Dancing Fantasy Albums (9)
What The Critics Say
In the liner notes to Soundscapes, the writer refers to the opening cut "Dreaming Out Loud" as a "killer" track. Inappropriate use of adjectives aside, don't expect to be knocked out by this group's mad beats. Dancing Fantasy is a German duo who -- judging by their song titles -- revel in generic new age symbolism, such as "The Sound of Colours" and "Feeling of Flight." The blandness of these titles is bested only by the synth-heavy compositions on what must be one of the groups weakest entries to date. Even a die-hard fan of this stuff would have to admit they've heard it before. Not only do Curtis McLaw and Chris W. Williams soil a perfectly good fetish on "Asian Fantasy," but they litter it with that "so already been done" Enigma flute sound. There is an uncredited poem on the inner sleeve of the disc that begins, "Lend me your ear and travel to a/land, where the sun goes up at/night and goes down in the morning/white rainbows, colored clouds/my eyes are delighted full of/ devotion by my favorite color/as here I have the gift to taste/every color/I only need to lick it." If one is to understand their complex logic correctly, then good music has become bad and bad music, now good. Therefore, this disc is brilliant. ~ Matt Collar, All Music Guide
'Dancing Fantasy'
Release Date 5/18/1999
Tracks 13
Label Higher Octave
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What The Critics Say
Imagine that the classic Dave Brubeck band went into a meditative trance and plugged in for a moment, and you'll have some idea of what to expect from Dancing Fantasy's rendition of "Take Five" on the German synthesist duo's self-titled Higher Octave debut. Chris W. Williams and Curtis McLaw provide a laid-back shuffle groove and spacy hypno-trance effects to complement the rich Paul Desmond approximation by saxman York. But the tandem really didn't need to modernize a classic in order to show their melodic and groovy wares. "Say You Will" is an irresistible humalong pop tune, floating Bill Joseph Flynn's sharp acoustic guitar strains and subtle vocalese over a sultry mid-tempo groove, broken up every so often with a synth solo that sounds tonally a bit like the Fender Rhodes. This Fantasy also knows how to imitate instruments synthetically; the soaring melody of "The Power of Life" rings like a new agey version of Tim Weisberg, only there is no literal flute credited. Fortunately, Dancing Fantasy uses the real thing where it counts. Influenced greatly by Tangerine Dream, they use Flynn's crackling electric guitar to wail with abandon on "Carpe Diem," perfectly recalling how that legendary German group built a simmering tune before exploding towards the end. ~ Jonathan Widran, All Music Guide
What The Critics Say
The Dancing Fantasy team of Curtis McLaw and Chris Williams take us around the world in sixty minutes with their latest collaboration Worldwide. While their purpose was to reflect the flow of music around the world, this recording does not contain authentic folk music or so-called "world music," but rather their interpretation of the spirit and energy of the various countries, their cultures and people. Incorporating ethnic sound samples, Dancing Fantasy delivers an exciting, stylistic hybrid that intuitively combines traditional musical styles with their own groove-laced, fresh and energetic sound... ~ MusD, All Music Guide
'Moonlight Reflections'
Release Date 3/26/1992
Tracks 13
Label Innovative
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What The Critics Say
The latest in the Dancing Fantasy saga, Moonlight Reflections is another predictably safe yet undeniably appealing recording. While California Grooves was heavily influenced by the Southern California beach scene, this new album finds and stays right in the groove, with a laidback jazz feeling and gentle dance rhythms. Despite an unimaginative treatment of John Lennon's "Imagine," the fourth effort by the core duo of Curtis McLaw and Chris Williams is filled with both beautiful and relaxing music that is not pretentious or complex but rather satisfying in its high-gloss approach. ~ Backroads Music/Heartbeats, All Music Guide
'California Grooves'
Release Date 1/1/1991
Tracks 17
Label Innovative
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What The Critics Say
Following hot on the heels of their surprise hit Midnight Boulevard, Dancing Fantasy's new album pays homage to the sunny beach ambience of Southern California. The first half primarily features smooth laidback minor-key synthesizer grooves, flavored by mellow guitar and electronic percussion, obviously influenced by the slicker exponents of commercial R&B. Midway through, the listener is jolted out of a trance of terminal mellowness by the dynamic electric lead guitar and punchy snare of "Happy Harry," and from here on out California Grooves picks up steam, with upfront house drum rhythms, pulsing sequencers and more dynamic arrangements. A risky cover of The Doors classic "Riders on the Storm" is included, with saxophone as the lead instrument, while a snappy remix of "Midnight Boulevard" closes out the album. Woven into and between the tracks are snippets of recorded conversation from a cross-section of Southern California characters, including a couple of boys rapping (about Jesus!), the smooth patter of a radio weatherman, giggling girls, and the convivial atmosphere of people enjoying the beaches, particularly Venice Beach. Ultra slick and polished to a high gloss, California Grooves is a very L.A. take on of the hedonistic Southern California beach scene. ~ Backroads Music/Heartbeats, All Music Guide
'Midnight Boulevard'
Release Date 1/1/1990
Tracks 11
Label Innovative
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What The Critics Say
Full of music and emotion, these selections move from soothing and relaxing to groovy and upbeat. The smooth sounds of keyboards, guitar and drums grab the listener's fantasies and don't let go... ~ MusD, All Music Guide
