Biography
In the 1970s an underrecognized soul and funk ensemble called Aquarian Dream never managed a breakthrough despite its connection to Norman Connors. The group came together in 1976 after Connors signed it to Buddah and oversaw its first release, Norman Connors Presents Aquarian Dream. Its roster at that time featured lead singer Gloria Jones, saxophonist Claude Bartee Jr., whose jazz experience included sideman work with Grant Green and Pucho, guitarist Pete Bartee, keyboardist Jacques Burvick, percussionist Mike Fowler, and drummer Jimmy Morrison, who is not to be mistaken for the Doors vocalist.
Personnel shifts occurred before the recording of the follow-up album Fantasy, again guided by Connors; Gloria Jones and Mike Fowler departed while Sylvia Striplin arrived as lead vocalist alongside bassist Ernie Adams, percussionist Dave Worthy, and keyboardist Winston Daley. The project moved the band from Buddah to Elektra, yet the change brought no commercial gain and sales remained low.
For its 1979 third album, Chance to Dance, Aquarian Dream ended its partnership with Connors and adopted a stronger disco direction, but the effort fared no better than earlier releases and the group disbanded that same year.
Personnel shifts occurred before the recording of the follow-up album Fantasy, again guided by Connors; Gloria Jones and Mike Fowler departed while Sylvia Striplin arrived as lead vocalist alongside bassist Ernie Adams, percussionist Dave Worthy, and keyboardist Winston Daley. The project moved the band from Buddah to Elektra, yet the change brought no commercial gain and sales remained low.
For its 1979 third album, Chance to Dance, Aquarian Dream ended its partnership with Connors and adopted a stronger disco direction, but the effort fared no better than earlier releases and the group disbanded that same year.
Albums
