Feeling blue, anxious, needing something to cheer you up? Heaven knows the world is pressing down on us all with glum news. Good news is the release of a movie that, admittedly, will not change the world, but it is sure to make you smile from way down deep. The Knights of Swing, about a teen swing-band of the 40s, is a cure for the blahs.
Emilio Palame, with a long and impressive history as a pianist, actor, and longtime musical director for Peggy Lee, has teamed with some other creative wizards to bring us a movie unimaginably rich in musical talent and charm. Actually there is more than soul-capturing music. Oh, and those costumes are a whole other mark of creative genius? Hair, makeup! All of it geared to bring the reality of this high-school world right to our door.
Emilio was director, writer, star, arranged and orchestrated all the music. He talks about the movie’s Executive Producer Rolland Jacks, and what went into making this movie, available to you, of course right here.
Remember the 1940s? If you do, you will relate to this film and If you don’t, you will relate to this film because either way romance, friendship, jealousy courage, racism, nastiness, and sneakiness are familiar themes in any age. I say cuddle up and have yourself a good time. No spoilers here from me (although Emilio kind of spills the beans). You want to see the interesting twists for yourself.
How Emilio got the job of Peggy Lee’s musical director is quite a story in its own right. Take a look at Emilio here for the joy of seeing his joy! And, for some important American music history.