Serious Fun is the first album by Lester Bowie recorded for the Japanese DIW label and the fourth album by his "Brass Fantasy" group. It was released in 1989 and features performances by Bowie, Vincent Chancey, Frank Lacy, Steve Turre, E. J. Allen, Gerald Brezel, Stanton Davis, Bob Stewart, Ken Crutchfield, Vinnie Johnson and Famoudou Don Moye.

Reception

The Allmusic review by Scott Yanow awarded the album 4 stars, stating, "Serious Fun is one of the ensemble's earlier records and the material is better than usual... on this particular project it is mostly quite successful and full of Lester Bowie's wit".

Serious Fun (Lester Bowie album)

Track listing

"Papa's Got a Brand New Bag" (James Brown) - 4:40

"Smooth Operator" (Sade, Ray Saint John) - 6:59

"Inflated Tear" (Roland Kirk) - 7:24

"Da Butt" (Marcus Miller) - 6:05

"God Bless the Child" (Arthur Herzog Jr., Billie Holiday) - 14:59

"Don't Worry, Be Happy" (Bobby McFerrin) - 6:32

"Strange Fruit" (Lewis Allan) - 7:54

Recorded at Systems Two, Brooklyn, NY on 4–6 April 1989

Personnel

Lester Bowie: trumpet

Vincent Chancey: French horn

Frank Lacy: trombone, vocals

Steve Turre: trombone

E. J. Allen: trumpet

Gerald Brezel: trumpet

Stanton Davis: trumpet, flugelhorn

Bob Stewart: tuba

Famoudou Don Moye: percussion

Ken Crutchfield: drums

Vinnie Johnson: drums

References

1989 albums

DIW Records albums

Lester Bowie albums

Serious Fun (Lester Bowie album)