1979 Die Cut Gatefold Original. Mannheim Steamroller’s "Fresh Aire III," released in 1979, stands as a pivotal entry in the group’s acclaimed Fresh Aire series, founded by composer and producer Chip Davis. This instrumental concept album explores the theme of summer, blending classical motifs with progressive rock and early electronic sounds—a signature Mannheim Steamroller style that helped define the New Age genre. The record features intricate arrangements, rich synthesizer layers, and live orchestral instruments, including strings, harpsichord, and woodwinds, delivering a meticulously produced listening experience. Notable tracks like “The Cricket” and “Morning” showcase the group’s knack for melodic storytelling and dynamic contrasts, drawing listeners into vivid, season-inspired soundscapes. The original vinyl pressing is prized for its warm analog depth, allowing audiophiles to appreciate Davis’s nuanced production touches and the spatial clarity between instruments. "Fresh Aire III" was both a commercial and artistic success, cementing Mannheim Steamroller’s reputation for innovation and craftsmanship. For music lovers, acquiring this album on vinyl offers not only a nostalgic journey into late 1970s genre fusion but also an opportunity to experience the album’s layered textures and detailed arrangements in the format Chip Davis originally intended—making it an essential addition to any serious record collection.