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Bruce Ricker

The Last of the Blue Devils

Director Bruce Ricker Cast Buddy Anderson, Count Basie, Eddie Durham
Edition 1981
90' - 1979 - Documentary, Music/Musical - Dialogue: English
During Prohibition, Kansas City was wide open, and jazz was its music. Late in the 1970s, musicians of the Pendergast era gather at the union hall to play, sing, and talk. Some were part of Walter Page's Blue Devils, joined Bennie Moten's band, and stayed with Count Basie's Orchestra. Basie is on hand, as are Big Joe Turner, Jay McShann, and some of his big band. Highlights include Turner's vocals, McShann's sly piano playing, a drum clinic from Jo Jones and Baby Lovett, Jimmy Forrest solos, and remembrances of Lester Young and of how Charlie Parker got his nickname. Throughout is the Kansas City sound: cool and relaxed, blues meeting swing, an afterbeat that calls for dancing.

Image gallery

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Credits

Directors

Bruce Ricker

Cast

Buddy Anderson, Count Basie, Eddie Durham

Scenario

John Arnoldy

Director of Photography

Arnie Johnson

Editors

Thomasin Henkel

More info

Dialogue

English

Countries of production

United States of America

Year

1979