The Last of the First

2004
1h 28m
Documentary

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.

Top Cast

A

Albert Vollmer

himself

J

Joey Morant

himself

B

Bobby Pring

himself

B

Bubba Brooks

himself

E

Edwin Swanston

himself

A

Al Casey

himself

L

Lawrence Lucie

himself

A

Alex Layne

himself

J

John G. Blowers, Jr.

himself

I

Ivan 'Loco' Rolle

himself

Built with v0