In the 1970s, Chip Davis, a composer and producer from Omaha, Nebraska teamed up with pianist Jackson Berkey to explore what might happen if they mixed rock and roll and classical music. They came up with something they called “18th century rock,” and went on to record their efforts in an album they called “Fresh Aire.” Unfortunately, they could not interest any record label, so Davis started his own, American Gramaphone, and dropped the album in 1975.
The unlikely idea of rocking classical music turned out to be a gold mine. “Fresh Aire” was a hit, leading the group, now called Mannheim Steamroller, to release a whole series of these albums. In 1990, “Fresh Aire 7” was awarded a Grammy in the category of “Best New Age Album.”
In 1984, they dropped “Mannheim Steamroller Christmas,” which gave them their breakthrough into the mainstream. Most of the tunes were “tweaked” versions of well-known carols, featuring a strong rock beat and innovative use of synthesizers. The sound caught on, and the group now has sales in the U.S. of almost 30 million albums.
A review says:
“…the performance was incredibly enjoyable and was the perfect kick-off to a joyful holiday season.”
Mannheim Steamroller will be at the Aronoff Center, in Proctor & Gamble Hall, on December 26. When events like this are scheduled, organizers can use poster printing to create colorful advertising.