Video Game Jazz Music at The Runaway Five's First All Ages Show

Driving, funky jazz versions of video game music were on tap when The Runaway Five performed in concert in Calgary, Alberta at the National Musical Centre Saturday, April 6, 2013. It was the jazz group's first "all ages" show.

This concert featured Johnny Summers on trumpet and flugelhorn, Shane Statz on tenor sax, Sheldon Zandboer on piano, Brendan McElroy on bass and Karl Schwonik on drums. It was the group's first performance in a quintet configuration.

Jazz Arrangements of Classic Video Game Themes Played by the Runaway Five

The quintet opened the first half with two songs from the SNES game Earthbound (AKA "MOTHER 1+2"):"Sound Stone" and "Threed". This particular arrangement of the "Sound Stone" melody was quite lively, complete with stride piano. It featured solos by Shane, Johnny and and Sheldon.

In contrast, "Threed" was a laid back bossa nova. One of the neat moments in this arrangement was the transition between the flugelhorn and tenor sax solos. There was a lovely dialogue between the two instruments, which weaved and bobbed like someone floating aimlessly in the pool or ocean. I could have sworn I heard a "quote" from "Rainy Days and Mondays" by The Carpenters for a fraction of a second.

Next game on the set list was SimCity 3000, which is known for its jazz and new age soundtrack. "Updown Town" was a toe-tapping medium upswing. The trumpet solo began in the lower registered with shots that gradually led the listeners higher and higher. This was followed by an extremely chromatic piano solo, complete with rapid-fire blues riffs and shakes. After a very catchy vamp, the tenor sax solo gradually built up higher and higher, like a skyscraper.

"Into the Darkness" from Final Fantasy IVwas a lazy jazz waltz. The ensemble played upon the rhythmic ostinato from the introduction, working it into their solos. The flugelhorn solo was soft and mournful. In contrast, the tenor sax rose and fell like waves. The piano solo had punchy riffs and crunchy chords, while the bass solo played upon the theme, leading the audience deeper and deeper, lower and lower into blackness.

Another highlight from the first set was "Love Song" from BioWare's Dragon Age. This slow jazz waltz featured a beautiful duet between the flugelhorn and tenor sax. The sax solo began simply, who lush long tones, but the rhythm grew in complexity, building the tension. In contrast, the piano solo featured tender chords that rose and fell like a sigh. It too gradually grew in intensity with crunchier harmonies. The gradual deconstruction of the theme was a neat effect, just before leading the audience back to the head.

Three more video game themes were performed in the first set. "Buy Something Will Ya" (Earthbound) was a moderate swing number. "Zelda's Lullaby" (Zelda), which showcased the flugelhorn and piano. The Runaway Five closed the first set with the "Overworld Theme" from Super Mario Bros 2.

Soul Jazz, Ragtime and Swing Video Game Music in The Runaway Five's All Ages Concert

The Runaway Five did their best to make the audience forget the miserable weather outside with "Koopa Troopa Beach" from Super Mario Kart 64. Was I the only one pretending to drive my Mario Kart around the beach during the performance? I hope not.

The tenor sax solo was wavy, with splashes up into the higher register. The  flugelhorn solo kept the mood high and bright, not just with playing in the higher register, but with the introduction of a different rhythm. The piano took that rhythm and changed it even more. When the head returned to lead us back to the finish line, it was a nostalgic moment.

Another highlight from the second half of the show was "Muscle Soul" from Battlefield Bad Company 2 Vietnam (Hill 137). This isn't a game I'd normally play, so hearing this theme was my introduction to the music of Anders Lewen.

This number opened with the bass and drums vamping on that opening riff until one by one, the rest of the company stepped in. The trumpet solo traversed a wide range, like a unit marching to their next mission. The sax solo was as soulful as the original recording. The piano solo had a little Motown, a little funk and a hint of disco.

The Runaway Five closed the show with "Air Platform - The Athletic Rag" from Super Mario World. The quintet had fun playing around with the two main themes from this classic video game. The trumpet solo used the A theme as a springboard to new riffs.

The tenor sax took the last rhythms played by the trumpet and then improvised on the B theme, then back to the A theme before tossing it to the piano, where we heard a chromatic treatment of the B theme, complete with zippy runs. The drum solo was playful, exploring different rhythmic and timbre combinations.

Three more VG themes were featured in the second set, including the "Figaro Castle Theme" from Final Fantasy III (VI), "Green Hill Zone" from Sonic the Hedgehog 2 opened with the drums and music from Street Fighter.

About The Runaway Five

Founded by Brendan McElroy, the Runaway Five performs jazz music arrangements of classic video games, including Super Mario Bros., Final Fantasy and Zelda. In 2008 and 2009, the group performed at Massey Hall in Toronto during the Video Games Live tour. The ensemble members change, increasing or decreasing depending upon the needs of the show.

The Runaway Five performed an intimate concert open to all ages on Saturday, April 6, 2013 at the National Music Centre. The interplay between the musicians was a delight to hear, while the themes left the audience feeling nostalgic about games past and present.

If you missed the show, you can check out some of group's earlier performances on their Youtube Channel. The Runaway Five will perform later this year. Details to follow.

Review of Johnny Summers – Piano Sessions Vol. 1 CD Release Concert

Calgary multi-instrumentalist Johnny Summers and friends delivered an intimate and passionate performance on Saturday, March 16, 2013 at the University of Calgary's Rozsa Centre. The event was a CD Release Party to introduce Summers’ third jazz album, Piano Sessions Vol. 1.

The Calgary event also featured Chris Andrew on piano, Al Muirhead on trumpet, Jason Valleau on bass and vocals, Sheldon Valleau on ukulele and vocals and finally, Shane Statz on tenor sax. Johnny Summers performed on vocals, trumpet and flugelhorn.

Swing, Ballads and Blues Featured in Johnny Summers' Piano Sessions Vol. 1

The concert opened with "She Thinks that I Still Care". Unlike with George Jones' original country stylings, this interpretation was injected with a "hot summer's day in New Orleans" feel.

The dramatic pauses at the ends of key phrases set a playful tone to the number. The trumpet and piano solos were longer than they were on the album, giving Johnny Summers and Chris Andrew an opportunity to really expand on their ideas.

Between numbers, Johnny explained some of his inspirations for recording this jazz album.  Listening to great crooners such as Harry Connick Jr. and Tony Bennett, as well as instrumentalists Bill Evans, Chet Baker and Paul Blaine instilled the idea of an album featuring piano and voice. "That's beautiful to me," he said.

"You're extremely exposed," he divulged. Johnny added, "You have to have a good sense of time."

During the recording sessions, four additional songs were recorded, which didn't make it onto the album: "I'll Be Home for Christmas" and "Winter Wonderland", "Look for the Silver Lining" and "Mood Indigo." The classic Christmas songs were bundled together in Winter Wonderland.  The other two made it onto Saturday's programme.

Jerome Kern & B.G. DeSylva's "Look for the Silver Lining" was made famous by Chet Baker. This medium swing song had a light, breezy feel to it.

Chris' solo was peppered with syncopated rhythms and impressive runs. In contrast, Johnny's solo on his brand new Yamaha flugelhorn was tender and warm, gradually blossoming into each a high point. Partway through, the groove became more animated and the two traded 4's.

The ballad "Maybe This Time" has been recorded by many artists, including crooner Tony Bennett. Johnny shared some of his memories of hearing Bennett sing live in concert. "He walks on stage...and you feel the electricity...When he sings, he fills you."

Johnny's interpretation was soulful and wistful, with an unhurried tempo throughout. That made the climax more impassioned. The piano shakes were performed in a dreamy fashion.

Jason and Sheldon Valleau of the band, The Polyjesters, lent their talents to "My Baby Just Cares for Me". This jazz standard by Walter Donaldson and Gus Kahn has been considered the signature piece of Nina Simone.

This medium swing number featured a soft, easygoing piano solo by Chris. The crescendo towards a soft, fermata in Johnny's trumpet solo was a short reprieve before the melody shot up to the instrument's upper register. The lyrics were delivered with a cheeky and humourous flair. The impromptu "doo-doo-doo" at the end of the tag was by Sheldon was a nice touch.

Variety, Extended Solos and Delightful Surprises at Johnny Summers CD Release Concert

One of the highlights in the second set was Nat King Cole's "I'm an Errand Boy for Rhythm". After a slow introduction on voice and piano, the mood shifted to a lively upswing. The interlude featured a rhythmic piano solo, followed by Al's elegantly shaped phrases. In contrast, Johnny's trumpet solo weaved and raced to the top with rapid runs. The trumpet dialogue between Al and Johnny was playful. At times, it sounded just like scatting. Other times, it sounded like a car race.

This interpretation of Duke Ellington's "Mood Indigo" had shades of Nina Simone. It featured solos by Shane Statz on tenor sax, Johnny on trumpet and Chris on piano.

The final song of the evening was a rousing performance of Johnny Cash's "Folsom Prison Blues". One of the most delightful things about music is that you never hear the same performance twice. This was especially true in this case.

The piano intro was extended for the live performance, gathering momentum just as a train does when it pulls out. The sax solo was grittier, exploring the lower range of the instrument. In contrast, Al's solo was lighter and higher, much like birds chirping. Chris' solo featured a  healthy dose of "crunchy" chords and driving rhythms, while Johnny's trumpet solo spun and shot up - higher - and higher.

Jason performed a percussion solo on his bass before Johnny and Jason scatted. Jason's surprise trumpet-like squeal led to various instruments being imitated.

The entire audience rose quickly to give everyone a standing ovation. The ensemble performed one encore, "St. James Infirmary."

Six more songs were performed at the Piano Sessions Vol. 1 CD Release. Four more other songs were performed in the first set: "Dream a Little Dream of Me", "You Don't Know Me", "Going Home" and "Exactly Like You". The second half also featured "I Wonder, I Wonder" and "Simple Song".

Piano Sessions Vol. 1 Concert Review

From the opening line, the balance between the voice and piano and later, the remaining instruments, was nothing short of perfect. The ensemble made full use of the acoustics that the Rozsa Centre offers, delivering a crisp and clear sound. They definitively demonstrated that the album's Global Music Awards for Best Listener Impact and Best Male Vocalist are well deserved.

Technical proficiency, when coupled with artistry, is a winning combination. What more could a performer or listener ask for? Well, perhaps for the lead vocalist to not have strep throat, perhaps.

The live performance offered listeners different type of performance. Feeding off the energy from the audience and the ensemble can push a musician to new heights of artistry. This manifested on Saturday into spontaneous moments of brilliance that lead to new directions for improvisation. Yes, live was slightly different from the album, but just as beautiful in its own right.

About Johnny Summers

Johnny Summers is a Calgary-based multi-instrumentalist who performs jazz, soul, gospel, blues and almost everything in between. He's a singer and songwriter, as well as a trumpet and flugelhorn player. As the director of the Calgary Jazz Orchestra, he serves as composer, arranger and band leader.

Piano Sessions Vol. 1 is currently available on CD Baby and iTunes on March 16, 2013. Click here to read my album review.