You are listening to JazzNotJazz. Today Part 1. of a special about the genre VGM (Video Game Music).
Video game music is the soundtrack that accompanies video games. Early video game music was once limited to simple sounds of early programmable sound generator (PSG) chips. These limitations have led to the style of music known as chiptune, and became the most popular sound of the first video games.
With advances in technology, video game music has grown to include elements and sounds from other musical styles. While chiptune compositions are still common, game music now includes full orchestral pieces and popular music (having originated during the height of the disco era, styles from which atavistic sounds can be compared). Music in video games can be heard over a game’s title screen, menus, as well as during gameplay. Game soundtracks can also change depending on a player’s actions or situation, such as indicating missed actions in rhythm games, informing the player they are in a dangerous situation or rewarding them for certain achievements.
Video game music can be one of two kinds: original or licensed. In order to create or collect this music, teams of composers, music directors, and music supervisors must work with the game developers and game publishers. The popularity of video game music has created education and job opportunities, generated awards, and led to video game soundtracks to be commercially sold and performed in concerts.
This program is about the combination between VGM and Jazz, the best from both worlds.
-Tracklist-
01
Greenpath – Multi-Instrumental Arrangement (Hollow Knight)
Composed by Christopher Larkin / Arranged by Kirk Hamilton
02
Waltz for Zora (The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past)
Composed by Koji Kondo / Arranged by Erik Kristofferson, Neskvartetten
03
The Brink of Time (Chrono Trigger)
Composed by Yasunori Mitsuda / Arranged by Guido
04
Bob-omb Battlefield – Funk Big Band Jazz Version (Super Mario 64)
Composed by Koji Kondo / Arranged by The 8-Bit Big Band
05
The Legend Begins – Jazz Arrangement (The Final Fantasy Legend)
Composed by Nobuo Uematsu / Arranged by Eijiro Nakagawa
06
Storm Force Seven (The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time)
Composed by Koji Kondo / Arranged by Karmus24
07
How Many Heavens Are There? (Final Fantasy VII)
Composed by Nobuo Uematsu / Arranged by Wiesty, XPRTNovice
08
Super Buck II (Super Mario Bros. 2)
Composed by Koji Kondo / Arranged by Estradasphere
09
Wind Scene Jazz Arrangement (Chrono Trigger)
Composed by Nobuo Uematsu / Arranged by Eijiro Nakagawa, Ryu Kawamura
10
Link Goes to New Orleans (The Legend of Zelda)
Composed by Koji Kondo / Arranged by Neskvartetten
11
Swing When You’re Killing (Castlevania)
Composed by Kinuyo Yamashita, Satoe Terashima / Arranged by Karmus24
12
Searching Friends – Jazz Arrangement (Final Fantasy VI)
Composed by Nobuo Uematsu / Arranged by Eijiro Nakagawa, Ryu Kawamura
13
Dr. Wily Stage 3-4 – Jazz Remix (Mega Man 3)
Composed by Yasuaki Fujita / Arranged by Karmus24
14
Super Mario Bros. (Super Mario Bros.)
Composed by Koji Kondo / Arranged by Soichi Noriki