ReMix: Final Fantasy VI 'A Day in the Life of a Gambler'
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- Game: Final Fantasy VI (Square, 1994, SNES)
- ReMixer(s): JigginJonT
- Composer(s): Nobuo Uematsu
- Song(s): 'Searching for Friends', 'Setzer'
- Posted: 2008-03-29, evaluated by djpretzel
WARNING: Despite its alluring title, this ReMix contains absolutely no Kenny Rogers whatsoever. When Jon initially presented me with this otherwise stupendous solo piano ReMix from FF6, the title fooled me into thinking the arrangement would have at least SOME amount of Kenny Rogers in it. But no dice. Nada Rogers. Mr. Jiggin clearly knows not when to hold them, when to fold them, when to walk away, OR when to run. But somewhere in the darkness, he breaks even with another fine solo piano mix in the esteemed tradition of Silent Progression. He writes:
"I recorded this for Dwelling of Duels' free month in December 07. Stylistically, the arrangement is informed heavily by George Gershwin and Vince Guaraldi. Big thanks to Larry Oji and Anso for encouraging me to go back and re-record this, as I was originally going to settle for a take that was both sloppier and less energetic. While the arrangement itself isn't going to change the world, this piano solo is probably the best combination of performance and recording quality I've managed to date."
So, not to beat a dead horse, but I just wanna say that George Gershwin is about as Un-Kenny Rogers as you can get, and leave it at that. Fortunately these influences provided an arrangement that's definitely different from a lot of the more lyrical, flowing solo piano pieces we see, focusing more on syncopation and rhythm. This picks up at 0'38" - the intro is actually mellower and more traditional, but then things do get a little Peanuts, in a pleasing way. There are a lot of colors here: 1'36" is touching and more melodic, 2'09" turns to darker, more ominous tones, then 2'41" harkens back to the jazzier, rather upbeat vibe from earlier. It's a heck of a performance and a heck of an arrangement... this gambler is having a very interesting day, to be sure. This is our first arrangement of the Setzer theme, appropriately timed as 21 is in theaters right now and Blackjack is clearly pertinent ;) Jon's a versatile artist and multi-instrumentalist who can pepper his arrangements with guitar, trumpet, etc., and have it sound great, but it's cool to also hear these paired-down, pure arrangement/performance pieces too, as they have their own immediacy and momentum to them. Excellent mix from one of many gems off the FF6 OST, and more greatness from JJT, who - in spite of both his pseudonym and lack of proper respect for Mr. Rogers - continues to impress.
Discussion: Latest 15 comments/reviews; view the - Hazard on May 31, 2009
Odd theories aside, what a great piece. I'd been waiting for a symphonic arrangement of Setzer's theme, but solo piano is just as great, and he really covers it perfectly, I couldn't ask for more.
- Lucentas on December 6, 2008
This is my first review, so let's see how I do!
I like the introduction. Some nice, lush chords are a good way to go. I always like hearing source material early on, and I like how JJT plays through the main melody once, before having a little bridge at 0:38.
The pause at 1:28 is nice. I like how he then transitions into Searching Friends. The drawn-out note at 2:08 is perfectly beautiful.
The repetition of the same note/rhythm from 2:11 to 2:40 or so gets kinda boring, but I like how it then changes back to the best rendition of Setzer in this mix.
JJT has a long wind-down for this mix, from 3:18 to the end at 4:00, but the leading bass melody really helps keep it interesting, right up 'til the last note. The ritard at 3:48 is perfect.
Overall, an excellent mix. Not one of my most favorite piano solos, but it's got some good moments. I give it... 3.5 out of 5 stars. Above average.
- The_Mighty_KELP on October 30, 2008
- XiaoXiaoNeo on August 30, 2008
OA;391475 wrote: 'je ne sais qua'
Almost. Try again.
About the song: I was pretty surprised by how much energy this solo-piano piece has, and how uplifting it is in some places. None of that overly dramatic "I'm smashing my forearm on the piano keys" stuff in here.
Nice one.
- Martin Penwald on April 23, 2008
Dhsu;391950 wrote: I think it might have something to do with it not being on the $10 speakers they used at the listening party.
lol Ya, that will do it. I won't even give a song an honest review unless I've heard it on a good pair of heads phones and a good set of speakers.
Forgot to add... loved this mix and I'm not even a big fan of piano solos. I am usually partial to electric guitar.
- Ganit on April 5, 2008
OA;391526 wrote: Well shit.
I don't want to be on crack, but apparently I am. ;_;
I think it might have something to do with it not being on the $10 speakers they used at the listening party.
- Dhsu on April 1, 2008
There's nothing else to say except we want more! :)
Cheers!
- anthonynemer on April 1, 2008
- zircon on March 31, 2008
JJT;391514 wrote: zircon may have remastered it (trying to remember), but it's the same recording.
Well shit.
I don't want to be on crack, but apparently I am. ;_;
- OA on March 31, 2008
OA;391509 wrote: I pulled up the DoD results one and they sound completely different, specifically in the midrange.
Am I on crack?
zircon may have remastered it (trying to remember), but it's the same recording.
- JJT on March 31, 2008
JJT;391507 wrote: this is the same version that was submitted to DoD :P
I pulled up the DoD results one and they sound completely different, specifically in the midrange.
Am I on crack?
- OA on March 31, 2008
OA;391475 wrote: As soon as this came on at the DoD listening party, it was pretty clear to everyone who's entry this was. I remember it being good back then, but this re-recorded version is like a super nova compared to the night light the first one was.
The whole piece is infused with new energy, and it has a strong forward momentum. Even the beginning, where it is supposed to meander a bit has good focus. Nice interpretation throughout, and great shifting moods. I wasn't totally sold on this at DoD time, as it was lacking that 'je ne sais qua', but this is a huge improvement. I certainly hear it now.
You should be super proud of this. Excellent work.
this is the same version that was submitted to DoD :P
- JJT on March 31, 2008
- Palpable on March 31, 2008
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