Review: Mannheim Steamroller at the Peace Center
Edward Berry, one of two keyboardists performing as part of Mannheim Steamroller on Nov. 27 at the Peace Center, chiefly played two instruments: a harpsichord and, stacked on top of it, a synthesizer. That pretty much sums up the Mannheim Steamroller sound, invented 50 years ago by composer and multi-instrumentalist Chip Davis: a blend of classical and Medieval musical elements with electronic inventiveness.
At Christmas, two full Steamroller orchestras tour the country — the Red Tour and the Green Tour — playing identical set lists. Appropriately, the Green cast stopped by Greenville and thrilled a Peace Center packed with fans of all ages.
The musicianship on display was splendid, from conductor and violin soloist Becka Kia Mills to the eight or so "orchestra" members (playing strings, woodwinds, and brass) whose names didn't make the program. Even though each song needed to be played note for note and beat for beat the same way every night (to match the lighting cues and the occasional live-action video backdrops), these folks gave it their all, the lack of spontaneity more than made up for by the performers' grace and brio.
Percussionist and recorder player Roxanne Layton, on a raised platform center stage, was a particular joy to watch. Equally impressive were the colorful and intricate lighting effects, which sometimes showcased the musicians and sometimes drew attention away from them.
The playlist drew from the Steamroller's several Christmas albums, as well as from Davis's Fresh Aire series of New Age recordings, which I know in part because the album source of each song was listed in the program, in case you want to create an identical playlist on your favorite streaming service, or find the tunes on your home selection of well-worn CDs. Included were both Davis's quirky, generally upbeat arrangements of holiday standards ("God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen," "Joy to the World," "Deck the Halls," etc.) and a few originals.
A Mannheim Steamroller show is designed to please fans, which Wednesday's show most certainly did, and I include myself in that number. (It's been 30 years or more since my mother-in-law first loaned us the simply titled Christmas CD.) As they say on TikTok (I'm told), IYKYK. If you don't know, don't worry: there's plenty of time to immerse yourself in the SiriusXM Mannheim Steamroller channel before next year.
For those of us already on board, the concert was a fun and festive launch to the Christmas season.
(Photo by Matt Christine Photography)
