Beneath the Mask from Persona 5 - *Full Big Band Version* ft. Aisha Jackson

The fabulous vocalist Aisha Jackson is featured in this neo-soul inspired arrangement of "Beneath the Mask" from the incredible sound track of Persona 5 (composer Shoji Meguro) arranged for full big band and string section! I've always loved this theme as it really encapsulated the vibe of meandering around the streets of Tokyo in game with your friends with a slight air of secrecy in your heart. I added in a little nod to the great Jill Scott in there for you as well if you catch it ;) Hope you enjoy!
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"The 8-Bit Big Band" is a 30-65 member Jazz/pops orchestra that formed to celebrate and realize some of the best themes from video game music from all consoles and eras arranged in a large ensemble Jazz/Pop/Rock setting!
Blending together timeless musical themes from Nintendo, Sega, Sony, and more then re-arranging them in genres and styles of all musical inspirations, The 8-Bit Big Band has members from all around the world, but most reside primarily in New York City, and are some of the most highly sought after musicians and performers.
Band leader/Arranger/Orchestrated by:
/ crosenmusic
@CRosenMusic
FULL CREDITS:
Vocals - Aisha Jackson
Guitar Solo - Nir Felder
Alto Sax 1/Flute - Andrew Gould
Alto Sax 2/Flute - Jordan Pettay
Tenor Sax 1/Flute - Sam Dillon
Tenor Sax 2 - Zac Zinger
Bari Sax - Adison Evans
Trumpet 1 - Bryan Davis
Trumpet 2 - Jay Webb
Trumpet 3 - Nick Frenay
Trumpet 4 - Danny Jonokuchi
Trombone 1 - Jimmy O'Connell
Trombone 2 - Javier Nero
Trombone 3 - Mariel Bildsten
Bass Trombone - Reginald Chapman III
Guitar - Nir Felder
Bass - Michael Olatuja
Piano - Natalie Tenenbaum
Drums - Jared Schonig
Violins - Lavinia Pavlish, Josh Henderson, Maria Im, Eli Bishop, Tomoko Akaboshi, Daniel Constant, Kevin Kuh, Francesca Dardani
Violas - Tia Allen, Laura Sacks, Kenny Wang, Jarvis Benson
Celli - Sasha Ono, Jessica Wang, Susan Mandel
Harp - Liann Cline
Music by Shoji Meguro
Arranged/Produced by - Charlie Rosen
Engineered and Mixed by John Kilgore
Mastered by Alan Silverman at Arf Mastering
Shot and Edited by Halleloo Productions
Animations by Pixel Jess - Twitter: @pixeljess / Instagram: @pixeljess_art
Thumbnail art by @MikeKILLUZ
#the8bitbigband #videogamemusic #videogamejazz

[@pixeljess]

I had such a fun time reimagining persona as pixel art! Absolutely lovely song, it’s my favorite for sure. Thank you for letting me work on this! ❤

[@consensus688]

looked really cool, good job

[@facilityhues]

You are incredible! Amazing work!

[@TheTookinator]

Outstanding job!

[@Dickinabox]

You nailed it, so cozy

[@palmtree554]

I've never played Persona (only listened to its music), but the top left detail? I imagine that's a detail from the game, but does it also signify that this video dropped on Monday, the 11th?

[@Raye128]

I love Aisha’s control in this. She just hits the notes pure in the first verse, not too much inflection or too many runs. It shows both respect for the original song and confidence in her vocal ability. It’s giving “Girl, I KNOW I can sing”. The payoff is so satisfying when she lets loose towards the middle and allows the fans of the original work to appreciate what only SHE can do. Singers take notes, THIS is how you do a cover.

[@brunobadjiduaso6378]

amen

[@gabrielhoward5601]

Well said! 💯👍🏾

[@dirbyozz]

This is the most articulate way to say "Thank god no one oversang"

[@gabrielhoward5601]

@dirbyozz Jennifer Hudson and Fantasia would have oversang for sure. Lol I'm so glad they didn't get anyone that sounds too "churchy" with their singing on this 8 bit band cover.. Sometimes it's nice but not always are the heavy vocals necessary for some songs in my opinion. My Wife love them but I feel they yell too much. LOL Aisha was PERFECT for this 8 bit band cover

[@ayan4697]

CALM DOWN RAYE

[@kris9092]

Imagine her singing "Rivers in the Desert". It would be epic

[@zynstein8059]

oh god she would kill rivers. i fucking need it now

[@theelpidious]

I want to hear Rivers now too. Also, Sae's dungeon would sound awesome!

[@Juibrand]

whims of fate would be awesome as well!

[@pey5571]

PLEASE

[@theboredbrawler4821]

You read my mind!!

[@Dragonsking4]

Girl absolutely KILLED this 🗣️🎶 I’m speechless.

[@spudsbuchlaw]

Lotta words for someone who's speechless 🤨

[@Dragonsking4]

@@spudsbuchlaw good thing I was able to type since I was too speechless to speak then 😂

[@Capriesoon]

I got chills, she’s so good

[@Euer_Hochwuergen]

still the original version is far better

[@Dragonsking4]

@@Euer_Hochwuergen both are masterful in their own way. Different singers, different flair. Just depends on personal taste.

[@Reirek]

The vocals are 100% the best vocals I’ve ever heard in any cover of a persona 5 song.

[@InstrumentManiac]

Her vocal texture and control is mind blowing. So good!!!!!🤯😭👏👏

[@OvaLately]

Yoo

[@sedion]

Hi InstrumentManiac! Love your covers of Undertale musics

[@NeoncloudFF]

The smokey vocals, the crispy articulation, the gorgeous guitar solo - what an outstanding arrangement!

[@thefroglord257]

Yusuke, is that you?

[@trots4940]

@@thefroglord257 LMAO

[@obtainfurniture]

The tastefully incorporated nods to Jill Scott's "A Long Walk" through the song, to Erykah Badu's "Call Tyrone" in the bassline at 2:37, and Erykah's "On and On" at 2:57 are simply too great. Love all the work y'all do!

[@SealOfApproval82]

Yeah caught that too, good call @BEETHOVEN51198. This is so great!!

[@Adeios96]

I noticed the Jill Scott on first listen, but didn't catch Erykah Badu's melody until you pointed it out in the comments, so thanks for that!

[@Seek2prevail]

That's it! I noticed the reference to Jill Scott's "Long Walk" as soon as I heard it but couldn't put my finger on it. Thanks for pointing it out!

[@CM-nu7en]

You caught 'them' too?

[@veliz3308]

how you can catch that is phenomenal!

[@OrcaThoughts]

I see you’ve incorporated “Jill Scott - A Long Walk” into this cover, very classy 👌 everything about this is perfection

[@chandat3612]

I’m glad I’m not the only person who heard that too.

[@StephenDakota]

OMG YES! I caught it on first listen and told EVERYONE in my friend circle.

[@mineraljunction]

lmao i had to double take when i heard that come in

[@thepersonwhoasked18]

YES 🙌🏽

[@marzh1073]

Omg I was gonna sayyyy

[@SHADOWSTARNETWORK]

Aisha is perfect for this song. Man this cover was fantastic time to share it with the peeps

[@rexalice1]

偉大な音楽のジャンルが世界のどの人種から生まれたのかを、頭ではなく心で感じられるような繊細で力強い歌声。

[@LetsBoogy512]

Aisha’s vocals are EVERYTHING!!! Ya’ll did a 100/10 job 💎

[@brandonburton5928]

Jesus... Ya start with the "Long Walk" by Jill Scott guitar, give the whole song a distinct neo soul vibe and then top it off with a bass riff from Call Tyrone and then smooth it out like a damn D'angelo Voodoo session. This is on some Soulquarians type vibes.

[@christian6455]

Man this persona 5 game is legendary

[@leendaleendawhatsinmyagenda]

If I had that voice I would *never* shut up Idk it's so liberating to hear someone singing so beautifully and effortlessly, props tho the orchestra that enhaced that👏

[@greenbee09]

I went to college with this incredible woman!! She has always been a stunning performer and a joy to listen to and know. Way to go Aisha! ❤

[@chupattona]

ペルソナ5シリーズの素晴らしい演奏をありがとう！！！😭

[@superacdub90]

i can feel the Jill scott long walk inspiration

[@undeniablySomeGuy]

Aisha Jackson fucking KILLED those vocals. Such an awe-inspiring performance

[@SlimeKingK]

Aisha blew my mind here. The accompanying music feels like such a smooth wave of life just flowing by. Something everyone needs. Just stop and smell the coffee. ❤

[@B-019]

Vocalist absolutely killed it. Had to do a double take at first because it sounded so close to Lyn herself, but she really made it her own in the back half.

[@robbiemedica2652]

Except that she says shape instead of shap 😂

[@eladvolpert4980]

Aisha is WONDERFUL!!!! thank you!!

[@OtisKanno]

Persona 6 needs her voice

[@jayhill7587]

Persona x Jill Scott is such an unexpected and beautiful mix! Shout out to Aisha for perfectly imitating her voice and to the band for incorporating her groove into an already great song

[@Crispman_777]

That was phenomenal. I really wasn't expecting something that surpassed the original!

[@ElTemne]

This is black people music so it’s kinda a given that she would sound more authentic

[@Mwstmrlnd]

If this version of Beneath the Mask played after you finished the game I honestly think I would have fainted. It's almost too cool to exist

[@Neerana]

Unbelievable how good this is. Aisha Jackson is the perfect vocalist for this. The smokiness, the soul! That guitar solo by Nir Felder is incredible as well. Just perfection.

[@josharndt5438]

5:06 gets me everytime

[@jermainechowthi]

It's the vocals right after the guitar solo. The whole story is played reasonably straight up until now; the casual confidence of, "Please don't take off my mask." the tease. The strut. The coat-collar set. Aisha then MURDERS your feelings with the confession of her self-awareness. "I can't tell you how to see me. I'm just a cage of bones, there's nothing left inside." ...why am I crying? The orchestra's emotion cascades with her. Aisha lets loose the assassin within. Bar after bar of raw vocal power and prowess. Straight up masterful work by everyone involved. It does justice to the nostalgia of the Persona 5 experience. Like a beloved work, there is always more detail to appreciate upon repeat. 12 out of 10 stars easily. ❤️

[@Joemal782]

“Ah you’re back”

[@Sirhc7000]

I was FLOATING the entire time listening to this. You guys are such an inspiration and just a joy to listen to. Fingers crossed you guys are considered for another Grammy

[@goawayinternet]

WOW the vocalist is incredible. whole performance is so good

[@Nora-by3cp]

Yes the vocals are great, but damnn that arrangement and orchestra deserves sooo much more love and praise! Simply mindblowing!!

[@godzillasnowfox429]

Forreal 👍

[@mistavoid]

everyone did their part

[@ohdannyboy4727]

her voice tho. my heart...

[@ioantudorspanu-dt4nv]

Lyrics for those interested: Where have you been? Been searching all along Came facing twilight on and on Without a clue Without a sign Without grasping yet The real question to be asked Where have I been? I'm a shape shifter At Poe's masquerade Hiding both face and mind All free for you to draw I'm a shape shifter What else should I be? Please don't take off my mask Revealing dark Moments of calm Nothing left to be found A mirror right in front of me That's where I find An empty glass Reflecting the sad truth It's telling words not to be told I need the mask I'm a shape shifter At Poe's masquerade Hiding both face and mind All free for you to draw I'm a shape shifter Chained down to my core Please don't take off my mask My place to hide I can't tell you How to see me Just a cage of bones There's nothing inside Will it unleash me? Burning down the walls Is there a way For me to break? I'm a shape shifter At Poe's masquerade Hiding both face and mind All free for you to draw I'm a shape shifter Have no face to show Please don't take off my mask My disguise

[@anthonycarter1528]

absolutely KILLED IT. Y'all might as well sign Aisha up for vocals on 6. She worked this mix!

[@志士憂国]

これは屋根裏に住みたくなる音楽ですね。素晴らしい。

[@greenzordsandflutes]

Real talk, whoever decided to include a bit of Jill Scott's A Long Walk deserves a raise.

[@BenRiley83]

Vocals were spot on! Lyn Inaizumi would be proud!

[@kleingrrmpf]

This might be my second favorite song of this album. It's just so incredible! The first time I listened to Aisha singing this, I had the same feeling as when I heard your cover of Snake Eater for the first time. You always find the perfect vocalists!

[@heathertea2704]

Same

[@AyeshaShaSha]

I got the SAME VIBE! I had to check to see if it was the same person singing Snake Eater! They honestly get the most talented vocalists for their songs... Take you for a ride is SUCH a tune!

[@ThroughtheMines]

I think that’s one of the best guitar solos I’ve ever heard! So textured and dynamic. Aisha’s vocals and the arrangement were perfect. Y’all just keep coming out with incredible work 😭

[@Ziggyiggy1]

Jill scott vibes. Favorite track on this album. Aisha killed it!

[@isaacjensen1627]

Totally! I was about to say is that the a long walk?? Haha

[@pedroluccas1850]

Has a literally interpolation of it a long walk man... 😅

[@frankmorris4603]

She did this song Justice

[@ivaniovinemonteiro7581]

yo, ain't no way someone could survive after 3:50. Holy shit!

[@gamincommodity]

Persona 5 set in New York

[@foxinazul]

I'm not an ASMR person, but those first few "shapeshifter"s gave me such tingles! Aisha's vocals were great ❤ And the big band arrangement always gets me right in my jazz band kid heart of course

[@moniton17]

Bro, it's the best cover of "Beneath the mask" that I've listened to.. I fell in love from the first listen.... it's so beautiful

[@ProwersEdits]

Best on the album imo. Quoting Jill Scott’s ‘A Long Walk’ had me shook. Fantastic all throughout

[@Your_Opponent1216]

Yeah, I'm gonna say it again here too...I want an entire Persona 5 album so much! This was phenomenal!

[@BrentDiskin]

This is simply distilled 𝒸𝑜𝑜𝓁. Slightly uptempo, but on the backbeat and with some absolutely powerful peaks from Aisha. When the whole corps comes in, it's Bond-esque goosebump city.

[@earlhardenjr.9358]

Waiting to hear this on Sirius XM Watercolors, which is my favorite station. It sounds like it just belongs there. People might have no idea whatsoever that this is VGM, but it's so good that they wouldn't care. But for me, it just makes it that much better. Another Grammy coming down the pike, perhaps?

[@VZLANemesis]

Big band version of any persona song is an immediate play for me!

[@Tohlemiach]

HOLY cow, that was unreal. Aisha absolutely KILLED it. Also Nir Felder on that guitar solo, I mean my jaw was just on the floor.

[@CallMeVidd]

Her vocals are so good I’d love to hear a cover of Whims of Fate

[@Luprand]

... well, that was certainly the glitziest flashy moment of melancholic introspection.

[@kidkangaroo5213]

The vocalists you guys get on board are unreal. Such a bliss to listen to

[@gzdoitez]

The Jill Scott and Hey! Arnold influence is real! Legendary performance!

[@腹ペコ-e7d]

入りのボーカル良過ぎ〜

[@Fozamii]

I was NOT anticipating those vocals. Far and away the best P5 cover on KZbin

[@witnessthegrappla966]

This feels like an ultimate victory version for a good ending of the game, too beautiful 😭

[@MaxRei_Xamier]

I don't usually cry at non heavy jazzy soulful songs but Aisha's vocal performance & the band's synergy in the middle is exhilarating ❤ this I'll be my favourite cover of Beneath the Mask

[@HARBRINGERZERO]

She would kill any song from the whole Persona catalogue.

[@NasByTheWay24]

OH MY GOD THAT JILL SCOTT MIX AT THE BEGINNING⁉️⁉️⁉️

[@TheDJMTBizzle]

Just when you think you cant love the music of P5 anymore and then this comes along, thank you!

[@CosmiccNova]

This was the best performance I've ever seen in my twenty one years of living. The vocals, the imagery, and the band. You guys are so very talented. Thank you for blessing my ears with this beautiful song.

[@FlippingKuzzy]

Holy moly.... this cover version is just perfect for bars and exotic restaurants

[@Gigugan]

Wow she’s incredible! It just kept getting better and better.

[@Silph_Co]

Seriously some of the best vocal delivery I've ever heard. Absolutely stellar work, all of you!

[@therealcluzio]

this is gas

[@eespecialeventsdj]

Let's take, a long walk, around the park, after dark!!!!

[@vazarri86]

Aisha's voice is so clear, perfect for the song!!

[@RedKing12000]

Had the privilege of hearing this live last Saturday. As someone who didn’t know that &Game Changers” had dabbled into some Persona, it was certainly a Life-Changing, Heart-Stealing, hell of a (not even Last) Surprise.

[@PKSparkxxDH]

Found you scrolling on Tiktok. I am 100% your target audience. Subscribed. Binging videos now 🙌🏾

[@The8BitBigBand]

The all mighty algorithm strikes again :)

[@tjcbassbone]

The Jill Scott love is appreciated! This is masterful.

[@windhundgurke]

y'all have been killing it lately! first can you feel the sunshine, now this?? so good!

[@jinxed-ya]

listening to this for the first time was truly an amazing experience omg....

[@Intricategamer13]

Sheesh, as soon as I heard Aisha sing I got chills.

[@Shayera01]

Jill Scott and Erykah Badu nods in an arrangement of Beneath the Mask? Never crossed my mind, but I'm thrilled that I now know it exists!

[@Reperanger7]

I'm crying from how beautiful this arrangement sounds thank you from the depths of my heart

[@1001johny]

This was great! Made me think a little bit of Yuji Ono's work for Lupin III

[@diegogerman5139]

OMG, the voice of this black woman... Its absolutely amazing! 👏👏👏👏👏👏👏 Thanks for your great job, beautiful, soft and precision voice

[@UlanSays]

YES. By far my favorite song the album, the Jill Scott and Erykah Badu references are AMAZING and so well done. Keep doing your amazing work everyone💗

[@djh3841]

I knew I couldn't had been the only person who heard those inserts!!

[@joshcameron8215]

Worth the wait! Ms. Aisha Jackson's vocals, that STELLAR guitar solo, and a noticeable upgrade in pixel art animation quality. This will be a favorite of mine for a long time to come, well done all!

[@Merisu_Sheep]

OH WOW IT SOUNDS SO LOVELY! Aisha does an awesome job capturing Lyn while also sounding new and fresh.

[@DCtheSoulChild]

Definitive version of Beneath the Mask. Everything Black Americans touch turns into gold

[@Akira909-]

Simply... divine!!

[@naxazztion9695]

This is one of, if not my most favorite video game song of all time. This cover is so beautifully crafted it stills gives me goosebumps when I listen to it. This has even helped me so much during school, I couldn’t have a study session without this cover making an appearance, thank you so much for this cover, it rocks!!! :]

[@luizfellipemariano1515]

Holy Mother of God! This girl knows how to sing.

[@gigs7927]

Aisha’s vocals are absolutely AMAZING. Literally everyone did so amazing. The best cover of this song I’ve ever heard!!

[@pey5571]

aisha's voice is unreal!! such a fantastic arrangement of this piece.

[@0NotreMan0]

Love the Jill Scott reference playing all through that!!! Gave it that extra oomph!!

[@SegaChris5]

This made me shed a tear 🥲 absolutely amazing cover and a gorgeous singing voice

[@cooldebt]

Shape-shifting this tune to big band perfection! Every little detail so beautifully crafted 💖

[@missmorriplays]

What a stunning arrangement! Completely shifts the vibe from moody and mellow to something confident and bold. Aisha's gorgeous vocals are icing on the cake!

[@Greg.Lacoste]

What the world has been waiting for, love the accents of Jill Scott in the melody

[@HK22-857]

THIS NEEDS MORE VIEWS

[@TheDwb8402]

Y'all ATE that! Love it!

[@rockclan7]

That voice is GODLIKE

[@wireycoyote3544]

Maybe, but shes in the wrong room singing the wrong song.

[@LoopyLemon775]

@@wireycoyote3544 Jealousy makes you look weak

[@Monafide3305]

Inject this directly into my veins... I've been listening to the audio only version on loop since it dropped, but the video is fantastic!

[@Joshyoni]

Omg more Persona songs from 8 bit big band??? Christmas came early!!!!

[@AnimeSage77]

Fr

[@treeboyproductions]

Easily my favorite performance since Snake Eater. Stunning top to bottom. I don't see NEARLY enough people talking about that wicked guitar starting at 2:36 though 👀