An elegant rearrangement of an iconic piece of video game music history, plus where to hear the musician play live.
Conbrio is a classy joint. As a matter of fact, the bar, located in the city of Kawagoe (about 30 minutes north of Tokyo) is so classy that it would never use the word “joint,” and instead refers to itself as a “piano lounge.”
With the slogan “Our main dish is live piano performances,” Conbrio offers an elegant venue in which to sip cocktails and other adult libations while listening to skilled pianists such as Ryota Kikuchi, who can be heard playing a set at Conbrio in this video from his Twitter account (@komuro_metal).
As Kikuchi runs his fingers over the keys, the piano emits a tune that’s a perfect blend of mature sophistication and playful whimsy. It’s a fine musical accompaniment for a tired professional winding down after a busy day at the office, or an energetic lover of nightlife and music who’s made a visit to Conbrio their first stop of the evening.
Oh, and it’s also the perfect song for Pokémon fans, since it’s actually a clever rearrangement of the music heard when the player rides his bicycle in the franchise’s original games, Pokémon Red and Blue (and Green, if you’re going by the Japanese versions’ titles).
▼ Bicycle background music from Pokémon Red, Blue, and Green.
“Here’s how you can play the Pokémon bicycle BGM at a bar without anyone knowing what you’re up to.” tweeted Kikuchi along with the video, and we’re guessing that many of Conbrio’s patrons that night didn’t suspect a thing regarding the song’s true origin. Meanwhile, Pokémon fans were tickled pink (as well as all the other colors used to designate the series’ various video game installments), showering the pianist with praise and requests via Twitter.
“The first games really did have the best soundtrack.”
“Now I want him to play Violet City music.”
“I want to hear the Pokémon Black and White ‘bridge’ BGM.”
“This sort of arrangement would work great for the S.S. Anne music too!”
“If this guy ever releases a CD, I’d buy it in an instant.”
▼ Another of Kikuchi’s stealthy tributes: Nirvana’s “Smells Like Teen Spirit.”
Considering the firm grip Pokémon publisher Nintendo keeps on its copyrights, Kikuchi releasing an album of cool piano remixes from the games’ soundtracks is pretty unlikely. Thankfully, it’s pretty easy to hear him perform live, as he plays most Wednesday nights at Conbrio, which is just a one-minute walk from Kawagoe Station, making it close enough to downtown Tokyo that you could stop by, have a few drinks, and still make the last train back to your hotel in the capital.
Bar information
Conbrio / コンブリオ
Address: Saitama-ken, Kawagoe-shi, Wakita Honcho 15-13, Tojo Pearl Building basement level 1
埼玉県川越市脇田本町15-13東上パールビルＢ１Ｆ
Open 7:30 p.m.-midnight
Website
Source: Twitter/@komuro_metal via IT Media
Top image: Pakutaso