8-Bit Big Band Returns with “Backwards Compatible”

8-Bit Big Band: Backwards CompatibleThe 8-Bit Big Band has released their third album, Backwards Compatible, which continues the group’s approach of reimagining video game music for jazz orchestra. Led by Charlie Rosen, the band has arrangements of music from Chrono Trigger, Super Mario 64, Metal Gear Solid 3, and more.

“This album was born as a collaboration between a collection of some of the most creative, talented, and open-hearted artists and musicians that gathered together to showcase that when performed with heart and skill,” Rosen writes. “Video Game Music deserves to take its place alongside other legendary bodies of musical work. We hope you enjoy listening as much as we did creating, and long live Video Game Music!”

Aside from leading the band and arranging the charts, Rosen handles bass duties and even takes the lead on “Dire Dire Docks” from Mario 64. Fellow bassists Bobby Wooten, Dan Chmielinski, Julia Adamy, and Adam Neely help to fill out the album.

Check out Neely’s solo work on “Saria’s Song”:

Backwards Compatible is available now on iTunes, Amazon MP3, and Bandcamp.

Backwards Compatible Track List:

  1. Intro to Album 3
  2. Chrono Trigger Main Theme – feat. Steven Feifke (from Chrono Trigger)
  3. Gourmet Race – feat. Sam Dillon (from Kirby Super Star)
  4. Hydrocity Zone – feat. Grace Kelly (from Sonic the Hedgehog 3)
  5. Want You Gone – feat. Benny Benack III (from Portal 2)
  6. Metaknights Revenge – feat. Buttonmasher (from Kirby Super Star)
  7. Super Mario Land Underground – feat. Leo P. (from Super Mario Land)
  8. Dire Dire Docks – feat. Charlie Rosen (from Super Mario 64)
  9. Birdman – feat. Zac Zinger (from Pilot Wings 64)
  10. Lost in Thoughts All Alone – feat. Accent (from Fire Emblem Fates)
  11. Saria’s Song – feat. Adam Neely (from Zelda: Ocarina of Time)
  12. Snake Eater – feat. Tiffany Mann (from Metal Gear Solid 3)
  13. Jump Up Super Star – feat. Grace Kelly (from Super Mario Odyssey)
  14. Super Mario World End Theme (from Super Mario World)

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