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Jerry Lee Lewis Last Man Standing Review by Lorraine Kay After 60 years (almost to the day) from when he first walked into Sun Records, in Memphis, Tennessee, Jerry Lee Lewis is still rocking and rolling. To honor that fact and the fact that of all the legendary rock and roll greats that also recorded at Sun Records in the 1950s, he is the “Last Man Standing,” Shangri-La Entertainment has released a new studio CD with 21 tracks – all duets featuring Jerry Lee Lewis and some of the biggest rock and roll icons ever. Recorded in Lewis’ 76th year, this is his first studio album in over 10 years. Looking to restart his career, the once hard-drinking, honky-tonk playing pianist recorded with over 20 of his friends the most amazing classic rock and roll album ever. Itching to get back on the stage and not ready to turn in his piano he is noted as saying “Just point me to the piano and in fifteen minutes I’ll have ‘em shakin’, shoutin’, shiverin’ and shackin’.” And this CD proves it. Editor's Note - following publication certain inacuracies have come to my attention - so I will list them here to make sure that we correct them. It was 50 years ago Jerry first walked into Sun and recorded for them, not 60. He was 21, and he turned 71 on September 29th 2006, so is just into his 72nd year. Although several of the numbers on the CD he's recorded before, or has sung on stage, What's Made Milwaukee Famous was his second big Country hit in the 1960s, it hit #2 in June 1968. Rod Stewart also covered the song. Now they've recorded it as a duet. Jerry reportedly wrote 'Old Glory', one of the relatively few songs he has written, and has sung it 'live' on at least one occasion some years ago. The tune bears a striking similarity to the World War II song 'There's A Star-spangled Banner Waving Somewhere', which has a more corny patriotic theme. Trouble In Mind, which is regularly featured on Jerry's live shows, and which he recorded on The Session over 30 years ago, is of course a Blues tune, rather than a honky-tonk Country number. Thanks to the kind folks on the Jerry Lee Lewis yahoogroup for pointing these up. This review is available in book format (hardcover and paperback) in Music Street Journal: 2006 Volume 5 at lulu.com/strangesound.

Track by Track Review

Rock and Roll with Jimmy Page This is just real straight ahead classic rock and roll with Lewis at the honky tonk piano and vocals and legendary Led Zeppelin guitarist Page on lead guitar solos.

Before the Night is Over with B.B.King This one is more blues and country with Lewis doing some real honky tonk licks and vocals. He is working with blues guitarist giant B.B. King on lead guitar.

Pink Cadillac with Bruce Springsteen Here is some more straight ahead classic rock and roll with Lewis singing the classic tune and playing piano while Springsteen beefs it up on lead guitar and back-up vocals. Pulling in an E Street like treatment of this track the band spices it up with an awesome sax solo. This one totally rocks.

Evening Gown with Mick Jagger and Ronnie Wood This honky tonk ballad opens with Lewis on piano and lead vocals, but Jagger jumps in on the second verse to banter back and forth with Lewis on lead vocals. There are some excellent solos on piano and lap steel guitar. Ronnie Wood helps out with the background vocals and joins Jagger with the responsive vocals.

You Don’t Have to Go with Neil Young This stylish boogie has Lewis in top form on lead vocals and piano. Young joins him on vocals and guitar solos. Later in the song Young takes a turn at lead vocals with Lewis singing back-up.

Twilight with Robbie Robertson This folksy country ballad has Lewis on lead vocals and piano. Robertson joins him on background vocals.

Travelin Band with John Fogerty This one really travels as well. Lewis and Creedence Clearwater Revival legend Fogerty share the lead vocals on this one. Of course Lewis is hot on the piano, as is Fogerty on guitar. They are also treated with another awesome sax solo.

That Kind of Fool with Keith Richards This is a real cryin’-in- your- beer tune. Lewis gets the blues across in this true country tune with some help from Rolling Stones guitarist Richards on guitar.

Sweet Little 16 with Ringo Starr This classic boogie rocks with Lewis on piano and legendary Beatle Starr on drums. The two legends share the lead vocals on this one.

Just a Bummin Around with Merle Haggard Another honky tonk country tune, Lewis shares the lead vocals with Haggard on this one. Lewis free rolls it on the piano while Haggard joins him on guitar solos.

Honky Tonk Woman with Kid Rock This is an especially fun one. When you have classic honky tonk rock and roller Lewis doing a trademark ‘60s Rolling Stone hit with ‘90s rock and roller Kid Rock you get a very unexpected mix. The two share the lead vocals while Lewis totally transforms this on piano.

What’s Made Milwaukee Famous with Rod Stewart This old-timey honky tonk tune is shared equally between Lewis and Stewart on vocals. Lewis really lays into the honky tonk piano licks for this one.

Don’t Be Ashamed of Your Age with George Jones A traditional country tune, Lewis and Jones share the vocals on this comical number. Jones takes over the guitar work with Lewis working the piano.

A Couple More Years with Willie Nelson In traditional Nelson style, Lewis brings the country ballad to front with his stylized piano playing while holding down the lead vocals, with Nelson picking up the guitar accents with Spanish guitar licks. Nelson takes over the vocals on the second verse with Lewis filling in on the background vocals.

Old Glory with Toby Keith This patriotic country tune is in fine form with Lewis and Keith sharing the lead vocals. As always, Lewis is out front on the piano with Keith on guitar.

Trouble in Mind with Eric Clapton This Honky Tonk oldie is just fine with Lewis on lead vocals and piano as this one starts up. Clapton joins Lewis with a master blues guitar solo.

I Saw Her Standing There with Little Richard Lewis and Little Richard seem to be having fun with this Beatles classic. It’s not just a vocal duet as there are dueling pianos on the solo.

Lost Highway with Delaney Bramlett Lewis and Bramlett take charge of this old traveling tune. Sounding more like an old country church song, the two offer up some good ol’ vocals, with some jammin’ piano, blues guitar and mandolin.

Hadacohl Boogie with Buddy Guy This rompin’ number has some hard core boogie piano happening with some old time vocals by Guy and Lewis sharing the front. The lead blues guitar isn’t so bad either with Guy struttin’ some of his best stuff.

The Irish Heart Beat with Don Henley When you think of Jerry Lee Lewis duets you don’t automatically think of Eagles drummer Don Henley but this one is interesting to say the least. Lewis and Henley share the vocals on this Celtic Folk tune. After the first verse the rest of the band comes in as well. Some bluegrass fiddles, whistles and piano make this one stand out from all the rest.

The Pilgrim Ch.33 with Kris Kristofferson In Kristofferson style this classic tune starts out as an acoustic guitar/vocal duet. The rest of the band joins shortly after the first verse with lots of country flavor.

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