The Last of the First

Top 10 Billed Cast

Albert Vollmer
Albert Vollmer

himself

Joey Morant
Joey Morant

himself

Bobby Pring
Bobby Pring

himself

Bubba Brooks
Bubba Brooks

himself

Edwin Swanston
Edwin Swanston

himself

Al Casey
Al Casey

himself

Lawrence Lucie
Lawrence Lucie

himself

Alex Layne
Alex Layne

himself

John G. Blowers, Jr.
John G. Blowers, Jr.

himself

Ivan 'Loco' Rolle
Ivan 'Loco' Rolle

himself

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    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.

  • Release Date

    2004-05-02

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