The Last of the First

Overview

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.

Details

Status

Released

Release date

May 2, 2004

Original language

English

Production

Kenja Media Productions

Cast

Joey Morant,Al Casey,Edwin Swanston,Ivan 'Loco' Rolle,Albert Vollmer,Alex Layne,Calvin Lynch,Lawrence Lucie,Laurel Watson,Bobby Pringand 2 more

Director

Anja Baron

Producer

Anja Baron

Budget

Not recorded

Revenue

Not recorded

Homepage

Official site

IMDb

tt0439667