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Unfortunately, this one follows that pattern.

Not that its a bad album; I did enjoy listening to it.
Some of the songs, I think, appeared on some of their
other albums. Their rendition of "Fanfare for the Common
Man" sounds like every other recording of Copland's
classic I've ever heard; there's nothing at all "Steamroller"
about it.

And while its amusing to see C.W. McCall and Chip Davis
"reunited after all these years", "Convoy" is available
on several compilation albums. Sure, this one is digitally
remastered, but its a novelty song from the Seventies and
hardly worthy of special treatment. The other C.W. McCall
song, "Wolf Creek Pass", is kinda cute, but nothing special.

If you're a Mannheim Steamroller completist -- I am,
pretty much -- you'll want this album. But don't expect
it to be the quality of classics like my personal favorite,
Fresh Aire V.


Wait and buy this in the reduced bin.   June 1, 2003
 15 out of 15 found this review helpful

I have been such a fan(as are most people)of the original and exciting arrangements that Chip Davis is famous for.
This MS recording fell way short of what I have come to expect--and maybe,I was expecting too much;but when I saw the ad,I was excited to think that our American hymns were going to get that creative makeover that MS was famous for.
There are a couple of tracks that are good music but NONE are the variations that are the MH signature sound--most are the traditional tunes with a little tech-tweak.
'Fanfare...' is good but sounds like any other orchestra."Battle Hymn..." is well done but has an irritating drum cadence throughout that sounds as though the microphone was too close.
They even slipped a couple of trucker tunes in try to fill space, I guess.It would seem that there are plenty of inspirational and uplifting American tunes that would have benefited from the Chip Davis magic without needing to raid an oldies file.
Oh well," I guess that you can not hit a homerun everytime!"


CW McCall is Chip Davis   May 31, 2003
 9 out of 9 found this review helpful

Reunited again? They never were apart. If you remove the novelty songs this would be a 3 to 4 star. With them it is barely a two. Buy it used.


"Patriotism with power & majesty ~ Chip & Mannheim"   May 20, 2003
 8 out of 12 found this review helpful

Mannheim Steamroller and their leader Chip Davis have given all the patriots of this great country a shot in the arm with "American Spirit", a collection of great moments put to music and performed with power and majesty. Beautiful, yet powerful with incredible brass fanfares mixed with brilliant arrangements and compositions by Chip ~ this is as good as it gets believe me.

Chip is joined by C.W. McCall, who are back together again after two decades featuring "CONVOY" and "WOLF CREEK PASS", with some pickin' and grinnin', that gives driving the interstate a whole new slant on vacation travel. Duain Wolfe conducts the Chicago Symphony Chorus, "AMERICA THE BEAUTIFUL", "HOME ON THE RANGE", "BATTLE HYMN OF THE REPUBLIC", all three tracks with leave you with a lump in your throat, perhaps the greatest moments and selections of the album.

Mr. Davis always follows his heart, today and now it is patriotism. This is what America needed and he knew this. Just listen to the opening of our "STAR SPANGLED BANNER", beautiful inspiring fanfare as the Mannheim Steamroller Symphony pulls out all stops with this one-of-a-kind performance ~ believe this should be the recording played at all major sporting events and educational functions (elementary/high school/college) to make all citizens aware of what America stands for.

This album is incredibly diverse, the music will immediately grab you. A collection that I recommend to anyone who appreciates refreshing and inspiring music. More than a quarter of a century later, we're still at it...listening, collecting and anticipating each new Mannheim Steamroller release and what delights they bring...may they always charm the listeners old and new with their special magic, gotta love it!

Total Time: 54:42 on 13 Tracks ~ Amer Gramaphone 1776-2 ~ (5/20/2003)


Not the quality you know from the Christmas CD   May 27, 2003
 7 out of 7 found this review helpful

This is a horrible collision of a Florida Theme park and Convoy (yep breaker 1 9)> I have loved every Christmas CD but this is a DOG. The Star Spangled Banner is a wimpy electric piano, and there are several "songs" that are read scripts that really sound like a poor copy of what you might find at a theme parks story of the US Presidents. At about the time you are ready to slit your wrist "America the Beautiful" comes along and you think that this isn't the worst you have ever heard. Convoy, the next song... is the worst. Fanfare is OK but get the real version from Boston Pops (Williams) America the Dream goes on or Telarc's American Jubilee (Kunzel)

Over all a complete dissapointment!