Vangelis,Ennio Morricone,Jean M. Jarre

[LochnarITB]

I have not heard of Mannheim Steamrollers

First of all, that is Steamroller, non-plural (noted only so you are successful when you search for them as you most assuredly must do). Their largest exposure has been through their christmas albums. They put their own spin on classical christmas tunes. Their style, both christmas and original, is what I tend to think of as a rock/pop composing/arranging for classical instruments and synthesizer. My all time favorite piece is the Toccata off of Fresh Aire III. I also thrill to any use they make of the harpsichord. I fell in love with them 25+ years ago when I got their sampler to play through the power amp I built. I have the entire Fresh Aire Series, the christmas albums, Saving the Wildlife, Classical Gas (Mason Williams - acoustic guitar) and I'm sure others I'm not thinking of right now. Their catalog consists of their music (mostly composed/arranged by their founder, Chip Davis) and several other artists (such as Classical Gas by Mason Williams) that they feel mesh with their style. If I were a rich man (someone should make that into a song), I would call their order desk and simply say "one of each please". I don't think there would be a stinker in the bunch.

As to Jarre, I have been enjoying Oxygene so long that my copy is on this big black thing that doesn't fit in a cd player. :P