ReMix:Kirby 64: The Crystal Shards "Aqua Tides" 3:09

By jdaster64

jazz piano solo-piano jazzy live-recording solo

Arranging the music of one song...

"Aqua Star"

Primary Game: Kirby 64: The Crystal Shards (Nintendo , 2000, N64), music by Hirokazu Ando, Jun Ishikawa

Posted 2014-12-11, evaluated by the judges panel

AND THE EPIC FIFTEEN MIX FLOOD CONTINUES...

Of this jazzy, impeccably-performed solo piano arrangement, Nintendo 64-inspired newcomer jdaster64 (Jonathan Aldrich) writes:

"Hey, I've long been a fan of OC ReMix, and since I recently recorded a bunch of tracks for a CD of mine (Video Game Variations 2), I thought I'd try submitting one of the more original arrangements.

My arrangement is called "Aqua Tides," and is an arrangement of "Aqua Star" (I believe) from Kirby 64: The Crystal Shards. Many of my arrangements are in this sort of jazz piano style, and I try to pull inspiration from the likes of Vince Guaraldi and Dave Brubeck, two of my favorite artists. This piece in particular, I'd wanted to cover in some form or another for some time, but the typical poppy 4/4 beat from most Kirby games, particularly 64, didn't lend itself well to piano. However, I thought it worked a great deal better in a smoother 6/8, and it kind of has a natural roll to it that, to me, evokes the feeling of small waves on the shore. Thank you for your time, and if this isn't accepted, please let me know what I can do in the future to improve it or future arrangements!"

I certainly appreciate Jonathan's great attitude, but the mix was both enthusiastically & unanimously accepted, and I think you'll hear why - DarkeSword (more or less) gushes:

"I played so much K64 back in the day. Love the choice of source. I'm also a huge sucker for time signature adaptations. This is absolutely fantastic. I love the whole approach here, really emotive and lovely. Fantastic performance too. Absolutely YES."

I dig time sig adaptations as well; I suppose they can sometimes backfire, but more often than not it seems that those willing to pursue them & make them work get a good return on investment. Buoyant, confident, flowing... plenty of nice flourishes, good dynamic contrast... what's not to like? Super mellow ending just eases on up the scale w/ a classy ritardando... and there's really not MUCH else to say. Great arrangement + great performance = a memorable OCR debut for jdaster64 that I think a LOT of folks will appreciate!

― djpretzel

Discussion

Latest 13 comments/reviews; view the complete thread or post your own.
avatar
Chernabogue
on 2015-12-15 15:49:12

A really nice piano arrangement -- you can really feel the performance here. It's a lovely take on the source, and I like it. Nothing much to add, it's a really enjoyable track. Nice work! :)

avatar
Nostalvania
on 2015-01-30 09:17:35

Yeah, very skillful piano playing and excellent arrangement. Thumbs up man!

avatar
MrKyle
on 2015-01-22 10:29:25

All of jdaster's work is great. Keep it up sir! Gives me a Japanese-village-stroll-feel. Maybe Hisaishi?

avatar
Crulex
on 2014-12-23 11:44:45

Ah this is a beautiful ReMix. Loving what you've done with Aqua Star here, giving it some of that Guaraldi touch and the whole feel of this mix is gorgeous and fitting on the highest levels. So good to hear ReMixes of Kirby that can show more than just it's crazier sides and more of the fun, lighter sides.

avatar
timaeus222
on 2014-12-23 02:03:07

Yeah, I'm definitely getting that Guaraldi feel, especially because I've played "Linus and Lucy" before as a kid, and it evokes this kind of mood. Easy to like. Great playing! Keep it up!

avatar
OverClocked PodCast
on 2014-12-20 14:33:14

Man, this is a gorgeous piece that lovingly elaborates on the source while taking it in a totally new direction. It sounds so soothing and natural, but listening a little closer reveals bunches of skill.

avatar
Emunator
on 2014-12-20 13:39:33

I love this so much :-) It reminds me so much of some of Bladiator's old piano remixes.

I can't believe there aren't more remixes of Kirby 64 out there, this perfectly captures the bubbly, quirky nature of the game. Your piano performance and arrangement skills are enviable!

avatar
greenmonkie
on 2014-12-20 07:59:48

These are the kind of arrangements that have kept me coming to OCRemix for years. More from you, sir and I will be checking out your albums. Great stuff!

avatar
Midori
on 2014-12-18 02:32:19

Getting a very strong Peanuts theme vibe with this song

Love it

avatar
Magnum Octopus
on 2014-12-17 12:15:24
I can really hear the Vince Guaraldi inspiration, and I love it.

I second that. Whether you've heard the source or not, this is a gorgeous rendition of it.

avatar
meboeck
on 2014-12-15 12:03:51

I can really hear the Vince Guaraldi inspiration, and I love it. I liked this well enough the first time I listened to it, but it's growing on me the more I listen. Great job!

avatar
LuigiFan
on 2014-12-11 16:01:45

Anybody who believes that all OCR does is post the same stuff really needs to see this latest mixflood - the juxtaposition of this track with the Xenophobe one right before it clearly showcases just how diverse this site can be. LOVE this track - I too am a sucker for time signature variants. Well played, and I want to hear more!

avatar
Liontamer
on 2014-12-11 00:50:34

What did you think? Post your opinion of this ReMix.

Sources Arranged (1 Song)


Primary Game:
Kirby 64: The Crystal Shards (Nintendo , 2000, N64)
Music by Hirokazu Ando,Jun Ishikawa
Songs:
"Aqua Star"

Tags (6)


Genre:
Jazz
Mood:
Jazzy
Instrumentation:
Piano,Solo Piano
Additional:
Arrangement > Solo
Production > Live Recording

File Information


Name:
Kirby_64_Aqua_Tides_OC_ReMix.mp3
Size:
5,227,234 bytes
MD5:
6922505aab055969779b7ce1ac58d58a
Bitrate:
217Kbps
Duration:
3:09

Promotion

8-bit Jazz Heroes - Press Start

Follow us on Twitter

Join us on Facebook

View All

Latest Albums

View All

Latest ReMixes