Lady Be Good

Filmmaker Kay D. Ray's survey of women in jazz primarily relies on remembrances (many archival) from the musicians themselves. Pianist Patrice Rushen provides the narration, while professors, writers, and historians add context. From the start, female instrumentalists participated in the scene as members of male-led bands and all-female ensembles. Aletra Hampton recalls playing minstrel shows for white audiences as part of black groups. Fern Jaros reminiscences about performing in Europe with Babe Egan and Her Hollywood Redheads (the non-redheads dyed their hair or wore wigs). Speakers here also pay tribute to other early players, including the Boswell Sisters (a Louisiana trio), and pianist Lil Hardin Armstrong, Louis Armstrong's wife, who played in the Hot Five. In the 1930s, female swing bands, such as Ina Ray Hutton and Her Melodears, were all the rage. If the players and conductors also danced and maybe showed some leg, musicianship was still paramount. The International Sweethearts of Rhythm, who played mostly black venues, featured women of various ethnicities. During their USO tours, they would entertain black soldiers who were segregated from their white counterparts. Women also talk about sexual harassment and biases against females playing certain instruments, like the drums and bass (flute and piano, on the other hand, were considered acceptable). Ray proceeds through the Swing era and up through post-WWII, when opportunities for female players decreased, although the situation eventually improved. Other speakers here include pianist Marian McPartland and Quincy Jones, who calls trombone player and composer Melba Liston "one of the most indispensable people" in his orchestra. Recommended. Aud: C, P. (K. Fennessy)