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The Last of the First

2004 · 88 min Documentary

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.

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📋 Film Details

Year 2004
Genre Documentary
Director Anja Baron
Runtime 88 min.

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🎬 MovieFinder's Take

The Last of the First is an acquired taste at 0.0/10. We recommend checking the trailer and synopsis before diving in.

Not every film is made for everyone. Read the synopsis, watch the trailer — you'll know right away if it's for you.

A 2004 film from an era before CGI overload, with real performances that still hit hard. Best for: genre fans and those open to something unconventional.

— MovieFinder Editorial

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