专辑简介

Belgium's best-kept secret ANDY & DI are a British Belgian Duo who continue to astound and excite since their formation in 1995. Words like “spontaneous humour, inspirational, seriously different, a fresh breeze, and unique ambience” constantly spring off the lips of their audiences. Their latest incarnation is as a "Folk-Comedy Duo" but they defy anyone to put them in a box and classify their music. It is best to examine their roots. ANDY was born in the Beatles City of Liverpool and was brought up in the local Irish Community. He immersed himself in Folk and Rock Music but simultaneously had an intensive classical education on the violin. DI was born near the City of Antwerp and has an unique warm voice and a captivating stage presence. This dance album came about when during dance lessons at their local dance school in Belgium, Andy suddenly got the urge to write Rumbas and Tangos. He approached the director Guido De Smet for advice and that started him on a new journey of exploration into the world of dance music. Every month Andy would come with samples of his work for appraisal and often Ilse, the wife of Guido would play them at practice sessions. “There is no greater kick in the world than watching beautiful dancers dancing to a new composition”. Many songs that had not been recorded on their previous albums suddenly found a new home. All the songs are in strict tempo and correct rhythm in accordance with the International Dance Teachers Association (IDTA) and are perfectly danceable from beginners to advanced. This album is ANDY & DI meets Ballroom and Latin American Dancing and as such is TOTALLY DIFFERENT from other dance albums. Every song “lives” and in many cases has already been performed successfully with just a guitar or piano. But now with entire orchestras and driving rhythm sections it achieves a punch and power that singers, musicians and dancers dream of.

The album starts with a setting of “Desiderata”, the inspirational poem of Max Ehrmann. But this is no ordinary English Waltz. A pulsating tapestry of electronic and acoustic rhythms support the soaring close-harmony vocals wafting the listener and dancer along to the transendental climax, “And it is, a Beautiful World, be Careful, Strive to be Happy!” Another English Waltz follows, this time totally a capella, just pure voices. This is a meditation on the theme, “One Step at a Time” Very useful when you’re faced with a challenge like learning a new dance step! Two Quicksteps follow, the first, “Look at the Moon” is a whimsical look at romance. A couple meet under the moonlight but they end up getting more than they bargained for! The second Quickstep is an instrumental. a virtuoso arrangement of “The Mason’s Apron”, an Irish reel that features Andy on violin and Di on Bodhran and Tibetan hand cymbals! “She Said” is a frivolous Cha Cha Cha about a couple who can’t make up their minds and “I’m Only In Love With Myself” is a highly humorous look ar egotism and self-deceit. So you can dance the Cha Cha Cha and laugh along with yourself. “Dance With Me” is a passionate Tango and conveys all the yearnings and desires of this most sensual of dances. “Song of Joy” is an exciting Jive and is Andy’s answer to Beethoven’s Ode to Joy! The dancer is invited not only to feel the Joy but to be the Joy. If this doesn’t bring you to a state of ecstacy then there is no hope! Two absolutely beautiful Rumbas follow, “For Those Who Do Without,” a tender and compassionate song about poverty and hardship while “You Don’t Love Me Anymore” is a philosophical journey in search of real love. Both songs feature Di’s voice at her spine-tingling best, soaring high above the bongos and guitars, moving more than just our hearts but connecting with us on a soul level. “Cradle to Cradle” is the world’s first Ecological Viennese Waltz. Inspired by the work of William McDonough and Michael Braungart it reminds us of important ecological concepts which may just save our planet! “Let Yourself Go” is an exciting Samba that just builds and builds till everything rips loose. “Give Me The Paso Doble” tells the story of a squeamish matador who can’t stand the sight of blood and “Not Enough Time” is an elegant Slow Foxtrot.