OldTroubador's blog post - Juxtaposition

What do C. W. McCall and Mannheim Steamroller have in common? A gentleman named Chip Davis.
Mr. Davis is best known for his Christmas albums with the Mannheim Steamroller orchestra. These albums combine traditional instruments, such as the harpsichord, with modern electronic instruments, such as synthesizers. His arrangements impart a fresh take on the traditional carols. He is the founder, arranger, composer, and producer (under the American Gramaphone label) for Mannheim Steamroller, as well as the quasi-New Age group Fresh Aire. His arrangements have a distinctive sound, much like John Williams or Lalo Schiffrin. Mr. Davis' arrangements rely heavily on the horn and percussion sections to set the mood and tempo of his music; this was evident even in his collaboration with C. W. McCall, especially on this song, Won't Be No Country Music, Won't Be No Rock and Roll, written ten years before his Fresh Aire/Mannheim Steamroller efforts.


Chip Davis wrote the music for the C. W. McCall franchise while William (Bill) Fries wrote the lyrics and sang as C. W. McCall. Together, they released six country albums in the 1970's, and then reunited to release two more albums after 1990.

His work with Mannheim Steamroller continued his tradition of featuring horns and percussion. Toss in a little guitar work by Mason Williams, and you have this version of Classical Gas.



Oh hell, let's do one more. Climb up in the cab with C.W. and Earl, and let's take those 400 head of Rhode Island reds and a couple of burnt out roosters down Wolf Creek Pass.