Search - Mannheim Steamroller :: Summer Song

Light on actual music

David W Troska | NYC | 07/07/2002

(3 out of 5 stars)

"First things first.... Just because this is by Chip Davis, the man behind Mannheim Steamroller, don't be fooled into thinking you're getting a new Fresh Aire album. The Ambience series is all about nature sounds, with "musical elements" interspersed throughout.Keeping that in mind, and the fact that the intent here is just to create a convincing mood of summer, the album can be considered a success. The nature sounds are wonderfully recorded, and a few of the musical elements are really quite good. "Sun In The Rain" is a particular favorite, while "Teardrops Raindrops" and "Summer Song," are both pretty good. "Bittersweet" is appropriately titled, and brings to mind some of Mannheim's more poignant pieces. The other three tracks, however, really can't be considered music at all. They're just moody sound effects more than anything else. Again, I suppose this is okay considering the fact that the album's intent IS to create a mood, but I often just found myself wishing for some upbeat, catchy songs in the familiar Mannheim style.Be warned-- For the price of a full length CD, you're really only getting an EP's worth of music here. Sure, the CD has a playing time of over 50 minutes, but I'd say over 50% of that time is completely music-free. So if you want a CD that effectively captures the mood of summer, and you're prepared for the fact that there's more sound-effects than music, you might enjoy this CD. It's relaxing, well-recorded, and definitely "ambient." I just hope Chip Davis returns to recording more musically-based albums soon."

Mellow, Peaceful Natural Music

rodboomboom | Dearborn, Michigan United States | 08/21/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Attracted to this by hearing one cut: "Bittersweet" performed at Interlochen by Steamroller in concert. It brought the house done! The oboeist did a magnificent job. The sounds: guitar, bells, and synthesizer background along with birds, etc., provide a true surround atmosphere of soothing melody and uplifting, peace.That well describes this summer work: from rising sun to set, sounds of the season. Especially enjoy pulsating percussion on "Midday Reflection," which evoke in my mind everytime I listen the heatwaves of a summer scorcher. The oboe work as well on "Sun in the Rain" similarly construct a mindview of bursting sunrays through the drops. Great stuff!"