ReMix:SaGa Frontier "Crime Boss Nomad" 3:10

Newcomer ardklaw (Arden Klawitter) debuts with a delicious funk take on an already-funky Kenji Ito jam from SaGa Frontier, replacing clarinet with some buttery brass synth, beefin' up the drums, adding some additional seasoning, and throwing in a smidge of original writing as well:

"My remix of "Booby Trap" from SaGa Frontier. This new arrangement is titled "Crime Boss Nomad." Original composition by Kenji Ito.

I chose to remix this track because I think it's an awesome composition and the SaGa Frontier soundtrack doesn't often get remixed as far as I can tell. This game's soundtrack is one of my favorites of all time, and I wanted to give it some love! The original composition is really groovy, and I wanted to expand the arrangement and make it even groovier. I hope you enjoy!"

I certainly did; most of this arrangement is on the conservative side, but Arden's done a sick job modifying the instrument palette & corresponding parts to fit into a funkier, r&b mold. Beyond the sound upgrade, he's done enough with timing and some original bits to make the judges happy, too. Panel was unanimous, and I think Liontamer said it best:

"Man, I hadn't heard this theme in probably 15+ years, and it just unlocked some old college radio memories for me. Awesome source tune choice!

Structurally, it's initially conservative, but it's a very well-personalized genre adaptation. At 1:11, some bars of the intro were repeating and I worried the arrangement wouldn't develop more, but then it quickly shifted into the comping from 1:24-1:50, following that up with another hint of the melody coupled with vamping to not just settle into too straightforward of a cover. Loved the textures at 2:38's section; the original's countermelody is such a great element.

The way the track ended at 3:00 was too sudden, IMO, and this otherwise smoove rendition deserved a more substantive conclusion, but that certainly doesn't hold this back.

Gotta also give credit to the production; the instrumentation had a full sound, and props for some beefy bass work and creative percussion writing. When it's clear attention's been paid to the backing elements, not just the foreground players, you can achieve a strong sound with parts that have genuine synergy together.

Nice job, Arden, count me in as a new fan, and I can't wait to hear your future arrangements!"

The absolutely rotund synth brass lead that enters at 0'26" is worth the (admittedly free) price of admission alone; really satisfying warmth and girthy filter envelope, perfect for the part. While I think a few more liberties could & should have been taken compositionally, it's a close call, made significantly easier by virtue of the strong production overall and some really standout individual instruments full of character & depth. Plus it's funky af; that never hurts :) An intuitive treatment of a jazzy-funky source which reduces the former but amps up the latter to a full-blown flavorful funk cut. Great debut from ardklaw, right up my alley - can't wait to hear more!