Jerry Lee Lewis and Friends
by Phil Chilvers
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DVD details
Actor: Dave Davies, Dave Edmunds, Jerry Lee Lewis, John Lodge, Van MorrisonDirector: Phil Chilvers
Brand: RED Distribution
DVD: Region Code 1
Audio: English (Unknown); English (Original Language)
Format: Color, DVD, NTSC
Picture Format: 1.33:1
Running Time: 60 minutes
DVD Release Date: 2005-10-18
Audience Rating: NR (Not Rated)
Studio: Eagle Rock Ent
DVD Reviews of Jerry Lee Lewis and Friends
DVD Review: Classic Blend of Rock and Country
Summary: 5 Stars
I've owned this DVD for several years and was happy to see that others can enjoy it since it has been re-released and is therefore affordable again.
The charisma wafts from the stage from the very minute Jerry Lee Lewis sits down at the piano and breaks into a bit of rockabilly genius, "I Am What I Am." "I was born country", he wails, "but I was raised on rock 'n' roll. Oh, Hank Williams' music burnin' way down deep in Jerry Lee's soul. If Hank Williams were alive today......He'd say son, keep on movin', keep on shakin' away." This infectious rock/country gem could not have been a more fitting opener for what is a spellbinding, piano scorching, often astounding set of rockabilly, country and pure musicianship. While the effects of hard living are clearly etched on his face, at age 54 Lewis had lost none of his powers.......the amazing deft piano artistry and country/rock vocal wail are fully intact.
Unfortunately the credits are glaringly lax, naming musicians but not matching them with what they play, so one is left to guess which lesser known artist is playing what. But what an assemblage of talent: A six guitar attack, including Dave Davies (The Kinks), rockabilly stalwart Dave Edmunds, and Brian May (Queen). Of the three remaining guitarists, I recognized one, possibly two, as members of Lewis' regular touring band. Some of the other guitarists such as Davies and May join the entourage maybe half way through the set. And regrettably, the drummer providing the magnificent syncopy throughout remains anonymous. His timekeeping is almost the centerpiece of the performance, the glue which holds a collection of stars together. Completing this fine rock 'n' roll orchestra are two bassists: John Lodge (Moody Blues) and Phil Chen (Jeff Beck, David Lindley). Van Morrison makes a cameo, two song appearance. As further evidence of the inadequacy of the credits, the DVD cover says it took place at "London's Labatt's Apollo." the on-screen credits say, "London's Hammersmith Odeon." Someone was obviously very confused.
But these are minor deficiencies. The sound is great. I don't have an expensive stereo; my 100 Watt digital receiver/amp, two three-way speakers and a subwoofer all add up to about $450. Yet I challenge anyone to pump this DVD through a similar setup and not be convinced that Jerry Lee's piano is sitting in their home. The camera work is marvelous. Lewis' lightning quick dexterity on the ivories is in full view throughout from a close-up or side view, or an overhead lens looking straight down on the keys.
From the mentioned opening tune, Lewis moves into a somewhat perfunctory reading of the jumping country number, "I Don't Want to be Lonely Tonight." It could not be considered one of the highlights of the show. Williams' influence registers again as Lewis showcases his classic country wail with the Williams ballad, "You Win Again."
Next, things really get rolling with Ray Charles' "I Got a Woman." I haven't listened to a lot of Ray Charles, but I would be interested in hearing a Charles recording which showcases this kind of sprightly piano work.
Van Morrison weighs in next for a lively vocal duet with Lewis on the ballad, "Goodnight Irene." Morrison sticks around for another duet as Lewis taps into the Charles catalogue once again for a scorching "What'd I Say."
Next Lewis takes us all the way back to the Fifties and the vaults of Sun Records for a jumping "High School Confidential." The bandleader's wide grin at the tune's close is evidence that he has not yet completely submitted to the throes of addiction. "We got that one rollin' that time, now didn't we?" Lewis gushes. "Let's do it again." And they do. The pure rapture of rock 'n' roll is all over Jerry Lee's face and it's a joy to behold.
Six bell ringing guitarists, two bassists, and a most rock steady drummer add up to one superb rock 'n' roll orchestra, and they stay right in the groove for "Rockin' My Life Away", "Johnny B. Goode", "Whole Lotta Shakin'", "Great Balls of Fire", "Good Golly Miss Molly", and "Tutti Frutti."
The next tune is for me, along with the opener, the highlight of the show. I have played this DVD many times by now, and the sizzling "Mexicali Rose" has never failed yet to give me goose bumps. Herein lies Lewis' great legacy of innovation: I defy anyone to categorize this as rock or country, the two are so beautifully and inextricably combined. Lewis' barroom honky-tonk piano excursions are nothing but pure ecstasy.
The set concludes with more straight rock 'n' roll, "Wild One", the six guitars ringing the night away as acknowledging handshakes and nods are extended to Lewis by all as he exits.
Total running time is 61 minutes. This DVD would be worth the $15 I paid over the counter if all it contained were the country/rock genius of "I Am What I Am" and "Mexicali Rose." Add to that the other thrills herein, including a couple of sterling Ray Charles covers, and I can only call this a priceless addition to any collection.
Description of Jerry Lee Lewis and Friends
Jerry Lee Lewis performs to a sold-out audience in London?s Labatt?s Apollo joined by a number of special guests, including Van Morrison, Dave Edmunds, John Lodge (Moody Blues), Brian May (Queen), Dave Davies (The Kinks) and many more! This title has been out of print for a number of years, and is now available for fans of all the participants in this magnificent show.Tracklisting: 1. I Am What I Am 2. I Don?t Want To Be Lonely Tonight 3. You Win Again 4. I Got A Woman 5. Goodnight Irene 6. What I?d Say 7. High School Confidential 8. Rockin? My Life Away 9. Johnny B. Goode 10. Whole Lotta Shakin? Goin? On 11. Great Balls Of Fire 12. Good Golly Miss Molly / Tutti Frutti 13. Mexicali Rose 14. Wild One
Bonus Features: Biographies of Jerry Lee Lewis and guests
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