The Bottom Line
Pros
- Mannheim Steamroller has an upbeat, jazzy, electric sound
- It wouldn't be the same without Chip Davis, the mastermind of the group
- I love percussion, and there's plenty of it
Cons
- Arenas are not my favorite venues for concerts.
Description
- Concert-goers were treated to a Christmas Village and costumed characters on the floor of the arena.
- Cameras were welcome at this event.
- The videos were only mildly interesting to me.
- At arena concerts in the Valley of the Sun, you'll see people wearing everything from shorts to sequined gowns.
- Refreshments are available at concession stands and may be brought to your seat.
- If you enjoy classical, rock, jazz, acoustic instrumental and electronic music, you'll enjoy Mannheim Steamroller.
- Purchase Mannheim Steamroller music (Compare Prices).
Guide Review - Mannheim Steamroller
Mannheim Steamroller came to town for what what has become their annual Christmas concert in the area. The original band, led by creator Chip Davis, was accompanied by an orchestra in the presentation of over two hours of favorites, including new music from the most recent Mannheim Steamroller recordings on Christmas Song.
Even if you don't know exactly who or what Mannheim Steamroller is or does, if you listen to holiday music on the radio you are bound to have heard their classic rendition of "Deck the Halls" dozens of times. They didn't disappoint their fans by playing it early in the show.
Mannheim Steamroller combines classical music with rock and jazz. It is not horrendously loud but the style of the music is synthesized and percussive. The combination of technology, special effects and visual media complement the music without overwhelming it. A segment of Renaissance film set to music was too long for me, but I enjoyed the artists' playing of various period flutes.
Mannheim Steamroller presents no choir, no bell-ringing kids, no sing-a-long. All the pieces were instrumental. There was no comedic banter between songs. As a matter of fact, when the performers did interact with each other, it looked terribly staged and unnatural to me.
Some people who aren't familiar with the group's style and prefer their holiday music in traditional Bing Crosby fashion will hardly recognize the carols. As for me, I love percussion, bass and an upbeat acoustic style. There was plenty of that, and even a few slow songs to give your heart rate a rest.
Note: The writer was provided with complimentary tickets for the purpose of reviewing this concert. While it has not influenced this review, About.com believes in full disclosure of all potential conflicts of interest. For more information, see our ethics policy. (12/07)
