When I started doing research into the world of "8-bit jazz" I was surprised how little was out there, or at least, how little was out there that was easy to find! I set up the usual Google Alerts for items that might be of interest, and when this item popped up early this morning, I was elated:
What would the pioneers of jazz sound like on a Nintendo Entertainment System? Coltrane on a C-64? Mingus on Amiga? For years, I've wondered what "chiptune jazz" would sound like, but there are only a tiny handful of jazz covers ever made.
To satisfy my curiosity — and commemorate the 50th anniversary of Miles Davis's "Kind of Blue" — I've asked five brilliant chiptune musicians to collaborate and reinvent the entire album in the 8-bit sound.
Portland-based technologist, blogger, and entreprenuer Andy Baio is the man behind this brainstorm, and with this year celebrating the 50th Anniversary of Miles Davis' classic album Kind of Blue, the timing couldn't be better. He's landed his funding via Kickstarter, and is still taking pledge orders. You'll have to pledge at least $30 to get a CD, but I'm sure it will be worth every penny. I can't wait to hear the results.
