 Last Man Standing, Jerry Lee Lewis
Rules are made to be broken, and so this is a review of a standard CD—but in reality this is more a review of Jerry Lee Lewis, one of the original rockers. And his cutting this album, in combination with talent of other legendary greats (both “gold” as well as “silver” age, you might say), is a rare delight and opportunity to look back at when rock and roll was king. Since Lewis was a contemporary of Elvis, Johnny Cash, and others now gone, one wonders if this is more of a “pity” performance in which reviews will say kind things about the old guy…
But what we get instead is the 70-year-old piano player in cahoots with the likes of Little Richard, Neil Young, Bruce Springsteen, Willie Nelson, The Rolling Stones—the list goes on. Lewis hasn’t lost any of his raw enthusiasm, which often seemed better suited for performances than recordings, but here it comes through stark and strong. In some cases, he is complemented by those performing with him, while at other times he frankly overshadows them. “Pink Cadillac,” for example, with Springsteen shows what we mean; other times there is a great blending of minds, such an in “Travelin’ Band” or “Lost Highway.”
The quality of the performance is of course clear and crisp, as it should be in today’s mastering. Fortunately, it’s not overly worked on, so Lewis’s real voice comes through—which, despite his age, shows just why the guy is an icon of rock and roll.
CD, First Indie Label, Technical Rating: A-
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