Jasmine EP Collection - Jerry Lee Lewis

johnaalex
Jul 31
6 min read

Jerry Lee Lewis – The Jasmine EP Collection

Date of release : March 2025

Record Label : Jasmine

Reviewed by Pony Express. 03/07/25

This compilation of Jerry Lee’s classic Sun sides is drawn from EPs issued in the US, the UK, France and Sweden, between 1957 and 63. Jasmine Records tells us that “it avoids his biggest hits, which are readily available elsewhere, in favour of more modest US chart-riders, international hits, B-sides, album cuts, etc.”. True, but there’s no shortage of Jerry Lee’s Sun compilation so even those ‘more modest chart-riders’ have all been available on multiple releases starting with Charly, Bear Family and many more. There’s even been other EP collections with different track lists as they were compiling different EPs.

It's clear that the die-hard Jerry Lee fans won’t need this CD, as they will already have all these recording on various format.

But in case some of you are only familiar with ‘Great Balls Of Fire’ and ‘Whole Lotta Shakin’ (both are not included), this cheap CD can introduce you to the magic of Jerry Lee’s (slightly) lesser known early Sun recordings.

The CD starts with ‘Crazy Arms’, the first song he ever recorded at Sun, back in November 56. Sam Phillips was away on business trip that day and we can only be thankful to Jack Clement for letting the young Louisiana fireball enter the studio and for turning on the tape recorder. One single take was sufficient to record this masterpiece.

We then jump to ‘Goodnight Irene’, a cover of the Leadbelly classic, that was recorded by several artists including Moon Mullican. Nice version, though it didn’t necessarily required the overdubbed vocal group.

‘Turn Around’, is a beautiful version of the Carl Perkins country song.

‘It’ll Be Me’ will remain in history as the B-side of Whole Lotta’ Shakin’. But it’s a beautiful fast pace rocker in its own right!

Time for ‘Matchbox’, the fantastic Carl Perkins tune inspired by an old country blues. This studio version has a bluesy feel to it, but Jerry would go on to deliver much more energetic live versions, notably the one at the Star Club, which remains an unparalleled masterpiece in the history of rock’n’roll.

‘Ubangi Stomp’ was initially recorded by fellow Sun artist Warren Smith. Jerry’s version beats anything you’ve ever been told!

“I'm Feeling Sorry” is a sweet and pleasant country song written by Jack Clement. The piano solo is beautiful (as usual), nicely followed by Roland Janes' lively chords with a good dose of slap back echo on top of it all.

‘You Win Again’, is another proof of Jerry Lee’s genius. The Hank Williams song was good of course (like all his songs), but the Killer transform the song with his beautiful barrelhouse piano. And in this case the overdubbed vocal harmonies are rather welcome, bringing an almost doo-woop flavour.

Jerry recorded his version of ‘Don’t be cruel’ in 58, about 2 years after Elvis cut. The song is another gem from Otis Blackwell, the writer of ‘Great Balls of Fire’. The result is excellent, but it would never achieve the popularity of Elvis's version or that of ‘Great Balls Of Fire’.

Time for another Hank Willians tune, the famous ‘Jambalaya’ (also covered by Moon Mullican), that Jerry would record several time during his long carrier and interpret frequently in live shows.

‘It All depends (On Who Buy the Wine)’ is a beautiful country song recorded in 1957. Some years later Jerry would declare ‘I’ve always been country’ to justify his switch to country music. This song is a good example of what country meant to him at this early stage of its career.

‘Put Me Down’ is a good rocker written by guitarist Roland Janes and recorded in 1957. Jimmy Van Eaton’s drumming really comes to the fore on this track and brings a good dose of energy.

‘Fools Like Me’ is another excellent country song recorded in 58 that was released as B-side of ‘High School Confidential’ and reached n°11 in the Rhythm’n’Blues charts (proving that good music has no boundaries!).

‘I’ll Sail My Ship Alone’ comes from Mr Moon Mullican, king of the hillbilly piano player, who was a clear source of inspiration for Jerry Lee (even though he often denied any influence). In any case, the Killer clearly transitions from hillbilly to rock ‘n’ roll with this fast-paced version, well supported by his usual backing band, plus a little sax from Martin Willis, thrown in for good measure. Let's also highlight Jerry’s excellent vocal performance.

With “It Hurt Me So” we have a sentimental ballad, emphasized by an overdubbed doo-woop styled vocal group. The romantic side of young Jerry Lee!

As the title suggest ‘Lovin’ Up a Storm’ is as stormy as it can get, a little bit in the vein of ‘Breathless’. The song was first released in 1959 in the US, without success, although it was on par with his greatest hits. It was more successful in UK where it reached n°28 in the charts.

‘I Could Never Be Ashamed of You’, recorded in 1959, is another beautiful Hank Williams cover.

Jerry recorded ‘Little Queenie’ to prove her mother he could do as well – if not better - than Chuck Berry. Mamie Lewis was indeed found of that tune, but it seems she still preferred Chuck’s version. As for me, I love both!

Jerry recorded a few folkish tune in his career, ‘The Ballad of Billy Joe’ is one of them, a song written by Charlie Rich. Even if it's not really his usual style, Jerry shows us his ability to adapt to all genres.

‘Let’s talk about us’, another great Otis Blackwell song was recorded in 1959. The song appeared in several EP in Europe and left his mark on many local groups, especially Johnny Kid and the pirates who did a great version.

‘Old Black Joe’ is another one that’s been very popular in Europe, becoming a Teddy Boy anthem! This Stephen Foster song dates back to the 19^th century. Jerry's interpretation is magnificent, like a condensed history of the Old South, like a Faulkner's novel summarised in two minutes!

‘As long as I live’ written by Dorsey Burnette, and recorded in 1959, deserves to be better known. Pleasant melody, and Jerry delivers a superb vocal performance and piano solo.

In the early 1960s, Sam Phillips was looking for ideas to boost Jerry's sales, trying different styles or arrangements. With “When I Get Paid”, they tried a R&B tune with saxophone. Jerry doesn't even play the piano on this track. The result is rather pleasant, though.

Many artists have tried their hand at covers of Ray Charles' famous “What I say”, but Ray had set the standard very high. As usual, Jerry manages to take the song and make it his own. The result is excellent, with beautiful piano and just the right amount of backing vocals.

‘Cold, cold Heart’, another Hank Willams tune, is covered at a pace that's perhaps a little too slow, but it leaves plenty of room for Jerry's voice and the piano solo is superb.

‘It won't happen with me’ could be described as a novelty song, a song for teenagers that evokes Elvis, Ricky Nelson, Jackie Wilson... and even Fabian! Not really the Killer's style, but the result isn’t too bad!

‘Save the Dance for Me’ isn't exactly wild rock’n’roll, but once again Jerry demonstrates his versatility and ability to adapt to any repertoire.

‘Ramblin' rose’ is a little nugget that would have deserved to be better showcased. It’s a good R&B track, with horns and a slow stroll rhythm. For once, it sounds like Jerry didn't really make the song his own, maybe another take would have been needed. This song could have been very appropriate on its first Smash albums as well.

‘I’ve been Twistin’ is a rework of Junior Parker ‘Feel so Good’. It was recorded in 1962, at a time when the use of the word 'Twist” was supposed to boost sales. Fortunately the song retains the initial energy of the original.

Back to Chuck Berry’s cover with ‘Sweet Little Sixteen’, a song Jerry Lee would keep on playing during his whole career. Several version were cut at Sun, this one was recorded in 1962 versions with a wonderful piano solo.

We finish this with a great country tune, ‘How’s My Ex Treating You’ that starts with an unusual bass guitar intro. This track clearly heralds the Killer's future country successes.

For those few who are still unfamiliar with these tracks, don't hesitate to purchase this CD!

Track list :

1 – Crazy Arms

2 – Goodnight Irene

3 – Turn Around

4 – It’ll Be Me

5 – Matchbox

6 – Ubangi Stomp

7 – I’m Feeling Sorry

8 – You Win Again

9 – Don’t Be Cruel

10 – Jambalaya