As one of the final entries in Square Enix’s “SQ” album series, SQ Swing is a swingin’ thing. As I dug into this album, I found some startlingly impressive tracks. I also found some weak arrangements and some frustrating repeats. I also noticed a lack of cohesion in the “swing” theme. Not every one of these songs feels like the music of the 1930s, something from Benny Goodman or Count Basie. Perhaps Japan has a broader interpretation of the term? Some of these songs border on a kind of bluegrass jazz, and generally avoid the genre’s big band origins.
Let’s start by ruling out those repeat tracks, shall we? Originally found on Cafe SQ, KING COLUMBIA’s arrangement of “Johnny C. Bad” (Final Fantasy VI) finds its way onto this album. Given the nature of the arrangement and instrumentation, I would say it fits better here than on the Cafe album. I can’t really fault Square Enix for the reappearance. I would argue KING COLUMBIA’s version of this song is more than adequate as a jazzy, swingin’ piece of music. The horn section is remarkably tight, the piano is bright and colorful, and that walking bass is just magic to listen to. I hope Uematsu has heard this arrangement.
Final Fantasy IX‘s “Melodies of Life” has a lounge jazz/ballad arrangement featuring the Yusuke Hirado Trio and vocalist Miyuki Hatakeyama. This is another track that absolutely fits SQ Swing. It was first recorded for More SQ in 2011. This is the only vocal track on the album, and it makes for a great listen. Hatakeyama has just the right voice for this performance. But for my money, the best part of the song is the lengthy piano improvisation about halfway into the song’s six-minute run time.
Finally, we have a “repeat” that is hard to classify given its status. Unlike the other repeats, this track was originally on a disc called Rare SQ. This 2012 CD was not a retail release; rather, it was a bonus disc distributed by retailers Village/Vanguard and Tower Records when selling copies of the album Final Fantasy Tribute ~Thanks~ in-store. As the title suggests, the album has indeed become rare. In fact, I’ve never come across a copy or heard anything from the album until now! The epic battle theme “Megalomania” (LIVE A LIVE), arranged by the group RF for Rare SQ, appears here on SQ Swing! And goodness gracious, is this a fun and energetic arrangement. I especially love the guitar with gut strings keeping in time with the tight, pop-friendly drums.
Now, I would like to call your attention to the album’s bookend tracks. Both are arranged and performed by Taro Kuchibue. On the opening track, you hear him snapping, whistling, and providing some a capella percussion. On the ending track, it’s just the whistles. I actually enjoyed this ending track, “The Gentle Breeze Sings” (Xenogears), as a nice send-off after “Melodies of Life.” The intro, however? I think it frustrates me because of the number of deep cuts Kuchibue took that Square Enix has generally been afraid to touch outside of this extremely short medley of tracks. Not only does Kuchibue offer some music from Bahamut Lagoon, which Square Enix rarely allows onto the “SQ” series, but it even includes Treasure Hunter G!! I mean, I am glad Kuchibue chose to include this music. It simply highlights some of the many lesser-known titles in the SQEX gameography that deserve some attention, particularly musically.
Earlier, I’d mentioned RF’s arrangement of “Megalomania.” RF has three additional arrangements on the album. The softest among them is the Final Fantasy IV medley “Melody of Lute ~ Illusionary World.” The tempo here is nice and slow, and the bass is just right. I can imagine sitting at a small table, enjoying a cocktail with friends while a small band presents this lovely medley. Jumping across the franchise’s overlooked fifth entry, we next get a character theme medley from Final Fantasy VI. RF covers four characters with “Shadow ~ Cayenne ~ Edgar&Mash” (for those unfamiliar, the typical English localization for Cayenne is Cyan, and Mash is Sabin). This medley is the most experimental, most rhythmically loose of any track on the entirety of SQ Swing. The Edgar&Mash theme (“Coin Song”) is presented in a way that might bother some listeners, especially with the raucous ending measures. But I think this was one of the most musically distinct arrangements I’ve heard in an extremely long time.
RF’s final contribution to SQ Swing is “Fight! Alkaiser,” a character and battle theme from SaGa Frontier. I’m always happy to see some SaGa representation, and this was definitely a fun choice! The two-step drum pattern is a perfect choice, and it’s fun to listen to that upright bass just barely keep up with the fast tempo! Guitarist Masanori Narikawa is the star of the show, and his improvised sections are impressive here, if frustratingly short!
Now, let’s look at contributions from the group Drakskip. This unique ensemble previously recorded music on Beer SQ and the aforementioned Final Fantasy Tribute ~Thanks~. I don’t think they fit the “Swing” theme at all. Especially in the case of their first offering, “The Child of the Fairy Tribe” (Secret of Mana). This arrangement is stunning, with the unique bowed and plucked string instruments sounding akin to renaissance music yet Kikuta’s source composition pointing to something one would expect in the 19th or 20th century.
Drakskip’s other arrangement feels more grounded than their Secret of Mana track, likely because of the great hand percussion that helps keep the group in line. The track in question? A medley of “Corridor of Time ~ Schala’s Theme” from Chrono Trigger. Let’s be honest: you’d have to try to make these songs sound bad. I really think Yasunori Mitsuda made these two themes foolproof. Play the melody, keep the chord progression as-is, and lay down those sweet hand drums, and you’re in business. I don’t think Drakskip does much to elevate the music here, and I’d argue that the vocal arrangements on To Far Away Times are superior. Nonetheless, it’s a nice track to have, and Drakskip gives it their all with their selected set of instruments. I can’t complain!
This leaves us with two more tracks. One is a very strong Kingdom Hearts II musical medley from jazz trio fox capture plan. If you like music from the Kingdom Hearts series, you’re going to love this arrangement. This one has a seven-minute runtime, and the trio does everything in their power to intimidate the listener with fast-paced battle themes, then soothe with the unforgettable “Dearly Beloved.”
The remaining track? Another Chrono Trigger medley. This includes the title theme “Chrono Trigger,” the unforgettable “Yearnings of the Wind” (sometimes translated “Wind Scene”), and a brief appearance of “Robo’s Theme.” This is a solid arrangement/performance from the group bohemianvoodoo. It’s not the strongest or most interesting arrangement, but there is still plenty to enjoy here!
With this CD having been published over a decade ago, it can be a hard find. Digitally, this album is available as part of the new SQ Music Collections, though the Kingdom Hearts II track is oddly missing there.
