Mannheim Steamroller - A Fresh Aire Christmas
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Free Music Notes for A Fresh Aire Christmas
Free Music Review: An Excellent Work, Chip Davis. I Applaud You!
Hit: 5 Stars
As a long time fan of Mannheim Steamroller since Fresh Aire appeared in my neighbohood Jax Camera & Electronics Store down the street in 1974, I have collected EVERYTHING Chip Davis and Mannheim Steamroller releases. But, this particular album will always be the best Steamroller recording ever. As outstanding as the first Christmas album is, this album has affected Mannheim Steamroller's sound afterward in so many ways since its release. When you listen to a recording like this for the first time, it seems like all of the Christmas spirit went into making it. There is so much hard work involved here it is truly amazing Davis was able to fit Fresh Aire VI & 7 around this project and still win a Grammy for FA 7! Playing this album, you get a relaxing introduction piece, "Hark! The Herald Trumpets Sing" followed by the high-spirted "Hark! The Herald Angels Sing." With one of the most impressive brass sections ever recorded, Davis wows the listener with horn composition like there's no tomorrow! Even previous Fresh Aire albums didn't feature such a grand sound.
"Veni, Veni" has a completely unique, yet not so unique format about it. Choral work seems to be one of Davis's specialities, (probably because he used to sing in a choir) and it certainly shows in this piece. Since FA V was released, choral music seemed to find its way into Davis's compositions and arrangements with ease. I think the reason most people like this piece so much is that seems to wrap up (no pun intended) everything about Christmas. The same is true with "Still, Still, Still." These pieces just have a feeling about them that represents this wonderful season.
In my opinion, "Greensleeves" didn't come out any better on this album than on previous albums (Classical Gas, FA 4, etc.), though it is still beautiful to listen to. Personally, I like the FA 4 version the best out of the four.
"Carol of the Bells" is one the most arranged Christmas Songs ever because of this album. Composers were given ground work to work off of with this track. Remember Home Alone and the recent arrangement by the TransSiberian Orchestra? Both have their roots in Mannheim Steamroller's version.
"La Cantique de Noel (The Christmas Song)" is also wonderfully arranged although, as much I hate to say it, could have used a lead choral presence in the chorus. The song is still brillantly arranged however.
Mannheim Steamroller's version of these songs and every other song on this album should be the "measuring stick" with which to compare future Christmas arrangements. Chip Davis has done such an excellent job arranging this album, that it has found its way into the hearts of the listeners forever.
Free Music Review: NOT the same-old same old
Hit: 5 Stars
The Christmas CD is a breath of fresh air, as its name implies. Though there is a track that is what some would call "traditional Mannheim Steamroller", most of the tracks - if heard "blind" - would not be linked to the artist. There are Renaissance, Gregorian chant, and you-name-it stylings. One waits with anticipation for the next track as the current one ends. For one arranger/conductor to achieve such variety (with quality) is amazing. I mean, there is similarity in styling with Montovani, Arthur Fiedler, Ray Conniff, Ferrante & Teicher, Frank Mills, 101 Strings, etc. These are great styles, don't get me wrong, but usually one knows what to expect before listening to a new album. This is fine, and does help a person avoid styles they don't like and/or choose styles they are confident they will like when buying a new album.
But Chip Davis is unique: one knows it will be quality music, but it won't be cookie-cutter styling or even nuances of similar stylings. No, Chip Davis considers each piece on its own and decides what treatment best suits the melody, meaning, and even the era in which it was written. He is a comfortable with Gregorian chant as with Bach or the driving, uplifting beat of a "Mannheim Steamroller" arrangement. There is nothing cheap or simplistic; there are no travesties of the composer's/writer's intent. What a rare achievement this is!
I appreciated that the liner notes by Chip Davis are descriptions of the styles used on each piece and the reasons for each choice. He obviously respects and appreciates his listeners, and desires them to be drawn into the music in a deeper way than most arrangers/conductors. This isn't dry, boring notes, but a journey with him as each track is developed. I really appreciated this, and it helped me enjoy the album even more.
Finally, the choices all "go together" well. These are classic carols that have stood the test of time (with one exception, but it has a similar "feel" so fits in well). I highly recommend this album.
Free Music Review: Soundtrack to the Holidays
Hit: 5 Stars
Everyone has a certain song or group that reminds them of the holiday season. For me, that group is Mannheim Steamroller. I don't know exactly when my parents first discovered this artist, but I do know that, for as long as I can remember, the sounds of Mannheim's "A Fresh Aire Christmas" is the soundtrack to the holiday season. I can clearly recall baking Christmas cookies or putting up the tree while listening to this album, first in cassette tape, then CD form.
There's something almost magical about this album. Mannheim Steamroller has managed to capture the holiday spirit in its almost haunting renditions of Christmas favorites. Dark and rich, there's something nearly ethereal about these instrumentals. Each one is presented beautifully, and in a way that you can't easily forget.
Every track on this record is well-done, but it is the combination of all twelve that makes the album magical. From `Hark! The Herald Trumpets Sing' to `Cantique de Noel', the listener is taken on a journey that is truly a treat for the ears. The styles vary, but they are woven seamlessly into a piece of perfection. `Greensleeves' is almost medieval in sound, as is `In dulci Jubilo', though the former is quiet and the latter reminiscent of a fair. `Lo How A Rose E'er Blooming' is piece of triumph for brass instruments, while `Veni, Veni Emmanuel (O Come, O Come Emmanuel)' is performed by a men's choir in Gothic fashion. However, my favorite track is undoubtedly `Carol of the Bells', which is both rich and frenzied, previewing the style Trans-Siberian Orchestra would later make famous.
Looking for an album that captures the Christmas spirit without singing chipmunks and endless jingle bells? Something that, perhaps, reminds you of the sacredness of the holiday without endless carols? Look no further. Mannheim Steamroller's "A Fresh Aire Christmas" has everything you need. Enjoy it this season and let it become the soundtrack to your holiday celebration.
Free Music Review: A new twist on some old Christmas favorites. Fabulous!
Hit: 5 Stars
I first got introduced to this offering when I bought it on cassette in 1989. I have been reveling in it every Christmas season for the past 15 years, and marveling at the way it never gets old even after many, many listenings. While it may be a bit presumptuous to say that this is the best Christmas music available, there is no question that it's absolutely unique, and has a flavor quite unlike anything else.
Chip Davis and the boys take some classic holiday songs and rearrange them in that distinct Mannheim Steamroller fashion, with plenty of synthesized sound and complex, funky rhythms. "Hark the Herald Angels Sing" is a great example of one such highly modernized and stylized song. "Little Drummer Boy" is another.
However, the modern is balanced by the simple and classic. For example, "Veni Veni" is a Latin chant version of "O Come Emmanael", done in a cappella vocals with chiming bells for accents -- absolutely beautiful! "O Holy Night" and "Still, Still, Still" are gentle and soothing, and will quickly draw you back to a bygone era of horsedrawn sleighs, cozy fireplaces and delicate, pristine snowfalls.
I still have the same cassette I bought 15 years ago, and I still break it out every year at Christmas. I will continue to do so until it wears out, at which time I will promptly buy another copy, this time on CD. If you've never experienced the unique sound of Mannheim Steamroller at Christmas, by all means, please do! You'll be glad you did.
Free Music Review: A must-have for Christmas
Hit: 5 Stars
I am a big fan of the Mannheim Steamroller Christmas CDs, and this is one of the best. There really isn't a bad song on this one, though I guess the worst would be In dulci Jubilo. Of course, that's like choosing a "worst" out of chocolate cake with white frosting, chocolate cake with chocolate frosting and white cake with chocolate frosting. Come December 1, this and the two other CDs I own from Mannheim Steamroller go on repeat on my CD player. This one starts off with two really good versions of Hark! The Herald Angels Sing, and then continues on with other quiet, beautiful songs. It has quite a modernized, eventually jazzed up version of Little Drummer Boy, and then goes back to the soft and quiet.
The best song on this CD, though, is an original composition from Chip Davis, called "Traditions of Christmas." It really brings back memories of Christmas past with family and friends, and the traditions that form from them. It also makes you think of the traditions that you will pass on to your own children. It really is a beautiful piece that has the ability to make you cry.
The CD ends with a wonderful rendition of O Holy Night. It's very quiet and beautiful, and a fitting climax to a beautiful CD.
The only reason I can think for anybody not to have this CD is if you can't stand the thought of synthesizers in your Christmas music. Otherwise, add this one to your collection. It is simply awesome.