Halloween: Monster Mix (CD - 2004)

Personnel: Jennifer Cappelli, Carmen Llop, Mark Agnor, Fox Fehling, Roberta Freier, Sando Xia, Steven Boe, Alison Dalton, Amy Cutler, David Earl Taylor, Clara Lindner, Arnie Roth, Michael Shelton (violin); Clara Takarabe, Karen Dirks, Benton Wedge, Marlou Johnston, Loretta Gillespie, Daniel Strba (viola); Lewis Kirk, Robert Barris (bassoon); Christine Worthing, Gregory Flint, Jason Herrick, Dale Clevenger (horns); Brenda Donati, Scott Rosenthal, Robert Kassinger, Larry Gray (double bass).

Audio Remixer: Brian Ackley.

After the incredible success of Mannheim Steamroller's numerous Christmas albums, a Halloween collection would seem inevitable, and Midwestern maestro Chip Davis does not disappoint. This generously over-stuffed double program is packed with the Mannheim trademark brand of buoyant synthesizer merriment, here goose bumped up for maximum shivers.

The first disc is what one might expect: electric interpretations of ghostly classical staples including "The Sorcerer's Apprentice," "Night on Bald Mountain", Bach's "Toccata Fugue," and Wagner's "Flying Dutchman." Original tracks include "Rock and Roll Graveyard" and "All Hallow's Eve," the latter sounding like the theme to a 1970's undead version of the Mod Squad. The second disc is more along the lines of a spooky sound effects record, perfect as background for a Halloween bash, or to scare trick or treaters. "Ghost Voices" is especially creepy, with Chip's synths creating an unearthly baby's cry that tingles its way straight up the spine. minimize