A fox hunt on Sunday is an ancient tradition that still finds expression in Nebraska where Chip Davis lives. As Chip explains in this clip, participants donned in ‘pinks’ and riding boots are gathered together by the melodic call of French horns. Learn more about the inspiration behind this Fresh Aire 7 tune in this…
DetailsFresh Aire I, the first in Mannheim Steamroller’s series of 8 groundbreaking albums, starts with a sonata. Listen to Chip describe the basic form of a sonata and discover how the sonata on Fresh Aire I runs all the way back to the classic 18th century form.
Just as there are seven colors in the rainbow, there are seven notes assigned to each color of the rainbow in this song for Fresh Aire VII. Watch Chip describe what went into creating this musical description of the various colors of the rainbow in this short clip.
30/40 Pat a Pan
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.
30/40 O Tannenbaum
30/40 O Little Town
30/40 O Holy Night
Watch Chip describe the origins of the beautiful ending he wrote to Fresh Aire VI. That album, which is dedicated to Greek mythology, concludes with the song “Nepenthe” which was an ancient drug that induced happiness. Listen to Chip reveal how he discovered Nepenthe in this quick clip.
30/40 Leonardo
30/40 Joy to the World
See what was on Chip’s mind when he composed Mannheim Steamroller’s version of the classic Handel masterpiece, “Hallelujah” in this short video clip.
Greensleeves is more than just a timeless classic to Chip Davis. It’s also one of his favorite tunes, made even more so by his recent composition of it for his daughter Elyse. See what went into composing Mannheim Steamroller’s first solo vocal composition and some of the exciting venues where Elyse performed it.
Learn more about the recording challenges and inspiration behind this Fresh Aire IV classic, “G Major Toccata.” Watch Chip describe what went into capturing the powerful horn and trumpet sounds of a magnificent Kansas City church pipe organ in this short video.
Mannheim Steamroller’s spectacular Fresh Aire album series started with this song – Fresh Aire, or “Fresh Song.” See Chip describe the inspiration and meaning behind it in this short clip.
30/40 Fractals
30/40 Four Rows of Jacks
Sometimes traveling around the holidays makes for absolutely unforgettable memories. Such was the case with Chip Davis and his family back when his children were young. During a tour stop in San Antonio, Chip and his family headed to the River Walk for a gondola ride. Watch the video to find out what happened when…
DetailsSee Chip reveal the inspiration behind Mannheim Steamroller’s “Christmas Extraordinaire” hit, “Faeries” in this short clip. We’ll give you a hint, the melody was inspired by a member of his family. Make your guess, then watch to see if you’re right.
30/40 Earthrise / Return
