Last Friday, May 22nd, I flew to the San Francisco Bay area for a walk-through of famed Fantasy Studios in Berkeley, California. Fantasy is the site of the Computer Audiophile Symposium taking place June 27th & 28th, 2009. Studio Director Jeffrey Wood graciously walked me through each recording studio while dropping bits of information about artists who've recorded at Fantasy recently. Walking through the building with its large photos and platinum records on the wall is sure to induce goose bumps on any music lover. Fantasy has a wonderful vibe to it that must be experienced in person. Pictures don't do this place justice.

Entering the Fantasy parking lot at 2600 Tenth Street one immediately notices the larger than life metal sculptures among the beautiful flower garden. The sculptures of a few jazz "artists" set the stage nicely as guests enter the Fantasy Studio - Zaentz Media Center complex. Walking through the front doors is another experience in itself. The rows and rows of record covers are only surpassed by the gigantic photos of greats like Isaac Hayes, Sonny Rollins, Chet Baker, and Cannonball Adderly to name a few. If these artists don't hit your hot button, a stroll through the halls of the studio certainly will. Green Day's multiplatinum Dookie and both Supernatural & Shaman from Santana grace the walls just beyond the bright red studio doors. This is not the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame thus Fantasy cannot possibly display every terrific record it has been associated with over the years. In addition to the albums on display the Fantasy client list certainly makes a statement. Fantasy Studio is not a place that attempts to gain recognition by associating itself with recognized artists. Rather recognized artists seek out what Fantasy has to offer. Together Fantasy and many artists have been a part of creating great music for almost 40 years.

Additional reading:
The Monthly has a really interesting article from April 2009 called FANTASY IS NO MIRAGE | Berkeley's Fantasy Studios overcomes the shrinking music industry with a new vision to welcome a larger creative community.