COMPOSER CHIP DAVIS REACHES BEYOND "FRESH AIRE" AND "MANNHEIM STEAMROLLER" TO RELEASE "IMPRESSIONS"
The expression "art imitates life" would fall dramatically short in describing Grammy-winning composer Chip Davis' most personal music achievement, "Impressions."
In this solo debut, Davis' first release entirely independent from the "Mannheim Steamroller" ensemble, the musical trailblazer makes a quantum leap in expression of emotion and takes his listeners on a sensual journey that encompasses a kaleidoscope of magically intimate moments.
From the charming simplicity of a birthday song to the grandeur of our National Anthem; from the warmth of a lazy summer evening ("Hayin'") to Davis' musical interpretation of the Serenity Prayer, "Impressions" joyfully celebrates the art of living life to the fullest.
The newest addition to the Chip Davis cannon, "Impressions" follows a remarkable series of "Mannheim Steamroller" albums -- over 12 million sold to date -- including two triple-platinum holiday recordings, "Mannheim Steamroller Christmas" and "A Fresh Aire Christmas." Davis, who won a 1991 Grammy Award for "Fresh Aire 7" (his seventh nomination), chose to make gifts of his first solo release.
"Each piece that is composed on "Impressions" is done as a little character sketch for various individuals for birthday presents, or sometimes a wedding gift," Davis said. "This is about showing and giving. It's like being in love."
"Impressions" features eighteen compositions that are either original works or unique interpretations of familiar favorites like "Auld Lang Syne" and "The Birthday Song." It's a musical diary capturing Chip Davis' lyrical vision of the world -- evoking the mood of a walk on a sunny beach, the mystery of a great romance, the simple pleasures of listening to the birds and bees on a summer morning or the smell of freshly mown hay on an autumn day.
Davis has recorded with many celebrated musicians (including the London Symphony Orchestra and members of the Chicago Symphony) in the two decades since founding American Gramaphone. With "Impressions," he explores a more personal landscape, sharing his own emotions and experiences as never before.
"I played ninety-five percent of the album myself," Davis said. "I also used the string section of the London Symphony and the French horn and string sections of the Chicago Symphony on some of the pieces."
With "Impressions," celebrated maestro, composer and audio visionary Chip Davis gives his many fans the greatest musical gift of all: songs from the heart.
