record collection revisited: Mannheim Steamroller "Christmas" & "Deck The Halls"

1. Deck The Halls (Welsh Ayre)
2. We Three Kings (John Hopkins: 1857)
3. Bring A Torch Jeanette, Isabella (17th century French carol)
4. Coventry Carol (16th century English carol)
5. Good King Wenceslas (Traditional English carol)
6. Wassail, Wassail (English Carol)
7. Carol of the Bells (Bas-Quercy)
8. I Saw Three Ships (15th century legend)
9. God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen (English carol)
10. God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen (English carol)*version 2
11. Stille Nacht (Silent Night) (Franz Gruber, 1816)

Mannheim Steamroller, led by Chip Davis is a unique ensemble best known for Christmas recordings.  This particular one dates back to 1984.  The Mannheim Steamroller has a way of blending traditional and classical music with synthesizers, and typically plays traditional Christmas carols and melodies.  The beauty of these carols is simply what might draw a listener to these recordings.  Mannheim Steamroller records these records and does Christmas shows quite frequently.

Chip Davis is the name behind Mannheim Steamroller and the founder of the group.  Here are the musical credits for the album.

Jackson Berkey: Baldwin SD10, Davis Harpsichord, Clavichord, Toy Piano, Prophet 5, Fender Rhodes, vocals, & camel bells

Eric Hansen: lute & bass

Chip Davis: drums, percussion, recorder (solos & a chorus), Black Oak Hammered Dulcimer, soprano Dulcian, Crumhorn, camel bells, vocals, dry ice, dots and lines

Ron Cooley: classic & 12 string guitars

Steve Shipps: violin solos (Renaissance ensemble Le doo dah)

David "High D" Kappy: French Horn

David Low: cello (Renaissance ensemble, Le doo dah)

Mary Walter: harp (Renaissance ensemble, Le doo dah)

Willis Ann Ross: flute

Bobby Jenkins: Oboe

String section:

Richard Lohmann, Richard Altenbach, Grace Granata, Wayne Anderson, Bill Ritchie, Michelle Brill, Michael Strauss, & Roxanne Adams

Definitely check this record out.  A very cool Christmas record by a very unique band.