Star Wars Music Gets a Jazz Makeover
Contents
Looking for something different in your Star Wars music? Check out these awesome jazz makeovers of some of the classic tunes!
Introduction
The Star Wars films have some of the most iconic music in movie history. From John Williams’ score to the cantina band, the music of Star Wars is unforgettable. But what if that music was given a jazz makeover?
Themed albums
Themed albums are a dime a dozen these days, but every once in a while one comes along that’s worth paying attention to. Such is the case with “Jazz at the Falcon House: A Star Wars Inspired Album,” which imagines what some of our favorite songs from the galaxy far, far away might sound like if they were performed by a jazz band.
The album features interpretations of classic themes like “The Imperial March” and “The Throne Room,” as well as more obscure tracks like “Battle of the Heroes.” Even better, it features some of today’s best jazz musicians, including saxophonist Kenny Garrett, trumpeter Ambrose Akinmusire, and pianist Joey Alexander.
If you’re a fan of Star Wars or jazz, or both, this is an album you’re going to want to check out.
“A Galaxy Far, Far Away”
Fans of the “Star Wars” franchise are in for a treat with a new album that gives the iconic film music a jazz makeover.
“A Galaxy Far, Far Away” is a collaboration between composer John Williams and pianist Dave Grusin, and features some of the most iconic “Star Wars” themes reimagined as jazz standards.
Speaking to Billboard, Grusin said that the project was a “labor of love” and that he had been a fan of Williams’ work since he first saw “Star Wars: A New Hope” in 1977.
“John’s music has always had a special place in my heart, and I’m honored to have had the opportunity to work with him on this album,” Grusin said.
The album features 12 tracks, including renditions of “The Imperial March,” “The Force Theme,” and “Duel of the Fates.”
Williams himself makes a cameo on the album, playing piano on the track “Princess Leia’s Theme.”
“A Galaxy Far, Far Away” is available now on CD and digital formats.
The Music
The Star Wars soundtracks are some of the most iconic and well-known scores in movie history. But what if they were given a jazz makeover? That’s exactly what musician Matt Mulholland did with his latest album, “A Jazz Piano Tribute to Star Wars.”
“Cantina Band”
The “Cantina Band” is a piece of music written by John Williams for the 1977 film Star Wars. The music accompanies the scene in which the character Luke Skywalker meets the alien cantina band in the Mos Eisley Cantina. The piece is one of the most iconic and well-known pieces of music from the Star Wars franchise, and has been arranged and performed by many different artists over the years.
“The Imperial March”
“The Imperial March” is one of the most iconic pieces of music in the Star Wars franchise. Composed by John Williams, it is used to represent the Empire and its leader, Darth Vader. In this jazz arrangement by Matt Davis, the piece is given a new twist, with a jazzy feel that gives it a new lease of life.
“The Throne Room”
“The Throne Room” is one of the most iconic pieces of music from the Star Wars franchise. Composed by John Williams, it is best known for its triumphant opening fanfare, which accompanies the scene in which Luke Skywalker receives his father’s lightsaber.
In 2017, the London Symphony Orchestra released a jazz album called Star Wars Headspace, which featured reinterpretations of some of the franchise’s most popular pieces of music. On this album, “The Throne Room” gets a jazzy makeover courtesy of saxophonist Tim Garland.
Garland’s arrangement retains the original melody of the piece, but gives it a swinging, laid-back feel that makes it sound like it could be playing in a smokey jazz club rather than a intergalactic battle. It’s a fun and interesting take on a classic piece of movie music, and definitely worth a listen for any Star Wars fan.
The Artists
Two of the most distinct and defining features of the Star Wars soundtracks are the work of composer John Williams and the London Symphony Orchestra. Williams’ score for the first film in 1977 was a revelation- a perfect marriage of classical music and pop culture iconography that set the tone for the entire series. The London Symphony Orchestra has been a part of the Star Wars sound from the very beginning, and their contributions have been just as essential.
John Williams
John Williams has composed the music and served as conductor for all eight of the Star Wars saga films. He has also composed music for more than a hundred other films and television shows. His work includes some of the most recognizable movie scores in history, such as those for Jaws, E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial, Superman, the first three Harry Potter films, and Steven Spielberg’s Bunker Hill War Movies. He has received five Academy Awards, four Golden Globe Awards, seven British Academy Film Awards, and 22 Grammy Awards.
The London Symphony Orchestra
The London Symphony Orchestra is one of the world’s most respected orchestras, and they’re bringing their talents to a new arena: the Star Wars universe.
The group has released a new album of jazz interpretations of some of the series’ most iconic themes, and it’s truly something special. The arrangements are masterful, and the performances are top-notch. It’s a must-listen for any fan of Star Wars or jazz music.
The Albums
The Star Wars movies have some of the most iconic music in film history. The main theme, “Luke’s Theme,” is as well known as any movie theme. And who can forget the cantina music? Now, imagine that same music, but played by a jazz band. That’s what you’ll find on these albums.
“A New Hope”
The first album in the series is A New Hope, which imagines the music of Star Wars as if it were written by a jazz composer. The album features original compositions by some of today’s most talented jazz musicians, including pianist Dan Tepfer, trumpeter Ambrose Akinmusire, and saxophonist Joe Lovano.
“The Empire Strikes Back”
The second movie in the Star Wars trilogy, “The Empire Strikes Back” is often considered the best of the bunch. The soundtrack, composed by John Williams, is no exception. This particular album features a jazz makeover by the talented big band GRP All-Star Big Band.
The album opens with a swinging take on the “Main Title,” complete with a horn section that will send chills down your spine. The rest of the tracks are similarly excellent, with highlights including “Yoda’s Theme,” “Battle in the Snow,” and “The Imperial March.” If you’re a fan of Star Wars or big band jazz, this album is a must-have.
“Return of the Jedi”
While the original “Star Wars” trilogy is set a long time ago in a galaxy far, far away, the music of those movies has always had a special place in our hearts. Recently, a group of jazz musicians got together to give the music of “Star Wars” a new spin, and the results are simply out of this world.
The album, called “The Albums – A Jazz Tribute to Star Wars”, features reinterpretations of some of the most iconic pieces of music from the original trilogy, including “The Imperial March”, “Yoda’s Theme”, and “The Battle of Hoth”. Each track is filled with the energy and excitement that can only be found in jazz music, and the end result is an album that any fan of “Star Wars” or jazz will adore.
Conclusion
Thank you for reading and listening. I hope you enjoyed this exploration of Star Wars music through the lens of jazz. May the force be with you!
