I have an intense relationship with the “Song of Storms.” It’s been one of my favorite Zelda tracks since I first learned the three-note melody while playing Ocarina of Time when it first came out. It was my ringtone as soon as I could make it so, and one of my most favorite shirts I own has the score of the “Song of Storms” on it with the phrase “Make It Rain” printed underneath. Naturally, with the intense affinity I have for the song, I listen to every cover track sent my way, and one sent to me by a friend this week did not disappoint.
Insaneintherainmusic describes the “Song of Storms” as a go-to piece of music for a variety of scenarios: playing in the garage, playing with friends, or even playing at gaming-related events, which is why he restyled the famous melody in with famous jazz standards like “Blue Bossa,” “Satin Doll,” and “All Of Me.” These are songs I’d admittedly never heard before, but I looked them up just for fun after listening to the track.
I will openly admit that jazz is not one of my go-to genres for music. That isn’t to say I don’t deeply appreciate how influential the style has been, but it’s never been one of my primary choices. But putting this track on in the background definitely took my mind off my task and put me into one of those clubs where you’d find an old-style band wearing a suit and tie while breathing new life into a song I’d heard at least a hundred times.
While the original “Song of Storms” in Ocarina is less than two minutes long, this cover stretches on for over six minutes of enjoyment. The melody of the original is admittedly repetitive, but with the riffing Insaneintherainmusic does I never once found myself getting bored. I was able to simply close my eyes and listen along, imagining I was lounging back enjoying a night out rather than doing dishes at my kitchen sink. I love the different rhythms and the three-fourths time used to make this track unique, not to mention all the instruments. Melodica, guitar, keyboard, saxophone, and more; it’s a complete recreation of what a full jazz band might do but all done by one man. Musical talent always amazes me, but I found myself listening to this track not only for the music but to watch the performance as well.
Carlos Eiene, the artist behind Insaneintherainmusic, is currently a student at Berklee College of Music and posts video game covers on his YouTube channel. His album Alola that Jazz debuted at #6 on the iTunes Jazz Charts, and if those covers are anything like this one, they’re absolutely worth a listen.
