Watch The Girls in the Band

The Girls in the Band is a documentary film released in 2011 that tells the forgotten story of the talented women musicians who helped break down barriers and set new standards in the world of jazz. Directed by Judy Chaikin, the film features interviews with many of the surviving women who played in the jazz orchestras of the 1930s, 1940s, and 1950s, as well as rare archival footage and photographs that paint a vivid picture of the struggles and triumphs these women faced during a time when gender and race bias were at their height.

The film begins by setting the stage for the jazz music scene of the early 20th century, with its distinctive rhythms, improvisation, and virtuosity. It then moves on to describe the emergence of all-women jazz bands, whose members were largely ignored, even though many of them were just as talented as their male counterparts. In fact, as we learn, some of the most famous musicians of the time, like Billie Holiday and Mary Lou Williams, got their start in all-women bands.

The Girls in the Band gives us an intimate peek into the personal lives and experiences of these pioneers. We hear stories of how they landed their first gigs, how they struggled to be taken seriously by men and audiences alike, and how they often had to make do with subpar equipment or accommodations on the road. Nevertheless, we also see how these women persevered, strengthened by their love of the music and the camaraderie they shared with one another.

One of the most striking aspects of the film is the sheer talent on display. Although only a handful of women-led bands became household names in their day, there were many others who were equally deserving of recognition. The Girls in the Band features jaw-dropping performances by musicians such as trumpeter Clora Bryant, saxophonist Peggy Gilbert, and pianist Mary Lou Williams, all of whom defied expectations and stereotypes in their playing. We also get to hear from newer generations of jazz women, such as pianist and composer Geri Allen, who reflects on the legacy of her predecessors and how much she owes them.

As much as The Girls in the Band celebrates these women and their contributions, it is also a sobering reminder of how far we still have to go in terms of gender and racial equality in the music world. Through interviews with contemporary jazz musicians like Esperanza Spalding and Terri Lyne Carrington, we see how even in the 21st century, women are still facing significant barriers, from being dismissed as "divas" or "ornaments" to being paid less than men for the same work. However, the women of The Girls in the Band provide a shining example of how, with persistence and talent, one can overcome even the most entrenched prejudices.

Overall, The Girls in the Band is a moving and inspiring tribute to a group of musicians who paved the way for future generations, and whose stories deserve to be known by all. The film is beautifully crafted, with its evocative score and archive footage, and it provides an important window into a fascinating period of music history. Whether you're a jazz aficionado or just someone who loves a good underdog story, The Girls in the Band is sure to leave you tapping your feet and feeling inspired.

The Girls in the Band is a 2013 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 28 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.8 and a MetaScore of 90.