Do you know the music of Yoko Kanno? Even if you don’t know her name (and shame on you if you don’t), you’ve probably heard her work before. She is probably best known for her work on high-profile anime such as Escaflowne, Gundam Wing, and Cowboy Bebop. But Kanno’s game scores are equally impressive.
Kanno composed at least a dozen soundtracks for game developer KOEI in the 1990s. Her work on the Nobunaga’s Ambition series is noteworthy, but if there’s one soundtrack the VGM community can’t get enough of, it’s “Uncharted Waters II Special Edition.” If you know the album, expect some ranting and raving. If you don’t know the album, prepare to be schooled. Orchestra, jazz, world/ethnic, and more jazz await you.
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