Jazz is a distinct genre that is often overlooked when we think of music in video games. For this episode, we uncover and dissect the world of jazz in video game music – from ‘live’ music to creating historical authenticity to establishing the genre of ‘film noire’ through its connection with jazz. Each member looked at a specific game that featured Jazz music including L.A. Noire, Grim Fandango, Diggs Nightcrawler, and even the first Sims game. From discussions of nostalgia to new age jazz, this podcast takes you through a variety of video games that feature their own distinct jazz sound.

Music used, in order that it appears in the podcast:

• The Sims Soundtrack: Building Mode 4, by Jerry Martin and Marc Russo
• Grim Fandango OST – 12 – Manny’s Office, By Peter McConnell
• Grim Fandango OST – 02 – Swanky Maximino, By Peter McConnell
• LA Noire OST – 01 – Main Theme, By Andrew HaleandSimon Hale
• LA Noire OST – 24 – (I Always Kill) The Things I Love, Produced and written by Stephen Coates (of The Real Tuesday Weld) and featuring the guest vocals of Claudia Brucken (of Propaganda)
• Grim Fandango OST – 06 – Hi-Tone Fandango, By Peter McConnell
• Diggs Nightcrawler OST – Prologue, By Jim Fowler
• Diggs Nightcrawler OST – Hood and Seek, By Jim Fowler
• Diggs Nightcrawler OST – The Nightcrawler is In, By Jim Fowler
• LA Noire OST – 05 – Minor 9th, By Andrew HaleandSimon Hale
• Grim Fandango OST – 03 – Smooth Hector, By Peter McConnell
• Diggs Nightcrawler OST – Eggs in the City, By Jim Fowler
• The Sims Soundtrack: Building Mode 5, by Jerry Martin and Marc Russo
• LA Noire OST – 08 – Noire Clarinet, By Andrew HaleandSimon Hale
• The Sims Soundtrack: Building Mode 2, by Jerry Martin and Marc Russo
• Diggs Nightcrawler OST – Diggs and the Pigs, By Jim Fowler
• Grim Fandango OST – 04 – Mr Frustration Man, By Peter McConnell
• LA Noire OST – 11 – Temptation, Part 3, By Andrew HaleandSimon Hale
• Psycho (theme), By Bernard Herman
• Diggs Nightcrawler OST – Welcome to Library City, By Jim Fowler
• LA Noire OST – 25 – Guilty, Produced and written by Stephen Coates (of The Real Tuesday Weld) and featuring the guest vocals of Claudia Brucken (of Propaganda)
• Grim Fandango OST – 01 – Casino Calavera, By Peter McConnell
• The Sims Soundtrack: Building Mode 1, by Jerry Martin and Marc Russo
• Diggs Nightcrawler OST – Table Top Jump, By Jim Fowler