Jammin the Blues (Gjon Mili, Norman Granz, 1944)

Jammin’ the Blues is a 1944 American short film made by Gjon Mili and Norman Granz in which a number of prominent jazz musicians re-create the jam-session atmosphere of nightclubs and after-hours spots. It features Lester Young, Red Callender, Harry Edison, Marlowe Morris, Sid Catlett, Barney Kessel, Jo Jones, John Simmons, Illinois Jacquet, Marie Bryant and Archie Savage. Cast Lester Young – Tenor saxophone Red Callender – Bass Harry “Sweets“ Edison – Trumpet Marlowe Morris – Piano “Big“ Sid Catlett – Drums (First two songs, and intro of third) Jo Jones – Drums (for final song) Barney Kessel – Guitar John Simmons – Double bass Illinois Jacquet – Tenor saxophone Marie Bryant – Vocals and Female Dancer Archie Savage – Male Dancer Songs “Midnight Symphony“ “On the Sunny Side of the Street“ – Sung by Marie Bryant “Jammin’ the Blues“