Lew Lewis Reformer

  • Lew Lewis Reformer
  • Save the Wail (UK Stiff) 1979 

With a dab more arrogance and perhaps a touch more vocal assertiveness on Lewis’ part, there’d be no disputing this LP’s place on the shelf next to Dr. Feelgood and the first J. Geils Band LP. Lewis (who worked with the Feelgoods very early on and joined up with guitarist Wilko Johnson after this solo excursion) lacks no authority on blues harp, handily living up to the aspiration announced in the title (as does Rick Taylor’s guitar). Gavin Povey (of the Edge and other groups) adds pianistic lubrication to a program that includes astute covers (especially James Brown and — yes! — Status Quo) as well as sharp originals.

[Jim Green]