The Last of the Blue Devils - The Kansas City Jazz Story

What a great documentary? So, that's what they meant in the song about 'going down to that ole union hall and pitch a wand dang doodle?' Shows so much. And we find out a bit of what it was like in the bad old days. Kids in the business today got it good and don't have to pay hardly any dues. But, it shows 'cause they won't be around like these oldtimers. Can you imagine Kanye West, 50 Cents and Jay Z at sixty years old trying to recreate what they did at twenty. Now. that's a video I'd like to stick around and see. But, since I'm sixty years old now, that means I'll die laughing at 100.

Warm, joyous film blends current day encounters and performances of old jazz comrades with lively footage and anecdotes of Kansas City in prohibition days and just after, when the Pendergast political machine controlled the town. (Later Boss Tom Pendergast would launch a former local haberdasher into politics: Harry S. Truman). Whatever else was happening, jazz was certainly thriving, and a host of musicians like Basie and Turner used the time and place to advance and perfect their individual gifts. This feature will be catnip for any jazz lover.

About 1986 or close to it, I saw a portion of "The Last of the Blue Devils" on late night TV, and I have always watched for it to be aired again, but I have not seen it. When I saw this CD listed, I jumped on the opportunity to buy it, hoping to see more of Lester Young than his brief appearance. But all in all, I still enjoyed the CD.

As an account of the history of Kansas City jazz "The Last of the Blue Devils" is a bit thin on detail. However this nostalgic record of a gathering of aged musicians is very interesting and at times highly entertaining. For those who are seriously interested in tracing the history and influences of Kansas City Jazz there are plenty of other sources to be explored but Big Joe Turner and friends enjoying themselves is something well worth experiencing - and a bit of the Kansas City jazz story creeps in too.

The Blue Devils never sounded so good as this. Jay has now completed his 5th Symohony (198 pages) which was written at the age of thirteen. It has been recorded for Sony BMG in the same studios where the Beatles' songs were recorded. This fifth composition was played by the London Symphony Orchestra in England,

He was not your normal twelve year old, not interested in sports. He was bored to distraction in history class. He sees music as a hobby, and not his destiny. He hears the music in his head at the speed of light. He hums what's channeled to him as he walks. He is the musical Einstein.

At the age of ten, he enrolled at Julliard. Now, at the age of fourteen, he is a 3rd year college student. Jay need to question his 'gift' like Beethoven and studies piano lessons. He played cello at the age of three. He had started writing music at the age of two. His mother is Israli and father lost his sight at the age of 36.

At twelve years, he became known as a musical prodigy and declares that "it comes right the first time." He writes the music for each instrument of the orchestra even though he has not played them. He write "when I am inspired;" when one long session is completed, he starts another immediately. I fear he will burn out before he reaches twenty. He writes what he has imagined and when asked "who can really define happiness" he answers "keeping one's mind challenged."

This was a good documentary filmed both in America and Britain as he takes his bows after the performance of his 5th Symphony. He may know music, but I would advise him to change his mind about history, as that is where we come from and is to be the result of our family heritage and genes as to what his future holds for him. He is an inspiration to all.