Mannheim Steamroller Information
Mannheim Steamroller is an American classical new-age music group started and led by drummer and composer Chip Davis in 1974. Classical, new age, and rock influences coexist in the group's Fresh Aire CDs, and their contemporary takes on Christmas classics bring them fame—the group's album sales in the United States alone total 28 million.
Chip Davis, a record producer and songwriter, initially used the moniker Mannheim Steamroller. Originating from the Mannheim school of composition in the 18th century, the "Mannheim Steamroller" is a term for a crescendo section in music with an ascending melody line over an ostinato bass line. This method is called the "Mannheim roller".
With the 1984 release of Mannheim Steamroller Christmas, Davis's debut holiday album featuring a new, contemporary take on Yuletide standards, Steamroller began to achieve its greatest reputation. Following this came A Fresh Aire Christmas (1988) and Christmas in the Aire (1995), featuring innovative takes on traditional carols.
Steamroller had established himself as one of the most sought-after performers for Christmas music, largely thanks to his radio-friendly style. Mannheim Steamroller Christmas Live, a live holiday music CD, was released at the end of 1997.
In March 2018, the Fresh Aire series was slated to release Exotic Spaces, a new album created and performed in that style. The CD includes tracks inspired by Egypt's pyramids and the Taj Mahal.
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