The Last of the First

Released on
Documentary
Runtime
88 mins
(0 votes)

The Harlem Blues & Jazz Band during its sunset years: 87-year-old Al Casey, who had worked closely with Fats Waller throughout the 1930s; guitarist Lawrence Lucie, 95 years young, from the bands of Louis Armstrong, Benny Carter and Duke Ellington; saxophonist Bubba Brooks, 79, who was with Bill Doggett; Edwin Swanston, 80, pianist with Louis Armstrong's Orchestra; 91-year-old drummer Johnny Blowers, ex-Bunny Berigan, Billie Holiday and Frank Sinatra; Ivan Rolle, 85, bassist with Jonah Jones; and 88-year-old Laurel Watson, one-time vocalist with Duke Ellington and Count Basie. Baron's cameras record the musicians through their tours and concerts, capturing their joy in performing together. A celebration of the jazz spirit.

Cast

  • Albert Vollmer
  • Joey Morant
  • Bobby Pring
  • Bubba Brooks
  • Edwin Swanston
  • Al Casey
  • Lawrence Lucie
  • Alex Layne
  • John G. Blowers, Jr.
  • Ivan 'Loco' Rolle
  • Calvin Lynch
  • Laurel Watson

Director

  • Anja Baron

Producers

  • Anja Baron

Screenwriter

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