Go the Distance - Mannheim Steamroller

The world said good-bye this weekend to CHARLTON HESTON who died in his home on Saturday. Although it is unclear at this time what he died of, Heston was battling prostate cancer and Alzheimer's disease for many years.

Heston, who is known for his stunning film career (Ben-Hur, Planet of the Apes, The Ten Commandments) and being the President of the National Rifle Association, has a Disney connection that not that many people are aware of. Heston was the voice of the narrator at the beginning of Hercules. It is because of this that I chose a cover of Go the Distance by MANNHEIM STEAMROLLER for today's post as a tribute to Charlton Heston's legacy.

Go the Distance Mannheim Steamroller 1999

You've Got a Friend In Me - Mannheim Steamroller

When someone says Mannheim Steamroller, what comes to your mind? Probably Chirstmas music, right? While MANNHEIM STEAMROLLER has released over two dozen albums, the only time they get radio play seem to be at Christmas with their versions of Hark the Herald Angels Sing, Deck the Halls and other Christmas favourites.

Mannheim Steamroller is really one man, Chip Davis, who began experimenting with synthesizers and electric bass to create what he calls 18th Century Classic Rock. He formed his own record label in the 70s (because no other label would touch his music) and continues to release albums to this day.

In 1999, he recorded a whole album of Disney music. MANNHEIM STEAMROLLER MEETS THE MOUSE is an album of experimentation and creativity. The arrangements of the classics songs are often different, weird and sometimes a bit unrecognisable. But Mannheim's unique, signature sound is there and paints a new picture for these songs.

On the album in You've Got a Friend In Me from Toy Story. This version of the song removes Randy Newman's playful pop sound and turns it into a jazzy, laid back piece of muzac. It is a very different take on the song. Do you like it? Let me know what you think!

You've Got a Friend In Me Mannheim Steamroller 1999