The Last of the First

Or last of a dying breed. New York’s answer to ‘Buena Vista Social Club’ is an anecdotal celebration of the pioneers of jazz from the late ’20s through to the early ’40s. Many of these old timers have since passed away, yet those who remain – including Fats Waller’ s guitarist and Satchmo’s pianist – continue to woo audiences around the world with their stockpile of trail-blazing blues-based licks. Touching, humorous and full of fascinating facts, this ripe little jazz resumé is not to be missed.