The Blueshift Big Band, founded in 2017 by drummer Joel Baer and guitarist Chris Parsons, performs love covers of videogame themes, drawing from the history of jazz standards, blues, and the Great American Songbook.

In stock at record label iam8bit, the "Joystick Jazz Vol. 3: Classic Mario Tunes" compilation includes arrangements of themes from Nintendo classics, including Super Mario Bros. 2, Super Mario Odyssey, and Mario Kart 64.

The analog record release comes decorated with cover art by Mark Borgions, pressed on high-quality black vinyl, and ships with a bonus digital download of all included music. All seven music tracks are streaming on YouTube Music, Spotify, and Apple Music.

Preorders have opened at distributor Black Screen Records in Europe. The Blueshift Big Band Bundle (Vol. 1, 2, & 3) is also available for shipping from iam8bit.


From the product page:

A triple jump here, a little dash there, a well-placed Koopa stomp, a slide all the way to the flagpole…The fast, frenetic platforming of the Super Mario Bros. series demands a ton of reaction, rhythm, and improvisation. There’s something undeniably jazz-like about the action, and the series’ legendary music embodies that same spirit.

iam8bit - Joystick Jazz: The Blueshift Big Band Plays Classic Mario Tunes (Vol. 3) Vinyl Soundtrack / Joystick Jazz: The Blueshift Big Band Bundle (Vol. 1, 2, & 3)

Black Screen Records - Joystick Jazz: The Blueshift Big Band Plays Classic Mario Tunes (Vol. 3) Vinyl Soundtrack

Light in the Attic - Joystick Jazz: The Blueshift Big Band Plays Classic Mario Tunes (Vol. 3) Vinyl Soundtrack

Joystick Jazz: The Blueshift Big Band Plays Iconic Video Game Hits - Apple Music / YouTube Music

NEW: The Blueshift Big Band’s BACK with more toe-tappin’ jazz…this time, in the key of Mario!

Introducing JOYSTICK JAZZ VOLUME 3: THE BLUESHIFT BIG BAND PLAYS CLASSIC MARIO TUNES!

(Sound up for a sample🔊💣)

In stock & shipping 11/12: https://t.co/60Yd2JtEOO pic.twitter.com/80MrXdBIrh

— iam8bit (@iam8bit) November 7, 2024