Forty years ago, Chip Davis couldn’t catch a break.
Davis, a multi-instrumentalist, wanted to release an album of Christmas tunes in a style he called “18th century classic rock.”
He was told it would be a dud.
“Everyone in the music industry back in 1984 told me, ‘A Christmas album? You can’t do that,’” Davis said. “Only artists who have run out of ideas ever do a Christmas album.”
The critics were wrong and Davis was right. His band, Mannheim Steamroller, made that holiday album and it sold millions.
It also resulted in 40 years of popular Christmas tours for group, including several visits to Greenville.
Mannheim Steamroller brings its unique brand of music — a mix of classical, New Age and rock styles — in a return visit to the Peace Center on Nov. 27.
The show will feature classic Christmas hits from several Mannheim Steamroller holiday albums, performed against a dazzling multimedia backdrop. The performance features 15 musicians performing on more than 20 instruments.
Mannheim Steamroller Christmas concerts are so popular that two troupes, both supervised by Davis, travel under the group’s banner.
‘Comfort food’
Mannheim Steamroller’s musical take on Yuletide tunes has multigenerational appeal, Davis said.
“At Christmas time, people want to listen to something that is familiar in their lives,” Davis said. “And for more than 35 years, millions of people have grown up listening to our music. It’s comforting to hear something from your childhood — kind of like comfort food. Also, Christmas time is family time, and our music and concerts are all family friendly. We often see three generations attending our shows.”
From the beginning of the group, Davis wanted to create a new kind of sound.
“I wanted to explore new ways of expressing music and created a sound I call ‘18th century classic rock,’” he said. “I don’t believe in all acoustic or all electronic, all digital or all analog. My style is where they all meet.”
Davis limits himself to recording and producing Mannheim Steamroller. A car accident several years ago prevents him from performing.
Davis also runs other businesses associated with Mannheim Steamroller, including a line of food items, apparel, and bath and body items.
Behind the scenes, Davis works tirelessly, as he said, “to keep Mannheim Steamroller rolling.”
Want to go?
What: Mannheim Steamroller Christmas by Chip Davis
When: Nov. 27, 7:30 p.m.
Where: Peace Center, Greenville
Tickets: $55-$85
Info: 864-467-3000 or peacecenter.org
