The Great Pretender
Lester Bowie · 1981
43 min · 6 tracks · jazz
Experimental jazz fusion intertwines with theatrical flair, creating a vivid soundscape that is both bold and introspective.
Top tracks — play these first
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The Great Pretender — The title track showcases Bowie's signature blend of humor and melancholy, featuring a lengthy improvisational section that highlights the band's virtuosity and collective interplay.
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Rios Negroes — This track exemplifies Bowie's ability to fuse diverse musical elements, incorporating Latin rhythms and complex harmonies that challenge conventional jazz structures.
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When the Doom (Moon) Comes Over the Mountain: a) Doom? / b) When the Moon Comes Over the Mountain — An ambitious multi-part piece that blends comedic narration with intricate musical transitions, illustrating Bowie's playful yet insightful approach to storytelling through music.
Moments worth listening for
Where the writing does something specific.
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Oh, How the Ghost Sings
The song shifts from an airy melody to a haunting refrain, creating a stark contrast that emphasizes themes of memory and loss.
This structural pivot enhances emotional depth by juxtaposing lightness against darkness, reflecting Bowie's exploration of duality within human experiences.
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 The Great Pretender 16:59
- 2 It’s Howdy Doody Time 2:12
- 3 When the Doom (Moon) Comes Over the Mountain: a) Doom? / b) When the Moon Comes Over the Mountain 3:41
- 4 Rios Negroes 7:21
- 5 Rose Drop 7:28
- 6 Oh, How the Ghost Sings 5:53
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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