The Last of the First (2004)
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.
Cast
- Albert Vollmer - himself
- Joey Morant - himself
- Bobby Pring - himself
- Bubba Brooks - himself
- Edwin Swanston - himself
- Al Casey - himself
- Lawrence Lucie - himself
- Alex Layne - himself
- John G. Blowers, Jr. - himself
- Ivan 'Loco' Rolle - himself
Keywords
jazz, harlem, new york city, black history, harlem renaissance, swing music
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is The Last of the First about?
- 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.
- Who directed The Last of the First?
- The Last of the First was directed by Anja Baron.
- Who stars in The Last of the First?
- The Last of the First stars Albert Vollmer, Joey Morant, Bobby Pring, Bubba Brooks, Edwin Swanston, Al Casey.
- How long is The Last of the First?
- The Last of the First has a runtime of 1h 28m (88 minutes).
- What genre is The Last of the First?
- The Last of the First is a Documentary film.