Stirred, Not Shaken (New Mix)
I am posting a new version of Stirred, Not Shaken after some helpful feedback from AudioTrack and rayc.
They both suggested the piano could be more upfront in the mix and rayc mentioned about taking the edge of the BIAB drums.
I don't normally post different versions of a song on this forum but I think boosting the piano works a treat so here is the "New Mix" version.
I have include the original version below, in case anyone wants to compare.

Stirred, not Shaken is a laidback jazz tune featuring guitar, piano, bass, drums and muted trumpet.
The band: Miles Black (piano) Neil Swainson (bass), Terry Clarke (drums) and Oliver Gannon (guitar solo). I wrote the guitar melody parts for Native Instruments' Electric Sunburst Deluxe. The piano and guitar solos were edited from RealTracks.
I would appreciate it if you would have a listen or two and give some feedback - good or bad. Thanks in advance.
Thanks,
Mike
Original version: Stirred, Not Shaken

A really cool and smooth tune.

My first observation is that the piano sits way too far back in the mix at the start.

I did find myself tapping my foot as I listened, so there is something infectious that got me liking your delivery.

The stop at 2:36 is masterful, and really works well.

Pretty neat, actually.

Mr Garry,
The intro set me up to complain about the mix but - it was just an intro...the band balance in the core of the song holds back the piano BUT the guitar is the star for a large chunk after all & they trade places well.
My only concern, and I found that with most BIAB jazz drums, is that the kit is very dynamic and many ghost notes, taps & accents get quite loud.
I tried dealing with that using different compressors and settings but, in the end, manually edited the level of the odd loud thwack.
Lovely sounding, smooth piece.

Thanks AudioTrack.
I appreciate your taking the time to have a listen and for your kind words.
Cheers,
Mike

Hello Mike
Very detailed song
Soundtechnically top
An excellent work
Many greetings
Andi ;-)

Well composed and mixed, Mike. Love bands like this and songs like this in a small bar on one of the side streets. Some of the best music is found there and this one fits right in. Really cool how you brought in the soloists.

Lovely piece Mike. Guitar was very cool. Super backtrack. Well done...

Thanks Ray. After your comments and those from VideoTrack, re the piano being a bit too far back in the mix, I've had another go and boosted the piano and, maybe, taken the edge of the BIAB drums.
I think it improves the mix greatly.
Thanks, as always, for your interest and suggestions.
I have now posted the new mix of the song on my original post.
Cheers,
Mike

not my genre. but here it sounded excellent.
truly superb musicianship 2min00secs. << loved it.
well well done mate...nice ending.

happiness
om

Very nice, classy sound. Loved the mix and each instruments sounded great, but the bass line had me hooked all the way through.

Mike,
very good composition and instrumentation.
Mix is A+ (One of your best mixes) Thank you or sharing.
Misha.

Thanks for your comments Andi.
Thanks for listening Marty. I appreciate your comments - the intimate bar feel is exactly what I was going for.
Cheers,
Mike

Smooth as butter, Mike!

We listened to both mixes and agree that the new mix lets the piano shine more.

You brought together a very pleasant sounding band with a lovely melody.

Wonderful small club vibe.

Enjoyed it,

J&B

I like both for very different reasons! I think if I had to pick one I'd go with over the other I'd pick your newer mix! There's something about it that I rather like but can't quite put my finger on. Great job!

Thanks Scott. A compliment about the guitar track from you is indeed appreciated.
Stay well,
Mike
Thanks for listening om. Glad you liked the bit at 2min - I agonised over that change for quite a while.
Cheers,
Mike

Mike,

Very cool, soulful instrumental—nice mix and arrangement. Nothing not to like here—stellar.

All my best to you,

Deej

Thanks Brad. Glad you like the song.
That's Neil Swainson on bass (RT768). If you want a growly acoustic jazz bass, he's your man.
Cheers,
Mike
Thanks Misha. As always, I appreciate your feedback.
Stay well,
Mike

I'm suitably impressed. I didn't have any issues with the mix. It had that professionally mastered feel to it. The piano and guitar were pleasingly crisp. Not sure how you go about editing real tracks but, obviously, it's possible.
Good job.

Mike,

Your compositions are always enjoyable to listen to.
So well thought out. Not just a rambling instrumental - an actual "song".
Obvious that a lot of work goes into these.

Mix sounds good.

Much enjoyed.

fj

Thanks J&B for listening to both versions.
Glad you liked the song and treatment.
Stay well,
Mike
Thanks for your feedback Ember.
Cheers,
Mike

Thanks Ghostgum for your interest and kind words.
Re editing RealTracks: first, I usually audition RealTracks through Generate and/or MultifRiff. Then, as most RealTracks these days feature notation of the performance, I simply edit the midi file and then assign it to an instrument (in my case, usually a Kontakt instrument).
Thanks again,
Mike

Mike, I love that jazzy sound, especially when the band comes in! Such a nice clean sound! This is the kind of stuff I can listen to all day! Thanks, T

Hi Mike,

Somehow I have missed your first version, but this one is very nice. All instruments are on their right spot (to me).
The piano and the bass are prominent, the percussion is very supporting and the trombone (I think it was) had a nice solo.
Altogether, it was mixed very well!

So, a very enjoyable song,
Hans

Thanks Deej and Floyd for taking the time to listen and for your encouragement.
Sorry I took so long to respond but I've been away.
Cheers,
Mike

What a pretty track and great sounding bband you put together on it. Much enjoyed.

Josie

Thanks Torrey. Glad you like the song and arrangement.
Cheers,
Mike
Thanks for listening Hans.
Mike Thanks for taking the time to have a listen Josie.
Your comments are appreciated.
Cheers,
Mike

Sounds good. The piece keeps moving and keeps the ear engaged. It's obvious that a lot of thought and care went into the arranging and editing.