Customer Reviews

Christmas Tribute to Mannheim Steamroller

5 star:		(5)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

We enjoy this one as much as any of the Manheim Steamroller albums we have. We think some of the cuts on this CD are truly great. All are different than Manheim Steamroller, but remind us of their style.

THE MUSIC IS BRIGHT AND ENJOYABLE. IF YOU LIKE MANNHEIM STEAMROLLER YOU WILL ENJOY THIS CHRISTMAS MUSIC. IT IS WELL WORTH HAVING AS ADDITION TO ANYONE'S LIBRARY OF CHRISTMAS MUSIC.

This CD gets played as much as my Mannheim Steamroller ones. It energizes me when all the Christmas chores get me down!

Being a huge MS fan, the title and price captivated the purchase.

Begin with the disappointment, then some final praise. The disappointment is that after hearing MS, there tribute is weak and lean. Chip's arrangements have punch and verve. There is not much of that here. One does hear weak renditions of Carols which although nice, lack the bounce and verve of MS.

On the positive side, I liked their renditions of Good King Wenceslas.

Not bad for 4.98, yet way below MS standards. Take the risk. I won't be giving this much of a spin.

THIS IS A WONDERFUL TRIBUTE TO MANNHEIM STEAMROLLER. THIS MUSIC IS BRISK AND ALIVE AS IS MANNHEIM STEAMROLLER. I HAVE REALLY ENJOYED THIS CD THIS YEAR ALONG WITH CHRISTMAS EXTRAODINAIRE, AND
ALL OF CHIP DAVIS' CHRISTMAS MUSIC.....

I love how people who review this CD and give it 1 star (on this website and on others that I've seen) are the ones who weren't smart enough to read the label and realize that this CD was put out by The Westwind Ensemble, not Manheim Steamroller. They feel duped and ultimately angry. They should be thankful that they purchased a great CD for about $3 - $4 when they could have thrown away about $13 on a lousy Manheim Steamroller CD. Personally I think Manheim Steamroller is completely overrated and dated. This fresh and beautiful CD by The Westwind Ensemble (that's WESTWIND ENSEMBLE!!!) is a well-crafted blend of synthesizers, bells, horns and percussion. While it's true that a couple of the songs take some getting used to (Good King Wenceslas for its techno sound and Jingle Bells for its downbeat gothic tone), this is a gem of a Christmas CD. Look for it. You won't be disappointed!!!

Bought this CD back in the late 90's and have enjoyed listening to it through the years. I like the more upbeat songs such as Hark!, Wenceslas and Joy to the World the best. Nice tribute to Mannheim and a very good CD in its own right.

First, think for yourself. If you like this CD, and can justify why you like it...great...go for it.My experience with this CD was when I purchased it. It was at Wal-mart, and this CD had the Mannheim trademarkish Christmas Tree on the cover, It was included with the special presentation of Steamroller CD's. And in a hurry thinking it was a STeamroller CD, I bought it.

Sure it's a rocked out Christmas CD, I gave it a fair chance when I realized the marketing ploy worked. But it is not orchestrated as well, and the transitional passages between verse and chorus, (which Chip arranges so well), were non-existant, or poorly done.

I sent the CD to American Gramaphone, and found out some interesting facts. Steamroller was not made aware that a tribute to them was recorded. No letters, no plaques...nothing.

Some tribute.....I'm not sure of the details, but litagtion was involved and American Gramaphone and Steamroller won.

So, I was dissapointed because expectations of a true tribute
were not there. Great marketing, by copying an idea, altering it slightly and not telling the group you are honoring about the project.
The word "exploitation" comes to mind. Obviously unethical and possible aspects illegal.