Metal Gear Solid Composer Releases Jazz Record

Norihiko Hibino, video game composer and saxophonist, has released the newest piece of his Jazz Resort series, Jazz Resort vol. 3. Hibino, whose works include Metal Gear Solid 1 through 4, Bayonetta 1 and 2, and The Wonderful 101, has taken to releasing his own works under the moniker GENTLE LOVE, alongside other collaborators. Previously releasing several albums with the goal of Prescription for Sleep, Hibino is now on to his third record in his Jazz Resort collections. Spanning more than an hour of tunes across twelve tracks, Jazz Resort vol. 3 is a calming, smooth slice of the genre that is as ample a background music as it is a relaxing, immersive listen.

Select pieces from GENTLE LOVE’s Jazz Resort vol. 3 may catch some ears off-guard. The opening track, “Memories of Soap Bubbles,” appears in the end credits of the stellar action game Ghostwire Tokyo. “Remember Me” comes from the hit Disney film Coco. Past that, the focused, fine-tuned jazz throughout the rest of the record is divine easy-listening, perfect for a study session or a moment of meditation. More than just Hibino’s saxophone, a violin accompaniment, a persistent piano, and even a vibraphone all work in tandem for a memorable soundscape.

As listed on the back cover of Jazz Resort vol. 3, violinist maiko, vibraphonist Reiko Yamamoto, and pianist Yuka Yanagihara all proudly display their writing credits. The collaborative effort results in a hidden gem of a record that will hopefully reach past its niche audience and enter more ears as time goes on. GENTLE LOVE, based in Japan, will be performing songs from Jazz Resort vol. 3 as well as other pieces from Hibino’s career in Tokyo on Friday, August 28. It’s quite a departure from the “What a thrill…” in Metal Gear Solid 3 or the soaring score of Bayonetta, but this is some excellent jazz to plug in to and de-stress with.