Another Mannheim Steamroller for today: Christmas in the Aire. This one starts out with an identifiable MS-type production of “Joy to the World.” Using my criterion of “pretty,” it is not. Interesting. Okay, yes. But it is followed by a “pretty,” with “Joseph Dear Oh Joseph Mine.” Why have I heard this melody but never known the title? Google finds that an alternate title is “Song of the Crib.” Pretty? Yes.
Skipping “Rudolph.”
“Herbei, Oh Ihr Glaubigen” is “O Come All Ye Faithful,” sung by a children’s choir, with the addition of bells. The choir, in case you want to Google, it is the Bielefelder Kinderchor. “Pat a Pan” is always a winner. For “O’ Little Town of Bethlehem,” Chip Davis explains that he harmonized the song as his father, an arranger and composer, would have done it. This is indeed a unique rendition of the song. Very—yes—pretty!
Next up: “Angels We Have Heard on High” is the studio version of a song included on Christmas Live. This comes across to me as an experimental version. “Gagliarda,” lovely as usual, and played by what Chip calls the Renaissance Ensemble Le Doo Dah Band. Next, one I do not tire of, “Los Peces en el Rio.” Even today, I went YouTubing to enjoy some versions with voice. “Christmas Lullaby” comes around again on this album, a pretty song!
“Kling, Glockchen,” sung by a boys choir is “Ring, Little Bell.” The album ends with a slowed and unusual—and pretty—version of “Jingle Bells” that fits Chip’s cozy-around-the fire-with-snowflakes-in the aire mood.
I am tempted to rate this a 9, but it is not as pleasing to me as Bryan Duncan’s Christmas Is Jesus.
9 Bryan Duncan—Christmas Is Jesus
6 Michael W. Smith—Christmas
1 Michael W. Smith—It’s a Wonderful Christmas
4 Trans-Siberian Orchestra—Christmas Eve and Other Stories
7 Mannheim Steamroller—Christmas Live
8 Mannheim Steamroller—Christmas
2 Plus One—Christmas
2 Plus One—Christmas
8 Mannheim Steamroller—Christmas in the Aire
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