And now for a few Lester Bowie records. 

Funny that Lester Bowie is up next, and not because of the alphabet.  No, what with my trip to Milano last weekend, it’s strange that I started and ended the trip listening to Lester.  That’s because the only time I ever saw him was in the Sistine Chapel.  Really.  No, I’m not joking, it’s actually true.  Just ask Colin Fisher and Miguel Zenon – we were on an Either/Orchestra tour in 1999.  Unless it was his doppelganger, but I really think it was him.

Well, anyway, here’s the (regrettably small) collection:

• All The Magic – A fascinating two record set.  In particular, I love the solo trumpet pieces, and as always, Fontella Bass is amazing.  Check her out, also, on the Art Ensemble of Chicago record Les Stances a Sophie.
• The Great Pretender – And here, for me, his sense of humor really comes out.  Bob Stewart is a killer on tuba.  The arrangement of the title tune is a marvel.
• Avant-Pop – Must own.  Simply put.

I have some CDs, a bunch of Art Ensemble Records, The Leaders, and various and sundry other appearances by Mr. Bowie, but those will have to wait for a different section of the alphabet, or a switch to CD.  For those of you who don’t know, he did play on the David Bowie record Black Tie White Noise.  The Bowies.

Best, R.