Uploaded September 2019 | Updated September 2026, 3 weeks ago

---

Our live cover of "Special Stage" from Sonic 3, otherwise known as the "Blue Spheres" stage. Original composer believed to be Jun Senoue (individual composers for each track not listed), and this arrangement by Patrick Bartley.

DANG IT I HIT THE FREAKING STAR BALL AGAIN MOTHER-- Oh, sorry... This has definitely one of the most memorable special stages of all time across all video games, and is arguably the most beautiful music written for a special stage in history, as well! This song has such a simultaneous triumphant, yet nostalgic, and funky vibe to it - another classic home run for the world of Japanese music. When tasked with making a set dedicated to the music of Sonic the Hedgehog, the first thing I (Pat) thought was that we HAD to do the special stage music from Sonic 3... but this is such a daunting task, we really needed the right personnel to pull it off. Luckily, we got the greatest cats in the scene to make it happen! Our resident Mario (stuck in the wrong game), Jake Chapman, really blows it out of the park with his essential VGM-tinged sounds on vibes, and Norman goes full Knuckles Echidna on the drums without needing any music! I'm sure we all have nothing but fond memories of this special stage as a kid... Nah, just kidding, we remembered. There's a surprise for you during the ending of the song in tribute to those good ol' memories we all have... ;)

==============================

***HAPPY 1-YEAR ANNIVERSARY TO THE JAM SESSIONS!***
Thank you so much to everyone involved for making these possible!

Pocket Band now has a new home in New York City! We're hosting VGM+ (vgm and more) jazz jam sessions at Black Cat LES every 1st Sunday of the month. If you're a musician, bring your axe, and if you're not a musician, bring your DS, Switch, or your good vibes! Everyone is welcome. We want to make this a nice haven for J-culture lovers and music lovers alike. Go to our official Facebook group below for more info!

**NYC Official VGM Jams (Group):
bit.ly/vgmjamnyc

Patrick Bartley (@patbartmusic) - Alto Sax
Max Boiko (@maxboikomusic) - Trumpet
Olin Clark (@olinjaclark) - Guitar
Jake Chapman (@chappymilkshake) - Vibraphone
Wallace Stelzer (@the_first_jazzvenger) - Bass
Norman Edwards (@normanedwardsdrums) - Drums


----Download our FREE Demo (or donate and support the band)! -- pocketband.bandcamp.com
----"Time To Play" J-MUSIC Ensemble debut album -- bit.ly/timetoplayalbum

• BOOKING INFO/INQUIRIES:
info@jmusicband.com (ATTN: Patrick)

• Support us on Patreon! - patreon.com/jmusicband

Be a part of the J-MUSIC Alliance:
Discord:
discord.gg/8nzC4GX
Facebook:
facebook.com/jmusicband
Twitter:
twitter.com/jmusicband
Soundcloud:
soundcloud.com/jmusicband
Instagram:
instagram.com/jmusicband

#Sonic #Sega #JazzCover