The Girls in the Band (2011)

The untold stories of female jazz and big band instrumentalists and their journeys from the late 1930's to the present day.

Director:

Judy Chaikin

Writers:

Judy Chaikin, Edward Osei-Gyimah

Stars:

Geri Allen, Jessie Bailey, Jane Ira Bloom

4 wins & 3 nominations.

Cast

Credited cast:
Geri Allen	...	Self
Jessie Bailey	...	Self - Trombone
Jane Ira Bloom	...	Self
Clora Bryant	...	Self - Trumpet
Terri Lyne Carrington	...	Self
Anat Cohen	...	Self
Roz Cron	...	Self - Saxophone, Clarinet & Flute (as Rosalind 'Roz" Cron)
Peggy Gilbert	...	Self - Saxophone
Herbie Hancock	...	Self
Ina Ray Hutton	...	Self - Singer and Dancer (archive footage)
Laurence C. Jones	...	Self - Piney Woods School Founder (archive footage) (as Dr. Laurence C. Jones)
Tammy L. Kernodle	...	Self - Music Historian (as Dr. Tammy Kernodle)
Sherrie Maricle	...	Self - Drummer
Marian McPartland	...	Self
James Briggs Murray	...	Self

Storyline

In the world of jazz, women have long been marginalized as singers or piano players. Little has ever been documented about the enormously talented female trumpet players, saxophonist and drummers who struggled for recognition but were cut off from any meaningful employment by men who didn't want women on their bandstands. This film traces the history of the all-girl bands and the struggles of the handful who broke through the male bastions, and brings us into the present day, where brilliantly gifted young women are going toe-to-toe with the finest jazz musicians of their day.

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Plot Keywords:

title directed by female | jazz | f rated | 

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Genres:

Documentary | Biography | History | Music

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Certificate:

Not Rated

User Reviews

Nice little history lesson

An all too brief review of the history of women in Jazz, from the begginnings of the 1900s through modern day female musicians. These women had to face discrimination and diminished expectations from multiple fronts--particularly if they were African American, but nothing could keep them from doing what they loved--and many of the women were--and are, as good as or even better than the stars of thier day. Even though they often did not receive the credit they were due--privately, let alone publicly--for thier playing, their writing and arrangements, nothing could stop them. amd thier joy at making music still shines through.

Filled with interviews, timely photos and film clips, this movie is a wonderful trip through time, and a reminder that while we've come a "Long way baby", a woman's journey towards full acceptance as an equal member of the human race is far from over. Overall well done. Would have enjoyed more time with the music, and more film clips of the performances, but I've few complaints. The pace was good, the hsitory memorable, and the women are just plain incredible. Recommended!

Details

Official Sites:

Official Facebook Official site

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

10 May 2013 (USA)

Also Known As:

The Girls in the Band

Company Credits

Production Co:

Artist Tribe, One Step Productions

Technical Specs

Runtime:

81 min 62 min (TV) (2017)

Color:

Color