All periods of great artistic innovation are particular to a special time and a special place. This unique documentary recreates one of the most exciting musical developments in American history - the Kansas City Jazz story.

Produced and Directed by Bruce Ricker in 1979, "The Last of the Blue Devils" contains vintage footage of such important Kansas City musicians as Big Joe Turner, Lester Young, Jay McShann, Charlie "Yardbird" Parker and the Count Basie Orchestra with Freddie Green, to name a few.

The film also boasts live clips of the 1970's incarnation of the Basie Orchestra and the McShann Band. Together they perform outstanding versions of such classic songs as "Honey Hush," "Rose Garden," "Chains of Love" and "Shake, Rattle and Roll."

Despite the exceptional quality of the films musical segments, the documentary's highlight remains the personal interactions between all of the wonderful Kansas City legends brought together for the first time in years for this auspicious occasion.

Count Basie, Big Joe Turner, Jimmy Forrest, Crook Goodwin, Buster Smith, Paul Gunther, Budd Johnson, Herman Walder, Jay McShann, Curtis Foster, Speedy Huggins, Baby Lovett, Jo Jones, Buddy Anderson, Jesse Price, Richard Smith, Gene Ramey, Sonny Kenner, Paul Quinichette, Ernie Williams, Eddie Durham, Charles McPherson and Claude Williams can all be seen here together under the same roof!

It is beautiful to see the excitement shared by these musicians, who take turns at the bandstand and swap stories of days gone by.