The Last of the First

APPROPIATE

2004 / 88min.

Rating0

Genres

Documentary

Synopsis

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.

Directors

Actors

Albert Vollmer

Joey Morant

Bobby Pring

Bubba Brooks

Edwin Swanston

Al Casey

Lawrence Lucie

Alex Layne

John G. Blowers, Jr.

Ivan 'Loco' Rolle

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