Posted 2009-05-23, evaluated by the judges panel

Mmmm... pretty effin' amazing ReMix, here. Some of you may remember way, way back when we posted 'SuperBuckJazz,' or the first Neskvartetten ReMix - this mix, for me, has that same sort of excitement: ensemble jazz with amazing musicians performing awesome, creative VGM arrangements. Lately LSD has been carrying the torch with some brilliant material, but now they've got some company in the form of Canadian jazz ensemble The Runaway Five. You WANT to visit their website and MySpace for more great arrangements like this one, I guarantee it. They also performed at VGL, which would have been awesome to catch. Now, before I proceed with gushing praise, I do want to mention that the "About" section of their website says:

Jazz Arranged Video Game Music - "Like Nothing You've Ever Heard Before"

The juxtaposition there sorta implies that "jazz arranged video game music" is a fresh, new idea that's only recently come into existence, and that TR5 are pioneers in this arena. I think that's more than a little misleading, personally. There have been plenty of jazz VGM arrangements (fan-made and commercial) for many years now, and some of them have sounded not unlike this magnificent FF7 ReMix. In my opinion, to market great music, you don't need to make claims about being outrageously unique or doing something no one's done before... you just need to express that you're making some kickass stuff. So that's about the extent of my criticism, and you'll notice it didn't speak at all to their music, which is phenomenal. Submission comments for the mix actually focused on the who-did-what's and the where, so let's hear it:

Arranged by: Brendan Swanson (August 2008).



Brendan Swanson (August 2008). Performed by: The Runaway Five: Brendan McElroy (Bass), Brendan Swanson (Piano), Spencer Cheyne (Drums) (excluding The Runaway Five members; Alex Goodman (Guitar), Matt Maclean (Trumpet).



The Runaway Five: Brendan McElroy (Bass), Brendan Swanson (Piano), Spencer Cheyne (Drums) (excluding The Runaway Five members; Alex Goodman (Guitar), Matt Maclean (Trumpet). Also featuring special guests: Andre Wickenheiser (Trumpet), Brent Mah (Alto Sax), John Sweenie (Tenor Sax), Sarah Matheson (Baritone Sax), and Colin Story (Guitar).

Andre Wickenheiser (Trumpet), Brent Mah (Alto Sax), John Sweenie (Tenor Sax), Sarah Matheson (Baritone Sax), and Colin Story (Guitar). Mixed and recorded live at The Beat Niq Jazz and Social Club (August 20th, 2008) by Spencer Cheyne at Crossover studios. Produced by Brendan McElroy."

That's a pretty full ensemble, but there are absolutely no weak links anywhere, so you're in for a real treat. Saxes of all shapes and sizes dominate, with a particularly mean barisax from Sarah Matheson to start the whole shebang off with a sleazy, noir swing. At 1'10" we get a higher sax solo over a walking bass, then some ensemble, a sweet short piano solo, then badass trumpet again over walking bass going up into higher registers. Perfect brush kit drumming the whole time, Colin's guitar and Brendan's piano both adding backing chords at just the right times, and yes - since this is all a live recording, remember - soloists often get their own applause. I've been to Blues Alley here in DC a few times in the last few years, and... this is what it feels like. This is the sound of live, A-grade jazz that people who specifically listen to jazz would pay to hear. Sometimes you've got gamers - often amazingly talented musicians, mind you - who put together VGM cover groups, and I think there might be a certain degree of slack we all cut each other, but you don't need to cut these guys (and gals) any slack at all: this is a live recording of an actual performance in an actual jazz club, and it sounds bloody awesome. Larry paneled this piece mainly so the judges could be blown away. Short but sweet comments are as follows, Larry first:

"Not much else to say other than "swingin'"! That, and Canadian bacon is delicious. DELICIOUS!"

I concur. Now Mattias:

"Oh. My. God. YES, OH GOD YES."

...I'll have what he's having. Finally, at length, Jimmy:

"Stellar."

Pretty much. Not hyperbole in the slightest, these guys are definitely worth getting excited about, and - while perhaps not revolutionary - represent an amazing & significant addition to the world of video game music AND jazz.