As one of many remaining entries in Sq. Enix’s “SQ” album sequence, SQ Swing is a swingin’ factor. As I dug into this album, I discovered some startlingly spectacular tracks. I additionally discovered some weak preparations and a few irritating repeats. I additionally seen a scarcity of cohesion within the “swing” theme. Not each one in all these songs feels just like the music of the Nineteen Thirties, one thing from Benny Goodman or Rely Basie. Maybe Japan has a broader interpretation of the time period? A few of these songs border on a sort of bluegrass jazz, and usually keep away from the style’s large band origins.
Let’s begin by ruling out these repeat tracks, lets? Initially discovered on Cafe SQ, KING COLUMBIA’s association of “Johnny C. Dangerous” (Remaining Fantasy VI) finds its manner onto this album. Given the character of the association and instrumentation, I might say it matches higher right here than on the Cafe album. I can’t actually fault Sq. Enix for the reappearance. I might argue KING COLUMBIA’s model of this tune is greater than ample as a jazzy, swingin’ piece of music. The horn part is remarkably tight, the piano is brilliant and colourful, and that strolling bass is simply magic to hearken to. I hope Uematsu has heard this association.
Remaining Fantasy IX‘s “Melodies of Life” has a lounge jazz/ballad association that includes the Yusuke Hirado Trio and vocalist Miyuki Hatakeyama. That is one other observe that completely matches SQ Swing. It was first recorded for Extra SQ in 2011. That is the one vocal observe on the album, and it makes for a terrific hear. Hatakeyama has simply the best voice for this efficiency. However for my cash, the perfect a part of the tune is the prolonged piano improvisation about midway into the tune’s six-minute run time.
Lastly, we have now a “repeat” that’s arduous to categorise given its standing. Not like the opposite repeats, this observe was initially on a disc known as Uncommon SQ. This 2012 CD was not a retail launch; fairly, it was a bonus disc distributed by retailers Village/Vanguard and Tower Data when promoting copies of the album Remaining Fantasy Tribute ~Thanks~ in-store. Because the title suggests, the album has certainly change into uncommon. In truth, I’ve by no means come throughout a duplicate or heard something from the album till now! The epic battle theme “Megalomania” (LIVE A LIVE), organized by the group RF for Uncommon SQ, seems right here on SQ Swing! And goodness gracious, is that this a enjoyable and energetic association. I particularly love the guitar with intestine strings conserving in time with the tight, pop-friendly drums.
Now, I want to name your consideration to the album’s bookend tracks. Each are organized and carried out by Taro Kuchibue. On the opening observe, you hear him snapping, whistling, and offering some a capella percussion. On the ending observe, it’s simply the whistles. I truly loved this ending observe, “The Light Breeze Sings” (Xenogears), as a pleasant send-off after “Melodies of Life.” The intro, nonetheless? I feel it frustrates me due to the variety of deep cuts Kuchibue took that Sq. Enix has typically been afraid to the touch exterior of this extraordinarily quick medley of tracks. Not solely does Kuchibue provide some music from Bahamut Lagoon, which Sq. Enix hardly ever permits onto the “SQ” sequence, nevertheless it even consists of Treasure Hunter G!! I imply, I’m glad Kuchibue selected to incorporate this music. It merely highlights among the many lesser-known titles within the SQEX gameography that deserve some consideration, significantly musically.
Earlier, I’d talked about RF’s association of “Megalomania.” RF has three extra preparations on the album. The softest amongst them is the Remaining Fantasy IV medley “Melody of Lute ~ Illusionary World.” The tempo right here is good and sluggish, and the bass is good. I can think about sitting at a small desk, having fun with a cocktail with mates whereas a small band presents this beautiful medley. Leaping throughout the franchise’s neglected fifth entry, we subsequent get a personality theme medley from Remaining Fantasy VI. RF covers 4 characters with “Shadow ~ Cayenne ~ Edgar&Mash” (for these unfamiliar, the everyday English localization for Cayenne is Cyan, and Mash is Sabin). This medley is essentially the most experimental, most rhythmically free of any observe on the whole thing of SQ Swing. The Edgar&Mash theme (“Coin Tune”) is offered in a manner which may trouble some listeners, particularly with the raucous ending measures. However I feel this was one of the vital musically distinct preparations I’ve heard in an especially very long time.
RF’s remaining contribution to SQ Swing is “Battle! Alkaiser,” a personality and battle theme from SaGa Frontier. I’m all the time completely happy to see some SaGa illustration, and this was undoubtedly a enjoyable selection! The 2-step drum sample is an ideal selection, and it’s enjoyable to hearken to that upright bass simply barely sustain with the quick tempo! Guitarist Masanori Narikawa is the star of the present, and his improvised sections are spectacular right here, if frustratingly quick!
Now, let’s take a look at contributions from the group Drakskip. This distinctive ensemble beforehand recorded music on Beer SQ and the aforementioned Remaining Fantasy Tribute ~Thanks~. I don’t suppose they match the “Swing” theme in any respect. Particularly within the case of their first providing, “The Baby of the Fairy Tribe” (Secret of Mana). This association is beautiful, with the distinctive bowed and plucked string devices sounding akin to renaissance music but Kikuta’s supply composition pointing to one thing one would anticipate within the nineteenth or twentieth century.
Drakskip’s different association feels extra grounded than their Secret of Mana observe, seemingly due to the good hand percussion that helps preserve the group in line. The observe in query? A medley of “Hall of Time ~ Schala’s Theme” from Chrono Set off. Let’s be sincere: you’d should attempt to make these songs sound dangerous. I actually suppose Yasunori Mitsuda made these two themes foolproof. Play the melody, preserve the chord development as-is, and lay down these candy hand drums, and also you’re in enterprise. I don’t suppose Drakskip does a lot to raise the music right here, and I’d argue that the vocal preparations on To Far Away Instances are superior. Nonetheless, it’s a pleasant observe to have, and Drakskip offers it their all with their chosen set of devices. I can’t complain!
This leaves us with two extra tracks. One is a really sturdy Kingdom Hearts II musical medley from jazz trio fox seize plan. In case you like music from the Kingdom Hearts sequence, you’re going to like this association. This one has a seven-minute runtime, and the trio does every thing of their energy to intimidate the listener with fast-paced battle themes, then soothe with the unforgettable “Dearly Beloved.”
The remaining observe? One other Chrono Set off medley. This consists of the title theme “Chrono Set off,” the unforgettable “Yearnings of the Wind” (generally translated “Wind Scene”), and a quick look of “Robo’s Theme.” It is a strong association/efficiency from the group bohemianvoodoo. It’s not the strongest or most fascinating association, however there’s nonetheless loads to get pleasure from right here!
With this CD having been printed over a decade in the past, it may be a tough discover. Digitally, this album is obtainable as a part of the brand new SQ Music Collections, although the Kingdom Hearts II observe is oddly lacking there.
