Jammin' the Blues main backdrop
Jammin' the Blues main poster

Jammin' the Blues

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6.9/10 • 29

1944-05-050h 10m

DocumentaryMusic

In this short film, prominent jazz musicians of the 1940s gather for a rare filming of a jam session. This highly stylized chronicle features tenor sax legend Lester Young.

Directors
Gjon Mili
Editors
Everett Dodd

Top Billed Cast

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  1. Lester Young

    Lester Young

    Self - on Tenor Sax

  2. George 'Red' Callender

    George 'Red' Callender

    Self - on Bass

  3. Harry Edison

    Harry Edison

    Self - on Trumpet

  4. Marlowe Morris

    Marlowe Morris

    Self - on Piano

  5. Sidney Catlett

    Sidney Catlett

    Self - on Drums

  6. Barney Kessel

    Barney Kessel

    Self - on Guitar

  7. Jo Jones

    Jo Jones

    Self - on Drums

  8. John Simmons

    John Simmons

    Self - on Bass

  9. Illinois Jacquet

    Illinois Jacquet

    Self - on Tenor Sax

Reviews1

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CinemaSerf Avatar

CinemaSerf

Feb 8, 2024

7/10

Luckily, the narration merely introduces the concept of the "midnight symphony" before it leaves us in peace to enjoy ten minutes of smoky, sophisticated and moody saxophone (Lester Young), trumpet, double bass and piano infused jazz - with a gentle accompaniment from the pace-setting drums and with each getting their moment to shine in a seamless montage of instrumental music before a sexy rendition of "The Sunny Side of the Street" from Marie Bryant kicks in to put some filling in the sandwich. Then, for a closing, we see a slightly more stylised and deliberate production of an improvised number that brings in a bit of jitterbug and some more fine guitar and sax work. It sure gets your toes tapping - and it's a great and varied jam. It's filmed with next to no wattage from the lights, and in a pall of cigarette smoke and that does wonders for the atmosphere here. Simple photography that lets the talent do the talking.

Media

  • Jammin' the Blues poster
  • Jammin' the Blues poster
  • Jammin' the Blues poster

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Status
Released
Original Language
English
Budget
--
Revenue
--
Keywords
jazzjazz singer or musicianjam sessionshort film