The Last of the First
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.
- Year: 2004
- Country:
- Genre: Documentary
- Studio: Kenja Media Productions
- Keyword: jazz, harlem, new york city, black history, harlem renaissance, swing music
- Director: Anja Baron
- Cast: Albert Vollmer, Joey Morant, Bobby Pring, Bubba Brooks, Edwin Swanston, Al Casey
