Christmas SongI’ve been a fan of Mannheim Steamroller since their first Christmas album came out in 1984. (Yes, even though their first FIVE Fresh Aire albums preceded their Christmas ones.) But it’s been a long time since I’ve bought a new Mannheim Steamroller CD. I think Fresh Aire 8 was my last purchase, and that came out in 2000.

One reason I haven’t bought more is that so many of the new CDs seem to only be compilations or outside the normal Mannheim Steamroller traditions. You can listen to excerpts on Amazon and also read reviews.

I finally broke down and bought Christmas Song, which came out in 2007. I am VERY pleased with this CD! Chip Davis describes it as his most “personal” recording project so far. Several of the songs are dedicated to his wife and children (individually), which is very cool. Be sure to read those (I especially liked “Elyse Navidad”). :-)

Some of the tracks on this CD are strongly reminiscent of their very first Christmas CD, which is what made so many people fall in love with Mannheim Steamroller. Others are a bit more contemporary. Chip Davis also managed to get Johnny Mathis to sing Davis’ arrangement of “The Christmas Song” and Olivia Newton-John to sing the very personal and touching “Christmas Lullaby,” which now has words. Davis wrote that he’d intended to include words all along.

My favorite tunes out of the 12 on this CD: It Came upon the Midnight Clear, Catching Snowflakes on Your Tongue, Masters in this Hall, and Frosty the Snowman.

The best part: You can get this for A PENNY at Amazon.com (plus shipping). I paid a total of $3.01 for the CD! Check it out on Amazon!