I just got back from one of the best concert experiences of my life. If you ever get the chance to see a Video Games Live concert in your area, do yourself a favour and get your butt in a seat ASAP.
The symphony that played this evening was phenomenal, the synchronicity between the music and the video component was impeccable and the choir, which was a YOUTH choir of all things, was fantastic. Heck, even Tommy Tallarico earned my respect tonight. He may make me want to punch him in the teeth whenever I see him on TV reviewing a game, but he is one hell of a guitar player and can he ever MC a show.
One of the surprises (for me at least ) was that this was the second concert in the history of VGL that they’ve included music from Chrono Trigger and Chrono Cross, which was just outstanding. They also had Martin Leung, the videogame pianist, play a few sets during the evening and he was a wonder to watch play. I used to play piano back in the day but this guy is on a whole other plane of existence.
Anyway, enough gushing. If you enjoy the music you hear in the games you play and want to have a great 2 1/2 hours listening to your local symphony play them (and maybe win some prizes), I’d highly recommend you go out of your way to catch a show. My friends and I are already making plans to come back to see it next year, assuming it makes its rounds in our general area.
Oh, I almost forgot about the costume show before the concert began. While I really liked the family that dressed up as Mario, Luigi, Link and Princess Peach, the guy who had the homemade Red XIII costume from FFVII was amazing. I wish I had pics, but it was it ever a sight to behold.
Bummer about no pics, the Mario family would have been cool to see.
Did they play any Metroid pieces? That’s my favorite VG music.
I’m not a fan of TT, either, but it’s nice to hear he’s not a total loss.
VGL was in town last year. I hope they come back.
They actually DID play Metroid. That was the second most request set of music that they had never played before. It was quite nice.
Did you recognize what game the Metroid song was from? I’m partial to the Metroid Prime music, but it’s all good.
It was a mix of tunes from the entire Metroid series, from the original all the way up to the Prime games. Hell, they even mixed in some Metroid Pinball!
Very nice. The pinball soundtrack has a very “Prime” feel to it.
Do they have any CDs or MP3s available?
There actually is Vol. 1 of a soundtrack available. I bought it on iTunes months before the concert. It gives you a good feel for how the show is put on.