Mannheim Steamroller - A Fresh Aire Christmas
|
List Price: Our Price: $6.49 You Save: $6.45 (50%) Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days Buy Used: from $0.01 (click here) Category: Music CD See more new music releases 
|
|---|
Buy this Music CD at online store in your country
Canadian Music Store
Canadian Music Store
Free Music Notes for A Fresh Aire Christmas
Free Music Review: Mannheim's Finest Hour
Hit: 5 Stars
This, for me, is the quintessential Christmas album, and easily Mannheim's best. It just captures every mood of Christmas perfectly-- from joyful to majestic to wisftul nostalgia (some tracks, such as "Greensleeves" and "O Holy Night" are genuine tear jerkers, yet truly beautiful at the same time.)
There really isn't a bad track on this CD. Chip has always blended synths with "real" instruments, but I think he found the perfect balance on this album, and despite the album's age (released in 1988), it doesn't sound terribly dated today, unlike a lot of other synth-heavy music from that time period (including even Chip's own "Christmas" album from 1984.)
If you haven't yet tried any of Mannheim's Christmas albums, and you're looking for a place to start, go with this one. Their original release ("Christmas", from 1984) is also great, and definitely a classic, but this album takes everything that worked on "Christmas" and refines it to perfection, making it one of those rare cases in which the sequel outdoes the original.
I just wish Chip would go back and really listen to this album again to find out why the name "Mannheim Steamroller" became synonymous with Christmas. This is the one where it all comes together perfectly, and regrettably, he's never quite been able to capture this same level of magic again.
Free Music Review: Love the Selections on this CD!
Hit: 5 Stars
This was my second Mannheim Steamroller cd and was purchased in 1990 or 1991. When I saw the cover design then flipped it over for the music selections... I was hooked! I couldn't wait to get home and listen to it! From the hauntingly beautiful Gregorian Chant opening of "Veni Veni" (O Come O Come Emmanuel) to the ending strains of "Cantique de Noel" (O Holy Night), the listener is caught up in the music and transported to the concert hall... or, in my case, an ice rink.
As previously stated in another review, I listen to Mannheim Steamroller when I decorate my Christmas Tree, when I'm in the mood to write, or when doing my homework. The music is soothing and allows for total concentration which I really like. I have found I don't concentrate as well when listening to vocalized Christmas songs, because I always end up singing and not getting any work done.
My favourite selections on this cd are: Veni, Veni; Still, Still, Still; Greensleeves; Carol of the Bells (which is also my ringtone at Christmas); and Cantique de Noel.
Once again Chip Davis and Mannheim Steamroller have a hit on their hands! You won't want to miss adding this cd to your collection. It is great listening enjoyment, and really is a "must have"!
Free Music Review: Another fine Christmas album
Hit: 5 Stars
Mannheim Steamroller has a series of Christmas albums that are second to none.
The arrangements are exquisite and put you in the Christmas mood.
Hark the Herald Angels sing starts out with an orchestral arrangement, and moves to synthesizer.
O Come, O Come Emmanual is sung by a choir with a church bell in the background, which is later joined by a piano.
The Holly and the Ivy is played on a pan flute and is absolutely beautiful. A classical guitar accompanies the instrumental.
The arrangement on Still, Still, Still with a womans choir is superb.
Lo, A Rose E'er Blooming is played on French Horns.
In dulci jubilo has a renaisance sound to it, and is played with violins and a harpsichord, along with pan flutes and chimes.
Greensleeves is played on a classical guitar with flute, the combination is enough to give you goose bumps.
The Carol of the Bells is actually played with bells.. This is the finest recording of the song I have ever heard.
O Holy Night is outstanding as well.
As with the previous Christmas CD's, Mannheim continues with superb and unique arrangements.
This series of songs are a treat to the ears. Relax and enjoy Christmas music at its very best........Superb
Free Music Review: Absolutely the Best Mannheim Steamroller Christmas CD!
Hit: 5 Stars
There have been many Manheim Steamroller Christmas CDs over the years, at least seven that I know of. "Fresh Aire Christmas" was the second I believe, and in my opinion far and away the best. It's not that the other CDs weren't good, they were. But this collection is exceptional. From the opening fanfare of "Hark! The Herald Trumpets Sing" to the last beautiful notes of "O Holy Night" there is not one bad song here.
But what makes this CD great is how the music flows together. If you sit back and close your eyes you can almost imagine you are at a concert. The range of musical styles varies from piece to piece, including upbeat songs like "Hark! The Herald Angels Sing" & "Carol of the Bells" to the soft and beautiful "Veni Veni" & "Greensleeves." But my favorite here is "O Holy Night." It is by far the best instrumental version I have ever listened to, and better than most vocal arrangements.
I would highly recommend this to any one looking for a wonderful musical experience, not just for Christmas but for something that could be listened to all year round.
Free Music Review: Even Better Than the Original
Hit: 5 Stars
While the first Mannheim Steamroller "Christmas" album revolutionized contemporary Christmas music, the follow-up, "Fresh Aire Christmas," is Chip Davis' masterpiece. Instead of contrasting sharply with his more traditional interpretations, here the electronic touches and percussion blend in to create a truly unique classical/modern sound. The song selection is also uniformly strong, featuring some of the most beautiful and beloved Christmas favorites.Together, the first two Mannheim Steamroller Christmas albums may be the most musically important Christmas recordings ever released. Like it or not (and this reviewer does), Chip Davis has created some of the most distinctive and instantly recognizable interpretations of Christmas classics. And, for anyone who grew up in the 1980s, even his more questionable efforts will for ever more evoke powerful holiday nostalgia.
If you are one of the 17 people who've never heard this music, do yourself a favor and pick up a copy. It is, quite simply, essential Christmas music.