While rival studios like Universal Pictures focused mostly on the performance itself in their own “Name Band Musicals” shorts, Warner Bros. added more storyline material and visual experimentation.
Early films often used a gimmick to frame the musical performances such as the roller skates used in Eddie Duchin & His Orchestra.
As the series progressed, the uses of multiple exposures (a great example being Symphony of Swing with Artie Shaw), optical effects, mirrors (i.e. Glen Gray and the Casa Loma Orchestra) and stark shadow lighting (i.e. Henry Busse and His Orchestra) made this series stand out against the competition.
Life (magazine) photographer Gjon Mili contributed to the most frequently seen today title, Jammin' the Blues, entered into the National Film Registry in 1995.
Directed by Jack Scholl, narrated by Art Gilmore and featuring the Merry Makers as musical support.