Michael Quatro

Michael Quatro's Diverse Soundscape

Released in 1976, "Dancers, Romancers, Dreamers & Schemers" is the fourth studio album by Michael Quatro. This album was released under United Artists Records and Prodigal Records. It features a unique blend of progressive rock, funk, soul, and disco elements, which were quite innovative for its time. Michael Quatro takes on a multifaceted role, handling all keyboards, arranging, and composing for the album.

The album features a remarkable roster of guest musicians. David Surkamp, the lead vocalist of the prog rock band Pavlov's Dog, narrates the track "Ancient Ones." This 7:27-minute piece is a prog-rock epic that showcases both storytelling and musical complexity. Patti Quatro, Michael's sister and a former member of The Pleasure Seekers, provides harmony vocals on several tracks, adding a familial touch to the project.

One standout track is "Rollerbach (Disko-Bach)," which creatively merges J.S. Bach's counterpoint with modern Moog synthesizers and a disco beat. This track features electric guitar by Ray Parker Jr., who would later achieve fame with his hit "Ghostbusters." Another notable collaboration includes legendary soul guitarist Bobby Womack, who contributes to the track "Adagio." His distinct style adds depth to the album's already rich sound.

Quatro's arrangement of Frédéric Chopin's Nocturne in E-flat major, Op. 9, No. 2, titled "Pure Chopin," transforms a classical piece into a rock interpretation, showcasing his ability to bridge genres. The track "Stripper" is particularly interesting, as it later gained traction in hip-hop circles, becoming a frequently sampled track.

The production of the album was overseen by Stuart Alan Love, with recording engineers Steve Escallier, Frank Kejmar, and Nat Jeffrey contributing to the engineering work. The album's design was handled by Ria Lewerke, and the cover photography was done by Moshe Brakha. "Dancers, Romancers, Dreamers & Schemers" is available on vinyl and is categorized under the United Artists catalog as UA-LA 664-G.