The 8-Bit Big Band LIVE at MAGFest *FULL SET* Music and Gaming Festival - Jan 6th 2023

[@DavePollack]

Absolutely my favorite show I’ve ever played! The audience energy was through the roof - SO much fun!!

[@JimmyOConnell87]

You sounded awesome man!

[@dominicmanzella5493]

You killed it!

[@DomPalombiMusic]

YOU CRUSHED IT BRO 👏🏻

[@francistaylor5097]

You looked so into it! What a talented group of people. Thank you.

[@justsomewheel9379]

In the words of random kid in The Incredibles, THAT WAS TOTALLY WICKED

[@aweso100]

Obviously, as a gamer, this stuff is very fulfilling. But as a jazz musician myself, these arrangements are so tasty. You've actually been able to create something that stands on its own as a brilliant musical interpretation of existing works. A lot of groups will make adaptations of video game music that are good, but too much of my enjoyment of the track relies on nostalgia and the original work itself. But Charlie, you are one of the few arrangers who consistently creates something that stands on its own, and tickles the musician part of my brain (and specifically that jazz section, mm mm mmmmm) without having to access my prior associated memories with this music. And I've even been introduced to some great pieces through you from games I've never played, and sometimes, I like your version better! Hats off to you, good sir.

[@The8BitBigBand]

Thank you so much for the kind words!! so glad you're enjoying our re-imaginings

[@jjordanbaird]

Could not have said it better 🙌 Excellence!!

[@lancelee338]

Man, this made me realize I can never listen to jazz seriously. I love the original works too much

[@magfest]

Thank you for performing at MAG! We were absolutely thrilled to have you. What an incredible set!! 🤘

[@gangstreG123]

could you improve the camera work next time?

[@Utred2012]

Hoping to make it back to another Magfest at some point.

[@rand0dude]

i want to come to the next one ive never went to one in my life

[@ImNotFaire]

1:11:37

[@mrshmuga9]

1:11:40 They did it, they did the thing!

[@TanaChiarantano]

came to like the comment after neely's video

[@bravo.siguenza]

what's the thing?

[@pedrogarcia8706]

@@bravo.siguenza the mario kart lick

[@luf4rall]

too bad saxologic wasn't there

[@damianstack8001]

​@@bravo.siguenza ask Angela Bassett

[@DomPalombiMusic]

To have played a Timpani Roll in front of 3,800 people was thrilling, and the rest of the set was killer, glad to have been apart of it!!!

[@Brinkwater]

Killer Timpani Roll too, even damped it at the end!

[@ianmcninch8070]

it was badass

[@Imseeking]

Woahhhhhh that’s cool man!

[@tyropanic]

Not enough people are talking about how great "Can You Feel The Sunshine" was... I mean its amazing! Solomon did an absolutely fantastic job and this entire event was amazing!

[@aprr5393]

its a bit of an oddball amongst the generally more popular picks, i mean, sonic r isn't even a very well loved game, but god does that soundtrack rule! and this cover is so awesome. those strings were just gorgeous

[@dagossYT]

@@aprr5393 I've never played Sonic R but I recognized the song. Maybe it's re-appeared in other Sonic games or something? (or maybe the OST slaps that hard that I heard it at a demo kiosk 30 years ago and it stuck with me)

[@IkinBBfromAnthologyOfTheKiller]

It was really good, what made me want to listen to the orchestra actually. Because i heard a clip in another place

[@IkinBBfromAnthologyOfTheKiller]

​@@dagossYT It has, but it's just really popular even among people who don't know the game well.

[@Breacher554]

Its sad it’s not even on their yt channel

[@rickxhoshinji]

If anyone said they went to MAGFest for the 8-Bit Big Band live performance alone, I would not question their decision.

[@davidkautz4321]

Literally me.

[@MadnessOpus]

Adam Neely, Carlos Eiene/insaneintherain AND Dave Pollack?! This is a wonderful combo!

[@alanhirayama4592]

All my favorite musicians!

[@tronkles3633]

Dont forget Skatoon Network, that dude is awesome

[@SwitchStation]

Fr

[@justajazzfan7838]

STACKED

[@DuffyLONER64]

And Chris Baum from Bent Knee!!

[@manningbartlett522]

1:10:52 It is fitting that the originally improvised solo is now canonically part of the melodic arrangement - that's become one of the most famous licks in all music. Brilliant stuff.

[@jamessoth1479]

Sonic R was as shock to see. Love that soundtrack and loved seeing it represented here. Hope it gets a solo video!

[@The8BitBigBand]

It's on its way!

[@istjimmyi4202]

That Snake Eater performance gave me THE CHILLS! Omg, that was amazing!

[@mosquitopyjamas9048]

Litty nailed it

[@veeshan2856]

Litty absolutely killed it. What a fantastic, powerful voice!

[@Lucidbkeo]

legitimately teared up a little bit

[@thetoongrump9801]

What an insane vocal performance. She did not have to go so hard on a video game song cover but WOW I’m glad she did

[@funkthat]

Hmmm what an appropriate name LITTY OFFICIAL

[@samoftheam]

"On Green Dolphin Shoals" is INSANE!! And the fact that you can say "all together now" for the mario kart lick is hilarious

[@axefro]

There's not enough talk about SOLOMON PARKER!!! What an amazing first song. I actually hadn't heard it till now and I haven't been able to stop singing it. Absolute perfect fit for it. Fantastic job on this performance to the entire band and all the featured guests. As a gamer and a jazz musician (trumpet) this was a delight to hear, thank you

[@Voxiqsss]

that halftime feel part give me chills, it just works

[@Alimator_210]

I love how involved the conductor was in creating music, you usually only see them doing their job, conducting, but this guy was playing smaller instruments, singing, and front-manning. Really is a testament to him, and the other rest of the band!

[@The8BitBigBand]

I'm trying to bring it back to the old days when conductors used to be bonafide personalities in the music business and not just stick wavers :)

[@Alimator_210]

@@The8BitBigBand it’s a really nice change of pace, I wish my conductor was as expressive as you

[@teqsteqs]

40:35 Adam is very proud that he managed to play THE LICK in his solo 🤣🤣

[@giovannigray6833]

I was so shocked

[@Kuhleb12]

who wouldn't be?

[@thepellmeister9528]

Dave quotes Gershwin, makes him a reputable jazz goomba. Stage Adam quotes KZbin Adam, makes him a boss that makes Bowser look like a baby chicklet.

[@wtwrush]

And contextualizes it in such a cool way! It’s like I got chills and laughed out loud at the same time ahaha

[@Harl4nder]

BRO WHY DID SNAKE EATER POP OFF SO MUCH OMG, WENT SO HARD, ACTUAL PURE FIRE!

[@RonRonsADork]

easily the highlight of my magfest. my wife and i just got married when we found out you would be at magfest. i literally proposed to her during your 2021 virtual concert. and during our big wedding ceremony, we'll be dancing to 8-bit big band as our "first dance." this is seriously one hour of my life i will never, ever, ever forget.

[@dannynguyen2382]

nerd

[@TheSereneBee]

I love this

[@javaguru7141]

This is incredibly sweet. All of the best wishes to you ❤

[@TheNewGuy15]

This was hands down the best concert I’ve ever been to. My friends and I were groovin and dancing the whole time. Thanks so much for bringing such amazing music to this community!

[@mihailmilev9909]

wow

[@thenoisemaker8335]

You have a great profile picture, 10/10

[@SSB_Seal]

Was great to listen to it even now after the fact!

[@heckyd]

Adam just couldnt resist putting The Lick in his solo. Hahahah

[@evanistephani]

Dear god, read it as it happened. Absolutely majestic XD

[@niebl]

Of course we have to have both THE lick and the Mario kart lick in this

[@YoutubePizzer]

And he still integrates it in a novel way

[@Schuli]

almost made me cry :D

[@teqsteqs]

And you can see he is very proud of it at 40:35 🤣

[@bjrnalmlof6128]

Doing the entire dolphin shoals solo as an insane full band soli must be the best thing since sliced bread, absolutely thrilled!

[@juancarlosgarciarivera3470]

This concert is a milestone in video game history, and I am grateful to be alive to witness it. Thank you for doing a tribute to nostalgia and to some of our most cherished memories.

[@sydposting]

Wow, and this wasn't too long ago! I seriously appreciate that you guys release your concerts as video after the fact. 🥰 It's extremely generous of you and allows those of us who can't attend your shows to still enjoy the energy that comes from a live performance. edit: oh man that arrangement of Dire Dire Docks with the vocals is giving me HUGE Pat Metheny Group vibes, I love it!!

[@mihailmilev9909]

Ikr I very much appreciate it

[@aweso100]

The whole style is so Metheny Group, love it.

[@Dionaea_floridensis]

GOD that Snake Eater performance just blows me away every time, simply stunning!

[@mattricario5020]

“Can You Feel the Sunshine” as an opener is absolutely unbelievable. Please, PLEASE make your way out west some time soon! I’ve been listening since the first album, and I am dying to witness this live.

[@ilydyce]

I wanna be in the 8-Bit Big Band when I grow up

[@BoahsLoL]

Litty Official made me cry with her doing snake eater. The violin solo as also so fucking good during Delfino Plaza. I will be happy to buy one of your pieces of merch from the website, hope you guys come to WV one day.

[@noixmusic0]

That orchestra's director is a total mood. Loved when during Bob Omb Battlefield he pulled out the cowbell and just started gettin down

[@FutsyOrChorty]

HOLY COW, THIS IS THE BEST "CAN YOU FEEL THE SUNSHINE"

[@mindopolis6089]

"Still Alive" sounds like you hear it in the New Years Events in New York City

[@locomike1219]

Dude, what you've done, from orchestrating KZbin bands to actually putting on a show with celebrity guests, is nothing short of amazing. Keep it up yo.

[@iliketoscreamLOUD]

This was the highlight to my MAGFest. Never heard of the band, never heard the band until I was in line. Man, I’d give anything to experience the first time hearing it again.

[@maxboikomusic]

Thanks for having me!!! It was an absolute pleasure and honor to play this show and rip a few trumpet solos. Long live VGM!

[@qwerty877810]

I waited Luke 2 hours in line to be in front of the stage for this and it was worth every second.

[@boscoxto17]

This video is bringing me so much joy! I bought tickets for their show in Miami a few months ago right when they came out on sale. I had a last minute situation and I couldn’t go, so this video is making me so happy, the closest experience to one of their live shows ✨🔥

[@The8BitBigBand]

Hopefully we'll come back down to Miami soon!

[@mihailmilev9909]

Whaaaat they were in Miami???

[@garreyy2828]

MY GOD THAT DOLPHIN SHOALS ARRANGEMENT Cannot wait for this new album you guys are the greatest

[@garreyy2828]

Like seriously that arrangement is incredible, and the musicianship required to pull it off is equally incredible

[@primalequinox8527]

and the "On green dolphin street"" reference during the solo mannnn

[@roli112233]

@@primalequinox8527 Did you catch the dolphin dance quote in the intro sax line?

[@Bibili255aw]

I cannot believe that the most viewed moment in this video is the lick. Well done Adam.

[@zephyrleapold6796]

Litty belting that snake eater with such emotion was a treat.

[@mckost51]

Great show! Adam murdered Dire dire docks holy smokes! Such euphoria

[@heckyd]

Did you catch THE LICK he threw into his solo? Hahah

[@omnicorum]

saw these guys during their New York set. by far the best concert i’ve ever attended! watching this also made me realize that they actually do not unsubstantially different sets every single time! The encore song at my show was Gerudo Valley (my favorite of the night actually), and they instead played the super mario world ending song here. Truly incredible that all the musicians here were able to learn so many songs that they were just going to play as a one-off! ❤

[@KingGregory27]

The new york set was insane. We got chocobo’s theme, polyanna (with the elite white jacket wearing vocalist) & rosalina in the observatory.

[@PurpleLink33]

Hot damn, I will NOT miss this show next time. Decided to go to a Voice Acting panel instead. Biggest mistake of my Magfest.

[@northernohiorailfanningpro8899]

Beautiful job by Skatoon at 9:08 , he’s definitely one hell of a player and carries on a beautifully consistent sound even though that high C! As a trombonist myself I’m really blown away with his performance here, and heck the whole band! Love you guys and all the work that everyone has put into such fantastic arrangements and concerts such as this one. Even though I’m still in high school and have a lot to learn I hope to get as good as these guys some day.

[@RogersBase]

AMAZING FROM BEGINNING TO END! Thanks for uploading this!!!

[@tardistem1142]

I came to the Miami showing and I gotta say, Ceaser’s rendition of Can You Feel the Sunshine? had so much emotion and passion, and I wish he would sing the song on the official release

[@levithewizard]

I remember the resistance from my fellow jazz band in high school and college when I tried to show them tunes like smb2 or yoshis island (even tho they are well know jazz changes). Fast forward 15 years and we have this it brings a tear to my eye to see the dedication and excellence or 8bitbb

[@ThePurpleCheeseMan]

That arrangement of Can You Feel the Sunshine is out of this world!!! Listening to it gives me such an uplifting feeling!!!

[@hugosilvacfh]

Hey, its Hugo (formerly known as Dr. Manhattan in this VGM community) and I have to say that that "Tower of Power" hit thing at intro for Hydrocity Zone theme was the source of inspiration for me choosing to do that track back so many years! What a joy! ❤❤❤

[@thewafflemancer]

I think I've listened to this set for start to finish at least 8 times in the last 24 hours. Killer arrangements, I keep finding new references and lines every time, like that guitar / sax unisono line in Dolphin Shoals that just blindsides me and knocks me off my feet without fail. These particular renditions of Hydrocity Zone and Snake Eater are the highlights of the set for me, but every song remains jaw-dropping. Everyone, thank you for the incredible work!

[@HarrishCMusic]

I was stank facing throughout the entire 1-hour 14-minute video. I want to come to one of these live events one day. Now... I am going to go back to the beginning and rewatch the entire video. Big love to Big Band!

[@juanchetumare]

40:32 ✨D A L I C C ✨

[@steevf]

You can see Adam celebrate getting that in there too!

[@TopOfAllWorlds]

Solomon KILLED IT!

[@tommeier1888]

oh my god this is fantastic

[@dukeofrodtown1705]

Delfino Plaza here was incredible! How is it after watching this arrangement multiple times, I still get Fiddler on the Roof vibes and have to suppress myself from breaking into a Tevye-esque monologue? This entire concert (esp Meta Knight's Revenge) was incredible to witness from home.

[@RedZeshinX]

Man that energy! 😄 Never seen a conductor with so much love and enthusiasm for the music, while playing his own fun parts and even singing to boot, reminds me a lot of the optimistic koala Buster Moon from the Sing movies. Fantastic performance, wish I had been there to see it in person, looking forward to a vinyl record release someday too hmmm? 😄

[@DragoniteSpam]

"The national anthem of video game music: [colossus roar]" God, I love Magfest.

[@DimirGarage]

What an inspiring group of people. Can’t wait for the 4th album this year.

[@scurgle]

Everyone hitting that mario kart lick at the end was just magical. you guys are doing great things :D

[@cjs6227]

Just discovered you guys from Adam Neely's VGM video, my goodness you guys are INSANE 🤯That Hydrocity Zone arrangement... amen that is tasty 🙏🏽 Thank you for sharing some of your incredible arrangements like this, and your passion for VGM and jazz! If you ever head to the east coast of Australia I'll be there ⭐

[@julien.grangier]

Am I the only one to hear Dolphin Dance in the intro of Dolphin Shoals at 1:09:20 ? It sounds like a quote of the beginning of the Herbie's theme: it's very cool :)

[@wurby9085]

Both songs have a similar melody and the same starting chord! (E flat major 7)

[@Pmf95k]

So that’s where it’s from. I thought it was Monster’s Inc. LOL

[@Captianjim]

Seriously can't wait for the studio version of Can You Feel The Sunshine. I hope the same singer is included but if not I hope you're able to keep the Sammy Davis Jr. tone of the vocals, those are great!! The arrangement sounds like some lost Hollywood movie theme for some musical from the 1950's like Singing in the Rain and I love it for that. It's very uplifting and I feel like if it were released at that time it would be a classic in the modern day.

[@Sqwivig]

I saw Adam Neely's video about this band and I HAD to come find the full performance! Brilliant job everyone!! This was such a blast to listen to!

[@orphenocou4742]

As a former percussionist nice job on the timpani! Shout out to Litty Official putting it on for dc. Amazing show was very pleased to hear Sonic R. Can you feel the sunshine is a classic…

[@The8BitBigBand]

I'm so glad they rolled out a Timp for us in this show, it adds so much gravitas to those moments. I wish we could always have a live timpanist! Why must they be so big and expensive to rent haha

[@DomPalombiMusic]

Glad to have played it for a short bit, big thanks to Charlie and 8BBB!

[@wtwrush]

Dire dire docks is absolutely gorgeous…what a composition, what an arrangement, what a performance. Adam Neely’s solo and tone was very reminiscent of Mark Egan with the pat metheny group for me. I’d do anything to play a gig like this… but that drummer isn’t getting replaced any time soon ahaha

[@pwilll]

Oh my god, what an absolutely incredible show! Absolutely packed wall-to-wall with incredible musicianship and energy! From the guests and soloists to the ensemble, the percussion to the singers, and of course the unmatched conductor, arranger, singer, bass player, triangle slayer, Charlie Rosen himself! I can honestly say this is all I've ever wanted for video game music when I first downloaded that Gerudo Valley mp3 on Limewire as a kid. It's been a complete treat following your KZbin channel the past few years and it'd be an understatement to say these pieces have made me tear up more than a few times; the love for the music and games is absolutely overflowing in every piece. This band and these songs and especially this performance make me so happy! Love you all!

[@Carlos-vn4ec]

these musicians are all so talented it’s insane. hope i can catch yall love one of these days this show looked incredible

[@amoswaranch1102]

I have come back to this set multiple times. One of the best VGM performances, if not the best, ever. (with apologies to bartley)

[@squaresoft01]

until now i never realized how much hydro city zone sounds like the intro to hey arnold....

[@caden6837]

INSANE concert. I wish I could've been there live!!! To Mr. Rosen and the rest of the band... AMAZING JOB

[@echo7714]

I was drawn in by Can you Feel the Sunshine and I'm so glad I can finally listen to your rendition of it again! Easily my favorite performance of the entire convention and I'm so stoked for next year!

[@derateddesign]

i hope we get a studio recording of can you feel the sunshine, that last part was AWESOME. maybe sonic r was meant to swing all along

[@gregoryjean7140]

Anyone else notice when adam neely played the licc at 40:31 😂

[@familycraftdad]

Amazing. Just purely amazing. No words.

[@michellelincoln155]

This my first time listening to 8-Bit Big Band and I am HOOKED

[@TheNeutron75]

Is a huge dream come true. Impresive. No words for describe this. Absolutelly magnificent and oustanding. Look at them, all of them, making great music. Gorgeus 🔥❤👏👏👏👌✌👍😁🎶🎵

[@peabnuts123]

The lady doubling the melody on vocals during Dire Dire Docks absolutely sells that song for me. Adam's great and all, but she adds this really magic sound to the arrangement that I can't stop listening to :chefskiss:

[@num1shinfan]

Adam Neely absolutely tore up dire dire docks. Everybody was awesome. This was great

[@sylinmino]

Yes! Looking forward to the new album! Dolphin Shoals is absolutely 🔥🔥🔥, and while it wasn't performed at this show Pollyanna is my most anticipated (saw it in NYC and my jaw dropped).

[@totallycarbon2106]

Pollyanna!? Damn! One of my favourite pieces of video game music of all time. Also I remember suggesting it in one of these comment sections when the band was asking for them so very happy 👀

[@henrychen1835]

Full agree the Pollyanna was easily one of the most unexpected highlight of the NYC show when I went.

[@dudeguy1894]

40:31 I was waiting for that! 🤣

[@Suke_EMP]

こんな豪華なライブは日本でもなかなかやってくれない… 最高すぎる！！

[@ianmcninch8070]

Man that Dire Dire docks was ethereal

[@astralhitchhiker12]

Live for this shit. Won't ever get tired of it.

[@Thehotdogman]

Sonic the Hedgehog soundtracks were made for this. Excellent job! An absolute treat to behold.

[@Magiccircle100]

Fourside is by far my favorite, i must have listened to it over a thousand times by now. Insaneintherain slayed it!

[@lenaboyer6981]

this show was seriously one of the hypest of MAGFest ever!! like, genuinely unforgettable. i almost fell over when Adam Neely was introduced lol, and Snake Eater was so phenomenal, it actually makes me want to play the games. and wow, seeing your arrangement of "Still Alive" in person was magical.

[@jonsirola]

Thanks so much for something like this!! Thank you guys. So glad KZbin and internet are a thing.

[@jonsirola]

Addendum: "The lick" seems to be the most replayed part of this video. Thank you Adam for leading many of us here!

[@jamesgater]

FOR FREE? Unbelievable; thank you Charlie.

[@The8BitBigBand]

VGM is for the people!!

[@jamesgater]

@@The8BitBigBand LONG LIVE!

[@RealTomEmanuel]

Saw y'all play at Sony Hall in NYC back in January 2020 - the last gig I had the chance to attend before Covid hit. It was a great one to go out on at least! This video comes as close as video can to capturing the energy of your live show. Great stuff!

[@victorqrt]

40:30 climact i c c

[@SirCalalot]

My wife and I had your rendition of 'Still Alive' play us walking down the aisle together after we got married in September last year. Thank you so much for your incredible music and keep up the awesome, guys!

[@amoswaranch1102]

how does this keep getting better every time i rewatch it (which is like 100 times in 2 months)

[@ClashBluelight]

This set was great. I was honestly surprised by just how good some of these reinterpretations were. I expect something like bob-omb battlefield to sound great in jazz, but I never saw hydrocity coming.

[@showler1132]

I was barely holding it together with the Dire Dire Docks arrangement, and then the Pat Metheny like V-I-V-I hit and it just made a mess of my emotions

[@zuzannawisniewska4464]

What an inspiring group people.Amazing from beginning end .Look at them, all of them , making great music. Gorgeus.Thanks for uploading this..

[@foxcollr831]

01:09:08 gave me LIFE lmao! Incredible set, love how many guests you were able to fit in there.

[@lorenzovelasque3668]

I always listen to the first track of this. It makes me happy :)

[@LukeTheringMusic]

Holy shit

[@sylvainb2125]

I felt the sunshine.

[@SeanSecret]

40:30... He didn't... did he just?

[@GreenBoy9000]

Oh yes he did.

[@blakehagins3069]

can you feel the sunshine

[@ookieososes]

i enjoyed this performance so much!! it was really wholesome hearing everyone cheer for their first consoles :D

[@julien.grangier]

The rhythm is sick at 8:32 !