Jerry Lee Lewis- Killer Piano
by Robert Hirsh
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DVD details
Actor: Jerry Lee Lewis, Linda Gail LewisDirector: Robert Hirsh
Brand: Alfred
Producer: Aaron Stang
DVD: Region Code 1
Audio: English (Unknown); English (Original Language); English (Published)
Format: Color, DVD, NTSC
Picture Format: 1.33:1
Running Time: 75 minutes
DVD Release Date: 2007-10-01
Audience Rating: NR (Not Rated)
Model: 00-27512
Studio: Alfred Publishing
Product features:
- DVD
- Jerry Lee Lewis
- Format DVD
DVD Reviews of Jerry Lee Lewis- Killer Piano
DVD Review: A relaxed interview & superb shots of keyboard fingering
Summary: 3 Stars
Hitting radio and TV (Steve Allen Show) in 1957 with "Whole Lotta Shakin' Goin' On" and "Great Balls of Fire," Lewis's maniacal energy shocked a nation. Jerry Lee was insanely off the scale when it came to physical movement, a feat difficult to achieve when your instrument is an immovable piano!
This hormone-exuding, piano-pounding wild man would later release an album called "The Greatest Live Show on Earth"--a title that indeed had some justification. Few artists lived with more abandon and fewer were as talented as Jerry Lee. Lewis has lived a life of excess, and we're fortunate to still have him (2008).
The DVD opens with background on Jerry's start with Sun Records (at the same time as Elvis Presley, Roy Orbison, Carl Perkins, Johnny Cash). At the 6 minute mark, the DVD peaks in energy with archival footage of his first television appearance. Unfortunately, the footage is abruptly cut just when Lewis, with arms flailing and hair flopping, begins his piano solo--a disappointment to his piano fans.
Jerry Lee is interviewed primarily by his adoring sister, Linda Gail Lewis--12 years his junior. Jerry discusses his life and music for a few minutes before he performs each of 10 songs, solo. A camera from above shows the full keyboard (thank you!), and his fingering is well presented. Then, Jerry performs the same song with a backup group at a Las Vegas concert.
This DVD has to be accepted for what it is--a relaxed interview with a rock pioneer, and a unique opportunity to watch his keyboard work. This DVD is not likely to win new fans and has less than 60 seconds of archival footage from his more-energetic past. But, it has its rewards for Lewis fans like myself.
I hugely appreciate getting to see Lewis chatting and playing nearly 50 years after his first TV appearance. He is hunched over. He shuffles slowly to or from the stage. His face is pudgy. He has a slowness of movement and the rigidity in the upper body that one associates with a stroke victim. But, he is still Jerry Lee!
What about Lewis's voice and keyboard work? Well, there is no going back. His piano fingering is hesitant and sometimes inaccurate. His vocal power and pitch control are diminished, but certainly not destroyed, by time.
Among the extras are a few enjoyable minutes of Linda Gail Lewis playing piano. She explains some of Jerry's technique, and her playing is strong. There is also a PDF file with printable music examples.
Bottom Line: If you are a devoted fan like me, you should buy this DVD to add depth to your appreciation of his music. Others should not expect much from the recent concert footage.
My recommendations to other JLL fans: If you want to SEE Lewis at his peak, buy the DVD "I Am What I Am." If you want to HEAR his strongest music, consider "The Definitive Collection" supplemented by an anthology of his original Sun hits.
Description of Jerry Lee Lewis- Killer Piano
On the heels of his landmark recording "Last Man Standing", Jerry Lee Lewis speaks candidly about his 50-year recording career, and, for the first time, demonstrates the piano style that defined rock-n-roll. On "Killer Piano", Jerry discusses his youth and career, reminisces with his family, and demonstrates many of his favorite rock-and-roll and country songs. Plus, the DVD is hosted by Linda Gail Lewis and features a complete live concert with Jerry's band at the Orleans Arena in Las Vegas. Also included is historic footage from Jerry's first appearance on the Steve Allen show, rare family photos, and printable sheet music transcriptions that pianists can use to study and learn Jerry's pivotal style. See Jerry Perform And Demonstrate: Whole Lotta Shakin' Goin' On, Great Balls Of Fire, Over The Rainbow, You Belong To Me, Drinkin' Wine Spo-Dee-O-Dee, Touchin' Home, On One Will Ever Know, Mexicalli Rose, Down The Line, You Win Again. Special Features: DVD-ROM, the complete video formatted for your computer or iPOD; Interview with Cecil Harrelson, Jerry's life-long friend and business manager; Interview with Roland Janes, original Sun Records session guitarist and engineer; Linda Gail Lewis demonstrating Jerry's "Rock And Roll Invention".Miscellaneous Music CDs
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