When Square Enix released their inaugural jazz album featuring Final Fantasy arrangements, fans of video game music were thrilled to hear beloved melodies reimagined through the sophisticated lens of jazz. However, it was the follow-up release that truly captured the hearts of enthusiasts and critics alike. Square Enix Jazz Vol.2 stands as a unique entry in the publisher’s six-album jazz series, distinguishing itself as the only collection to draw from the company’s entire musical catalog rather than focusing on a single franchise. This ambitious approach resulted in what many consider the most exciting and diverse album in the entire series.
The album’s understated name belies its extraordinary content. While the title might lack creative flair, the music within more than compensates for this marketing oversight. By granting arrangers Eijiro Nakagawa and Ryu Kawamura complete access to Square Enix’s vast library of iconic video game compositions, the creative team assembled a remarkable collection spanning multiple beloved franchises. Beyond the expected Final Fantasy selections, listeners are treated to arrangements from the SaGa series, the Mana franchise, Chrono Trigger, and even NieR. This eclectic mix creates an unparalleled listening experience that showcases the breadth and depth of Square Enix’s musical legacy spanning several decades of gaming history.
Opening Tracks Set an Exceptional Standard
The album opens with “The Legend Begins” from SaGa 2, known in Western markets as Final Fantasy Legend II. This 1990 Game Boy title featured compositions by Nobuo Uematsu and Kenji Ito, and the jazz arrangement honors their work beautifully. A gentle piano introduction establishes the melody before the ensemble builds into a heavy groove. The bass and drums provide a solid foundation while guitar and horns trade melodic phrases. What makes this arrangement particularly impressive is how the musicians create dynamic energy shifts without altering the tempo, using syncopation and instrumental layering to transform the original piece into something fresh yet familiar.
The second track delivers what many fans consider the album’s crown jewel: a five-minute arrangement of “Dancing Mad” from Final Fantasy VI. This iconic 1994 boss theme, originally composed by Nobuo Uematsu for the climactic battle against the villainous Kefka, receives a spectacular jazz treatment. The arrangement focuses on the final movement of the original multi-part composition, featuring impressive improvisation sections including notable jazz flute passages. Drummer Ken Higeshiro channels the energy of big band legends like Benny Goodman while navigating the challenging 15/8 time signature. The ensemble masterfully transitions between moments of genuine menace and playful mischief, even incorporating Kefka’s infamous laugh sound effect as a finishing touch.
Mixed Results with NieR and Hidden Gems Throughout
Not every track achieves the same heights as the opening selections. The arrangement of “Song of the Ancients” from the original NieR game presents a challenging case study in adaptation. The 2010 action RPG featured haunting vocals by Emi Evans singing in a fictional language, creating an ethereal atmosphere that defined much of the game’s emotional impact. Translating this to a jazz format using swing syncopation and horn-driven melodies proves somewhat controversial. While arranger Ryu Kawamura makes interesting reharmonization choices in the latter half that partially redeem the track, the substitution of saxophones and trombones for Evans’ irreplaceable vocals leaves something to be desired. Perhaps piano and flute combinations would have better served the dual melody lines that made the original so memorable.
The album notably includes arrangements from Final Fantasy XII and XV, two mainline entries conspicuously absent from the first jazz album. Hitoshi Sakimoto’s “Flash of Steel” from Final Fantasy XII receives treatment from Eijiro Nakagawa that transforms its John Williams-inspired orchestral bombast into something reminiscent of Final Fantasy X-2’s more playful musical style. Intricate guitar work dominates the opening minute before the horn section takes command of the melody. Meanwhile, “Apocalypsis Noctis” from Final Fantasy XV presents a fascinating challenge. Originally composed by the legendary Yoko Shimomura as a massive orchestral and choral piece for battles against the game’s summons, Nakagawa’s jazz interpretation strips away the grandeur in favor of a softer, more intimate swing arrangement. Flutist Ryoji Ihara emerges as the star, while pianist Takana Miyamoto demonstrates sophisticated reharmonization techniques throughout.
Avant-Garde Arrangements and Final Verdict
Perhaps the most experimental selection on the album comes from the Mana series. Ryu Kawamura’s arrangement of “Swivel” from Seiken Densetsu 3, released internationally as Trials of Mana, maintains the folksy character of the original through a whirling 12/8 tempo and Yu Manabe’s violin work that evokes traditional fiddle playing. The arrangement builds toward controlled cacophony before collapsing dramatically, perfectly capturing the spirit of the original composition. The use of vibraphone tones adds additional color, though these were likely produced through synthesizer rather than actual mallet percussion based on the album credits.
Square Enix Jazz Vol.2 represents a pivotal moment in the company’s approach to celebrating their musical heritage. Following this release, the publisher continued the series with dedicated jazz albums for Final Fantasy VII, the SaGa franchise, and Chrono Trigger. Each subsequent release focused on specific properties, making Vol.2’s buffet-style approach unique within the catalog. The collaboration between arrangers Nakagawa and Kawamura demonstrates exceptional understanding of both jazz traditions and video game music conventions, creating arrangements that respect source material while pushing creative boundaries. For collectors and casual listeners alike, this album serves as an ideal entry point into Square Enix’s jazz offerings, providing a comprehensive sampling of what makes the company’s musical legacy so enduringly beloved across generations of gamers and music enthusiasts worldwide.
Expert Opinion: Square Enix Jazz Vol.2 exemplifies how video game music has matured into a legitimate art form worthy of sophisticated reinterpretation. The album’s success suggests that game publishers increasingly recognize their soundtracks as valuable cultural assets deserving preservation and reimagination. As orchestral and jazz arrangements of gaming music continue gaining mainstream acceptance, we can expect more publishers to explore similar crossover projects, potentially elevating video game composers to the same cultural status as film and classical composers.