The Last of the First (2004)
1h 28m
Running Time
May 2, 2004Release Date
Plot.
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.
Where to Watch.
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Cast & Crew.

Albert Vollmer
himself

Joey Morant
himself

Bobby Pring
himself

Bubba Brooks
himself

Edwin Swanston
himself

Philip Shane
Editor

Al Casey
himself

Lawrence Lucie
himself

Alex Layne
himself

John G. Blowers, Jr.
himself

Ivan 'Loco' Rolle
himself

Calvin Lynch
himself

Laurel Watson
herself

Kate Compel
Cinematography

Philip Shane
Editor

Anja Baron
Producer / Director / Cinematography

David Meeker
Thanks

Denise Rosenstein
Associate Producer
Details.
This Movie Is About.
jazz
harlem
black history
harlem renaissance
swing music