Fresh Aire II [13 Tracks]

• Artist: Mannheim Steamroller
• Rating:
• Release Date: 1977
• Type: Instrumental
• Genre: New Age

Review

This is a rehash of the medieval themes and romantic piano pieces found on the first Fresh Aire. Fresh Aire II gets the nod over the debut by separating the two styles rather than alternating them; the side-long "Fantasia" consists of variations on a stirring medieval theme, not as fertile as Rick Wakeman or Camel's The Snow Goose perhaps, but not far off the mark either. The variations are described as doors (a convenient allusion given the music's conduciveness to reverie), with the intended effect of each described with Epimethean acuity by (presumably) Chip Davis. Without all those precious piano interludes in the middle, Mannheim manages to steamroll its way through more than 15 minutes of medieval mind candy. The second side of the LP features the imaginary themes to romantic movies found on the first album's interludes (there's even a continuation here, with "Interlude V" picking up where the first four left off). Of the three romantic pieces, "A Shade Tree" is the prettiest, with strings (acoustic and classical) conjuring a reflective calm. The medieval theme returns (this time without the accoutrements of contemporary rock) for "Toota Lute," with Jackson Berkey on harpsichord, Eric Hansen on lute, and Davis on recorder. Verily, it doth produceth much pleasure. But Fresh Aire II's finest moment is the closing "Going to Another Place," which wraps the band's different sounds into a succinct, memorable package. Although admirers of the first Fresh Aire will certainly wish to drink deep draughts of Fresh Aire II, listeners with a soft spot for keyboard-led prog rock and historical themes (i.e., Rick Wakeman fans) are also invited. As with all of the American Gramaphone releases, the original LP version is audiophile-friendly. ~ Dave Connolly, All Music Guide

Tracks

Track Title	Composers	Performers	Time
The First Door	Chip Davis	Mannheim Steamroller	(1:26)
The Second Door	Chip Davis	Mannheim Steamroller	(2:02)
The Third Door	Chip Davis	Mannheim Steamroller	(2:30)
The Fourth Door	Chip Davis	Mannheim Steamroller	(3:50)
The Fifth Door	Chip Davis	Mannheim Steamroller	(2:59)
The Sixth Door	Chip Davis	Mannheim Steamroller	(1:28)
Door Seven	Chip Davis	Mannheim Steamroller	(1:57)
Fantasy	Chip Davis	Mannheim Steamroller	(1:24)
Interlude V	Chip Davis	Mannheim Steamroller	(3:37)
Velvet Tear	Chip Davis	Mannheim Steamroller	(2:44)
A Shade Tree	Chip Davis	Mannheim Steamroller	(4:57)
Toota Lute	Chip Davis	Mannheim Steamroller	(2:50)
Going to Another Place	Chip Davis	Mannheim Steamroller	(3:20)

Credits

James Hammond (Viola), Jackson Berkey (Harpsichord), John Boyd (Mastering), Don Sears (Mixing), Don Sears (Engineer), Beth McCollum (Cello), Jackson Berkey (Bells), Melody Malec (Harp), Miriam Duffelmeyer (Cello), Steve Kline (Photography), Bob Jenkins (Oboe), Eric Hansen (Lute), Jackson Berkey (Production Assistant), Jean Hassel (Cello), Don Sears (Programming), Hugh Brown (Violin), Milt Bailey (Chant), Jackson Berkey (Programming), Walt Meskell (Guitar (Rhythm)), Chip Davis (Percussion), Milt Bailey (Vocals), Jackson Berkey (Synthesizer), Jim Wheeler (Engineer), Jackson Berkey (Chant), Don Sears (Mastering), Chip Davis (Drums), Chip Davis (Chant), Carol Davis (CD Art Adaptation), Eric Hansen (Bass), Chip Davis (Recorder), Don Sears (Producer), Eric Hansen (Guitar), Joe Landes (Violin), Lucinda Gladics (Viola), David Kappy (French Horn), Jackson Berkey (Piano), Carol Davis (Design), Ron Ubel (Engineer), Mortimer Alpert (Violin), Alex Sokol (Viola), John Boyd (Engineer), Gene Badgett (Trumpet), Chip Davis (Arranger), Ginni Eldred (Violin), Chip Davis (Programming), Jackson Berkey (Fender Rhodes), Eric Hansen (Guitar (Classical)), Chip Davis (Producer), Dorothy Brown (Violin), Don Sears (Synthesizer), Merton Shatzkin (Violin), Chip Davis (Dulcimer)