Mannheim Steamroller - A Fresh Aire Christmas
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Free Music Notes for A Fresh Aire Christmas
Free Music Review: Now THIS is Christmas!
Hit: 5 Stars
I've had this album for many years now, and I cannot emphasize enough just how good it is. There is not a single track on the entire CD that even slips to mediocrity... they're all excellent. Most people claim that the original Mannheim Steamroller Christmas was the best, and in all fairness, this one is highly derivative of that album. But Chip Davis has taken everything that worked on that earlier album and improved it here. I even think his rendition of "Cantique De Noel (O Holy Night)" is superior to what he did with "Silent Night" on the first album, and that's saying a lot. Chip perfectly blends acoustic and electronic sounds throughout the album, and hearing the Cambridge Singers sing "Veni Veni" and "Still Still Still" is quite beautiful. The two most prominent Christmas moods (joy and nostalgia) are each captured perfectly throughout the album. If you have any interest at all in Christmas music, you'd be shortchanging yourself by not buying this one.Free Music Review: Traditional Christmas Music with a Fresh interpretation
Hit: 5 Stars
Chip Davis has created a masterpiece in this CD. His simple rendition of 'Still, Still, Still' brings tears to my eyes and a feeling of warmth and happiness to my heart and soul. I bought this CD when it originally came out in 1988, and since then I have purchased multiple copies each Christmas and given them to my friends. My whole family likes to play it, and play it, and play it (even the kids!). The supremely reverant version of 'O Come O Come Emmanuel' is the most beautiful rendition I have ever heard, making it easy to picture the 12th century monks singing on their way to the chapel on a cold winter night. One of my favorite Christmas melodies is 'In dulci Jubilo', and here, I was brought to a feeling of peaceful quiet, appreciating and anticipating the Christmas event that is celebrated each year. Throughout this CD, Chip Davis uses a variety of instruments from the 12th through 16th centuries. The result is nothing short of inspirational!Free Music Review: from Solo Piano Publications
Hit: 5 Stars
This is my all-time favorite Christmas album! Because I teach so much Christmas music, I really enjoy a different take on the carols, and this is certainly right up my alley! A few people have told me they don't like the fact that some of the carols are so unusual, but I love this album! "The Little Drummer Boy" and "Carol of the Bells" are definitely upbeat and non-traditional (and GREAT!!!) arrangements, but "O Come O Come Emmanuel", "The Holly and the Ivy", "Greensleeves", and "O Holy Night" are achingly beautiful. "Traditions of Christmas" is a Chip Davis original, and is sweet and cozy. "Lo How a Rose E'er Blooming" and "In Dulci Jublio" would be at home on a classical album, while "Carol of the Bells" rocks. Each piece is given its own individual treatment, so the album plays almost like a compilation. Far superior to the more-recent "Christmas in the Aire", I give "A Fresh Aire Christmas" my highest recommendation!Free Music Review: The definitive Christmas CD!
Hit: 5 Stars
This is one of the best Christmas CD's I have ever listened to. From traditional Christmas songs played so beautifully that it will put you in the Christmas spirit the second you listen to the CD, to the new variation of old Christmas Carols this is the CD that captures the spirit of Christmas. Chip Davis is well known for his wonderful Fresh Aire CD's of the last 30 years or so, but I believe his Christmas CD's are his "Par Excellence". My favorites are the "Holly and the Ivy" and "Oh Holy Night". But take my word for it, each and every song on this CD is absolutely fantastic.
This is a Christmas CD where you turn off all the lights in the house except the Christmas tree lights and just watch the Christmas tree by yourself or with that special someone and it will defintely get you in the Holiday Spirit.
Highly Recommended!
Free Music Review: This is as good as their 1st album
Hit: 5 Stars
Fresh Aire Christmas is every bit as good as "Mannheim Steamroller Christmas. It has that special touch only Chip Davis can give. Their treatment of O Come O Come Emanuel as a Gregorian Chant is inspiring. Other classic carols make it a great addition to our collection. Hark! The Herold Angels Sing is done with Trumpets and it is positively regal. Still Still Still is done with choir voices and is very peaceful. Greensleeves is in strings and has always been a favorite of mine. In Carol of the Bells, you can hear a wonderful range of bells clearly. Little Drummer Boy's treatment of many percussion instruments gives it the perfect touch. O Holy Night is a perfect finale.
Attending any concert by Mannheim Steamroller is a must. We just attended our first. We have been fans of theirs since Classical Gas.