🎉

[@ilarihamalainenofficial]

"What if God was one of us?" 😅

[@ekaterinaaeon9161]

omg... this is awesome performance!!!!! I'm shocked

[@GraceDarkling-Backup]

So beautiful voice 😍 really well done!

[@prabindhar]

Really beautifully sung mate. Cheers!

[@albertinirock4926]

We also struggle, but will prevail!

[@petriliski]

Job well done!

[@annemunoz3931]

W.A.O.W ... speechless!

[@maelvaga]

Nice

[@hannumartikainen3411]

i love....

[@raipriede2202]

This is amazing.

[@BillGivens]

Well done!!

[@kishannaconandoyle1907]

bravo!!!

[@ilarihamalainenofficial]

Thank you Kishanna :D

[@kishannaconandoyle1907]

Oh no, thank you for a very pleasent moment! :-)

[@hannumartikainen3411]

Best song ever.....

[@oneman49instruments]

Nice cover!!!!

[@dannicollaterali9327]

Very Good! I Only Want To Say Gethsemane 2014

[@paulhatem4211]

the best.....

[@kbhprinsesse]

"My personal opinion is that Steve Balsamo has saved Webbers ass when it comes to this song." I agree with you, and I also agree that the song shouldn't become too rhythmically free. When you listen to the various clips on KZbin of Balsamo singing the song, unfortunately you hear that he becomes more and more rhythmically free with it as the years pass - though he still delivers such incredible emotion every single time that he can be forgiven for it ❤

[@charlyedguez2391]

Excelente! Felicidades.. es una canción muy dificil y tú la interpretas sensacional 👍

[@misalangos23]

Really beautiful voice :)

[@chrishawcutt996]

nice job...Steve would be proud :)

[@kevinjuan]

Entendiendo que Ted Neely es punto y aparte con este tema, puedo decir, sin temor alguno que es la otra mejor versión que he oido jamas. Dios que voz, pero lo mas importante, su propietario es dueño y señor de ella.

[@barbarianatgate2000]

I just watched a live broadcast on NBC with John Legend performing this. As much as I like him in general, I really wish he had turned down the role, or at least had you coach him. Your version is outstanding!

[@jorg1206]

Wonderful job Ilari! This is coming from an absolute Steve Balsamo admirer (my all time favorite JCS/Gethsemane singer; great that you're mentioning him in your intro). I love the rock timbre you have in your voice, and to be able to sing the thoughest song of all, with such passion and the highs (and low notes) is great in itself. One word of comment: the backing track might be a bit to fast...its seems like you are rushing a bit throughout the song. Yet you take youre time for the ending, which by the way is very touching... Anyhow: I'll check out music of the night for sure. Good luck with the singing career, Ilari: you rock!

[@ilarihamalainenofficial]

Thank you Jorg :D I really appreciate your comment with all the analyses. I personally think this song is usually performed too slowly and it works better in this faster tempo, but they are just opinions. :D

[@jorg1206]

Ah okay Ilari, now I understand why your backing track is faster than normal. But please never stop singing, and if you'll be posting more songs: dont forget to let us know! (Do you also like Hanoi Rocks? They where my favorite band from Finland :)

[@Phase7FI]

jorg1206 Yes I do like them. I'm not so much into their music, but I greatly admire Samy Yaffa and Michael Monroe as musicians. I've performed two times with Michael, but never played with Yaffa, though I've met him few times :D

[@jorg1206]

Wow, thats great! There probably are lots of better bands then Hanoi, but the fun, attitude, beats and guts they had, where just so fine :)

[@mariekeeler]

I agree - great that you gave mention to Steve Balsamo, the best redition I've ever heard! You did a wonderful job, great emotion :)

[@jackstocks5508]

Fucking brilliant best I've heard anyone sing it

[@albertinirock4926]

wow!

[@soldierchentipullo]

wow you are amazing! ilari :)

[@luciededkova2292]

This man and Peter Cmorik.. the both best

[@Phase7music]

Oh - So great to hear that it was not a disappointment. It is quite a BIG song and I was somewhat insecure to upload this video. Thank you! ;)

[@osaki0329]

素晴らしい‼︎ 🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹💐💐💐💐💐💐💐💐💐💐

[@johnnysheehy]

I have watched a ridiculous amount of versions of this song while learning it, and this is one of the best vocally. incredible version. The only pointer I would give would be to try make it your own in a few more parts. I think a few more of your own licks would make it even better.

[@ilarihamalainenofficial]

🙏😊 - Thanks for the feedback. This was the best I could do back in the days 😉

[@egaga-]

Next time on the stage in a Finnish version!

[@ilarihamalainenofficial]

Hey people. I have set up a whole new channel for these musical songs. There's a new video of "Music Of The Night" in there. Have a good time watching it! - ilari ;) Music Of The Night - The Phantom Of The Opera, Ilari Hämäläinen

[@colletteseders2874]

Wow!!!

[@ilarihamalainenofficial]

😊

[@Phase7FI]

Really!? This is the greatest compliment I've ever gotten. I've played and produced the backing track all by myself, so I have it. It's just that I haven't finished the album yet and would like to keep it safe and sound until that. But let me think about it :D

[@Jadenin81]

Olis hienoa nähdä siut oikeesti lavalla tän musikaalin merkeissä. Upeita biisejä ja hyvä tulkinta!

[@ilarihamalainenofficial]

Kiitos Jadenin :D

[@hannumartikainen3411]

thanks''''

[@papanomalyxd4475]

OK, i change my mind, You are better than Balsamo!

[@ilarihamalainenofficial]

Papanomaly XD thank you ❤🙏 I'm sorry but life has had other plans for me than recording this musical album. I have released two AOR albums though VALO and VARJO that are available online and www.recordshopx.com 😉

[@papanomalyxd4475]

Ok, thanks!

[@papanomalyxd4475]

Still back… about thar cd? 😇

[@papanomalyxd4475]

So...I have waited almost a year...where is the CD? I WANT TO BUY... ;)

[@ilarihamalainenofficial]

Life has not gone as i planned. A lot of things have been pushed on the waiting list :)

[@jrbcjim]

No doubt one of the top 5 performances of this song on You Tube, rivaling Wilkinson and Crawford easily. His voice is incredible, but the phrasing is a little off in places. I think where the Neeley performances soar is in the acting and the emotion. Ilari has the vocal chops, but if had a little acting coaching he could pull so much more out of this song. It's a tough one to sing well and he's in no need of coaching there. He nails the song. I'd love to see him perform the role of Jesus in a production of JCS.

[@vhope00]

oh please check out Ian Gillan's version...so much better than all the others. Neeley is fine for acting but his voice was somewhat thin but great passion.

[@garethmerser1092]

Amazing, Well done!!! Can you tell me where I can get the backing track you have used please? Thanks in advance Gareth

[@ilarihamalainenofficial]

Thanks Gareth. I've produced these backgrounds myself. So they are not available for public use (at least not yet) sorry. I'm sure you can find some decent karaoke background from Spotify or KZbin etc. :D

[@papanomalyxd4475]

I LOVE YOU ;)

[@lucyvictoria5211]

👍😊👌

[@pearlgirl011]

Brilliant...cant stop watching, takes my breath away....waaaay better than Ted Neeley.

[@ikaromagnus]

:O wooowww

[@Mister77Mario]

Красиво!

[@thomassmith5307]

Gethsemane ( Only Want To Say) - Jesus Christ Superstar

[@TheLasse1960]

Please check out Petr Elfimov's version - it'll blow your mind

[@soldierchentipullo]

nice technique and nice color of voice, its you llari??

[@CharlieRogersMusic]

oh my

[@constancekreese8946]

this is very stunning i think you are capable of even more with the song, have you added acting to your skills?

[@Phase7FI]

Well thank you :D

[@ЮрийСтрелков-к6ф]

i think this is one of the best vers. more emotions than Stive Balsamo (i like his vers/ too) , so u great professional singer , i want to know about other ur covers//

[@ilarihamalainenofficial]

Oh wow! This pretty amazing compliment. Thank you so much :) I have one more cover here on KZbin on my Ilari Hämäläinen channel. It's the "Music Of The Night" from the Phantom Of The Opera. I will upload more as get them recorded. - ilari ;)

[@Ekoperse]

\,,/ Nättiii!!!

[@papanomalyxd4475]

SO, WHERE IS THE CD?

[@JamesTarghet]

where did you find the backing track ? :)

[@ilarihamalainenofficial]

This backing track was produced by me :)

[@Phase7FI]

Yep. That's me :)

[@tommysmith1880]

Gethsemane l Only Wan To Say - Jesus Christ Suprstar