Backdrop
The Last of the First

The Last of the First (2004)

1h 28m | PG-13

⭐ 0 / 10

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.

Director: Anja Baron

Studio: Kenja Media Productions

Genre: Documentary

Video: 720p

▶ Watch

Cast

Albert Vollmer

Albert Vollmer

as himself

Joey Morant

Joey Morant

as himself

Bobby Pring

Bobby Pring

as himself

Bubba Brooks

Bubba Brooks

as himself

Edwin Swanston

Edwin Swanston

as himself

Al Casey

Al Casey

as himself