Search - Ray Anthony :: Dream Dancing II

Great dance music

Robert E. Jones | Norman, OK USA | 10/19/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This is my first and probably last review. My motivation for writing this review came after reading the complaints about the arrangement's slow tempo. The tempo seems slow because that is generally how people preferred to dance back in the 1950s. These Ray Anthony recordings were developed in order to appeal to an audience that essentially no longer exists. I vividly remember my parents not only listening to this style of music, but also dancing to it. Their style of dancing was extremely relaxed, extremely intimate and extremely graceful. If the tempo had been faster, they probably would have sat out the dance. This music brings back not only great memories of my parents, but also great memories of a perfect blend of reeds and brass, and great memories of a talented musician."

Designed For Dancing!!........................

Robert J. Ament | Ballwin, MO United States | 07/17/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"The most exceptional dance band album I've heard in a long time!



I don't understand the apparent confusion.............this is not bop, post bop, or neo-bop but it is one of the best recorded examples of what sometimes is called "touch" dancing! For me it brought back memories of being in the service in the mid '50's which was about the end of the big band era. I particuarly remember a double date one summer night at the Trocadero Ballroom which was an outdoor pavilion at Elitch Gardens in Denver. My buddy and our dates danced to the music of Ralph Flanagan, another great band with the Glenn Miller sound. For those who have never experienced dancing while holding an attractive woman with her head nestled between your shoulder and neck, the scent of her perfume and hair, and moving as one to music such as this..............well, let's just say I'm glad I was born in time to have had that experience.



I recognize a lot of musicians in this band as being very proficient jazz players among which are Rick Baptist, Frank Szabo, Wayne Bergeron, Alan Kaplan, Bill Tole, Alex Iles, Sal Lozano, Roger Neumann, Bob Efford Gregg Field and Chuck Berghofer. None of these guys has any problem getting a gig! It must show that they still enjoy playing these wonderful standards.



I was agreeably surprised at Ray Anthony's longevity......may he go on playing the trumpet as long as the late Doc Cheatham!



To enjoy this music is NOT uncool! It is some of the best available. These are pieces typically played late at night near the end of the set. Many bands used to end with a medley, segueing from one melody to another, and might typically include "Goodnight Sweetheart", "I'll See You In My Dreams" and "Dream". Such was romance then......as were the memories it created."

THIS IS ONE OF THE BEST BIG BAND CDS EVER.

Dr. Walter Oberlnder | 02/27/1999

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I AM A REAL FAN OF THE BIG BANDS. WHEN I BOUGHT THIS CD AND PLAYED IT I FELT THAT I WAS IN HEAVEN. IT HAS TO BE ONE OF THE BEST CDS THAT I HAVE BOUGHT. I HAVE OTHER RAY ANTHONY CDS BUT NONE COMPARE TO THIS ONE. I WISH EVER CD WAS THIS GOOD."