Personnel:
Charles McPherson (as), Lester Young, Paul Quinichette (ts), Count Basie, Jay McShann (p), Big Joe Turner (vcl)
Reference: 2869012
This unique documentary (USA, 1979) recreates one of the most exciting musical developments in American history. Contains vintage footage of the featured musicians. It is beatiful to see the excitement shared by these musicians, who take turns at the bandstand and swap stories of days gone by.
"As part of its Jazz on Film series, the American Film Institute theater in Silver Spring Maryland gave a 25th anniversary showing of The Last of the Blues Devils, from 1979, with Q&A with filmmaker Bruce Ricker and comments by WAMU radio personality Rob Bamberger. The film is available in DVD and VHS.
Walter Page and the Blue Devils was one of the early hot bands from Kansas City in the 20s, inspiring Bennie Moten and later Count Basie, and a host of others. Jimmy Rushing was a singer with the Blue Devils, etc.
Much of it was shot as a reunion of great musicians in the Kansas City Musicians' Union hall. The lead narrator was Ernie Williams, the last of the Blue Devils.
It may not be new to you but it was to me and maybe to some of you here. Check it out if you can. Great performances by Jay McShann, Joe Turner, Count Basie. Interesting little segments with Jo Jones and his mentor Baby Lovett. Claude Williams. Jesse Price. Paul Quinichette. etc."