ReMix:Final Fantasy VI "A Day in the Life of a Gambler" 4:00

This is a longtime standby for my wedding DJ sets. Played it yesterday and saw this in the recent reviews and had to share. Brilliant piano piece!

Great take on a good theme. Lots of fresh ideas and improvisation around the source. Searching for Friends sounds alright, but somehow doesn't have the same charm. Great playing regardless and a good arrangement overall.

I never liked Setzer as a character until this track. Then, I couldn't dislike him.

Personally I would have tried to not record the pedal pressing, but that doesn't leave the slightest dent on such tight playing and a well-thought-out arrangement.

http://reoganworks.blogspot.com/2010/12/song-of-week-255.html

Excellent solo piano mix, love the title. The author of the writeup for this on my blog ranked it as one of the all time best tracks she's ever done a writeup for.

Other piano mixes expand, add harmonies, take weird avant-garde spins, or re-arrange the music...

But where this mix (and JJT in general) shines is the fact that a character was created here. The source tune is cool, cute, melodically rich, and has character, yes, but this song actually tells a story. There is no doubt in my mind that the source tune was payed great tribute here, and it's a beautiful thing to hear.

The title is apt, and the movement of the piece fits the 'day in the life' motif perfectly, and the execution of your talent is gorgeous. Really nice stuff.

Another piano mix from Jon. I'm excited. This one starts out very different from the others and sounds very majestic. However, that doesn't last long before the Guaraldi influence hits, and it hits hard. Love the feel of it! Jon's skill on the piano, both in the performance and the arrangement, has gotten better from his past works! I continue to be impressed with his style. It's also interesting to hear how he mixes the Guaraldi sound with the majestic style about half way through. Very nice combination. Jon has created song that, rhythmically, is quite peppy, but it still sounds very solemn and contemplative. That is a rare gift. Awesome work!

I could listen to this all day. I think I will.

You really took an already impressive musical melody and made it that much more fun to listen to. Amazing execution and sound, one of my favorites, thanks so much for putting it together.

I don't think JigginJonT knows how to make a mediocre piano arrangement. It must be some kind of physical impossibility for him. If he ever sat down to purposely make something that didn't blow everyone's minds, his hands would probably freeze up on him, and then start punching his lights out or something.

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.

Hey, I'm new here. I introduced myself over on the newbie introduction thread, so check me out if you wish.

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.

I really loved this. The beginning kinda reminded me of the very beginning of the intro to The Office, where they show those little shots of Scranton while playing the solo piano. I could see this playing there for some strange reason. Anyways, the song just plain kicks ass. Great piano playing Mr T.!

'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.

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.

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.