Mannheim Steamroller is the creation of Chip Davis, a composer and producer, and keyboardist/pianist Jackson Berkey. Long before they created the popular group, Davis produced an innovative album featuring himself, Berkey, and electric bassist Eric Hansen playing classical music incorporating heavy synthesizers. The album turned out to be the first in the “Fresh Aire” series.
David could not interest any label in releasing the record, so he started American Gramaphone, a play on the name of the famous German label, Deutsche Grammophon, and released the album in 1975. In 1990, the seventh release, “Fresh Aire 7” won the “Best New Age Album” Grammy.
The band’s greatest success came when they turned to Christmas music. In 1984, they released “Mannheim Steamroller Christmas,” which featured their heavily electronic rock approach to classic carols. They have released more than 20 albums of Christmas music, which is now their trademark.
A review notes:
“Timeless traditions are what put us in a festive spirit, and an evening with the cast and crew of Mannheim Steamroller will get your holiday season off to a wonderful start.”
Mannheim Steamroller will be at the Toyota Center in Kennewick on December 15 at 7:00 pm. Poster printing will allow organizers of events like this to create attractive advertising for the occasion.