Living jazz with Bill Saxton (US, 2012, 10-min)
A short documentary about Bill Saxton, a veteran saxophonist and his intimate Jazz Club in Harlem called Bill’s Place.
Bill was born and brought up in Harlem before his family moved to the East Village. After many decades, he returned to his neighborhood and opened an intimate Jazz club called Bill’s Place at 148 West 133rd Street, in a charming little brownstone apartment. Little did he know that this little brownstone, that can sit no more than 25 people, kept untold secrets and unheard musical notes hidden within its walls.
During the 1920s prohibition era, Harlem’s Jazz reigned supreme. In this musically rich period, a famous speakeasy joint known as Tilly’s Chicken Shack attracted singers and performers and dancers from all over, and it was in same brownstone building where Bill’s Place stands today.
This is the place where Billie Holiday and Fats Waller first performed during their early days. Bill shares this rich history of the golden era of Jazz and swing with the patrons that flock to his place every Friday.
Bill was born and brought up in Harlem before his family moved to the East Village. After many decades, he returned to his neighborhood and opened an intimate Jazz club called Bill’s Place at 148 West 133rd Street, in a charming little brownstone apartment. Little did he know that this little brownstone, that can sit no more than 25 people, kept untold secrets and unheard musical notes hidden within its walls.
During the 1920s prohibition era, Harlem’s Jazz reigned supreme. In this musically rich period, a famous speakeasy joint known as Tilly’s Chicken Shack attracted singers and performers and dancers from all over, and it was in same brownstone building where Bill’s Place stands today.
This is the place where Billie Holiday and Fats Waller first performed during their early days. Bill shares this rich history of the golden era of Jazz and swing with the patrons that flock to his place every Friday.
Film Collaborators
With legendary saxophonist Bill Saxton.
Bill Saxton
The documentary centered around Harlem's famous Jazz Musician Bill Saxton and his little 'living' speakeasy at 133rd street called Bill's Place. If you are in New York, this intimate private club is a must-visit. Bill runs the place with his beautiful partner, a successful entrepreneur and author, Dr Theda Palmer Saxton.
Find out more about Bill's Place here.
Find out more about Bill's Place here.
If you want to step back into a bygone era of the small, cozy elbow touching Harlem parlor, with live "in your face" outrageous jazz musicians, you must come to see Bill Saxton, international world class sax man, lead the Harlem All Stars on Friday nights.It is the only experience in town to give you a unique opportunity to be in the same legendary place where the likes of, teenager, Billie Holliday got an opportunity to begin her singing career,and Fats Waller and Willie the Lion Smith were regulars on the piano while enjoying the "bath Tub gin".