As Chip describes in this short clip, the title of this song belies its true origin. Contrary to what you might think, “Pass the Keg” is not a drinking song. It comes from Pass the Kalla, which is a form of music from the 18th century.
Toccatas, which mean “quickly moving fingers on the keyboard” are usually played on an organ. Listen to Chip describe how he wrote a toccata on a sequencer with a synthesizer as a tribute to one of his favorite composers, Johann Sebastian Bach.
See the original music video for God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen and discover what Chip had in mind when he ‘mannheimed’ this old Welch Christmas carol. Watch a rousing horseback ride through the woods culminate in sweeping landscape views of beaches, fields and castles.
In old English, this popular carol expresses a sentiment of happiness as in “God rest ye merry, gentlemen.” Today, the refrain has lost its pause but not its fervor in Mannheim Steamroller’s rousing rendition of the timeless carol. Listen to Chip describe what he envisioned as he composed his version of this tune for Mannheim…
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Journey back to the time when wise kings traversed deserts vast and empty to see the Christ child. Get swept away in the sounds and sights of the time with this remarkably well done music video of “We Three Kings” from Mannheim Steamroller’s classic album, “Christmas.”
In 1852, John Hopkins Jr. wrote a carol that described the journey of three kings to take gifts to the Christ child. Chip explains his desire to recreate the feeling of that ancient time with dulcimers and other period instruments in this short clip.
Travel back in time to 1984 to see the original music video for the Christmas carol that started it all – Deck the Halls. Enjoy Chip’s rocked out version of this classic Christmas carol in true Mannheim Steamroller form – watching band members and instruments fly through the air above snow covered mountain tops.
Back in 1984, “Deck the Halls” was the very first existing Christmas carol that Mannheim Steamroller reimagined. Listen to Chip explain how it paved the way for an entire album and eventually, hugely popular series in this short clip.
Chip Davis understands that “30/40” may sound a little strange, so he took a few seconds to explain the thought behind it. Discover the significance of “30/40” in this short video clip. 30/40 Options 30/40 – CD 30/40 – Ultimate Collection 3 Disc Set 30/40 – Double Disc Vinyl
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Mannheim Steamroller 30/40, the group’s newest album, will be released nationwide October 21. The aptly named album celebrates the 30th anniversary of Chip’s first Christmas record and the 40th anniversary of the first release in his Fresh Aire series. “This album is special to me in many ways,” says Chip. “In addition to providing an opportunity to reflect on a lifetime of…
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