RealTracks: Strings - 10/03/10 08:27 AM
Here's another vote for "RealStrings". BiaB already does a lot of MIDI string styles, so obviously the RealTracks version would have to offer something that the MIDI version doesn't.
Cello Accompaniment. Something much like the "background" RealTrack fiddle styles - think of "Fire and Rain." A faster version might be nice, but really, a slow version would be most useful. (Yes, I know "Fire and Rain" used a bass, not a cello, but James Taylor often has a cello on the part in concert). I could imagine a lot of uses for this.
String Trio/Quartet Accompaniment. This isn't something that's typically used throughout a song - a couple of bars is often enough. Some of the George Martin arrangements for the Beatles and America come to mind. I think most people think of "Eleanor Rigby", but check out Linda Ronstadt's cover of "My Funny Valentine" (after the intro) for a more "generic" style. Elvis Costello's "The Juliet Letters" has plenty of excellent of what can be done with a quartet while staying in the pop genre.
Big Strings. Although I think this is most people think of when they think "strings", I wonder how successful the style would be. For one thing, it would be difficult to come up with a "generic" style that would fit on a lot of songs, and still be compellingly better than MIDI strings. I suspect that - like a number of RealTrack piano styles - phrases could easily be disjointed. See just about any Carpenters song, Dan Fogelberg's "The Innocent Age" album, or Elvis Costello's "Painted From Memory" for examples.
Accordion. Not really a "string" style, but it serves the same purpose. And getting a RealStyle for an accordian has got to be cheaper than renting out a small string orchestra! Have a listen to Karla Bonoff's version of "The Water Is Wide" for an excellent example. This would be a great instrument to have.
Some additional RealTrack styles that would go well with strings, but could stand on their own as well:
Oboe Fills. This seems to be the instrument of choice for creating an "orchestral" sound. A lovely instrument.
French Horn Fills: Also popular for making a "bigger" orchestral sound.
Flute: The "Bossa Nova" flute is usable, but a more orchestral flute with a rounder tone would be nice. Really useful.
Flute in 3rds: Always a great sound.
Trumpet in 3rds: Not really an "orchestral" sound, and very 70's - think Herb Albert. But still, a great sound.
Cello Accompaniment. Something much like the "background" RealTrack fiddle styles - think of "Fire and Rain." A faster version might be nice, but really, a slow version would be most useful. (Yes, I know "Fire and Rain" used a bass, not a cello, but James Taylor often has a cello on the part in concert). I could imagine a lot of uses for this.
String Trio/Quartet Accompaniment. This isn't something that's typically used throughout a song - a couple of bars is often enough. Some of the George Martin arrangements for the Beatles and America come to mind. I think most people think of "Eleanor Rigby", but check out Linda Ronstadt's cover of "My Funny Valentine" (after the intro) for a more "generic" style. Elvis Costello's "The Juliet Letters" has plenty of excellent of what can be done with a quartet while staying in the pop genre.
Big Strings. Although I think this is most people think of when they think "strings", I wonder how successful the style would be. For one thing, it would be difficult to come up with a "generic" style that would fit on a lot of songs, and still be compellingly better than MIDI strings. I suspect that - like a number of RealTrack piano styles - phrases could easily be disjointed. See just about any Carpenters song, Dan Fogelberg's "The Innocent Age" album, or Elvis Costello's "Painted From Memory" for examples.
Accordion. Not really a "string" style, but it serves the same purpose. And getting a RealStyle for an accordian has got to be cheaper than renting out a small string orchestra! Have a listen to Karla Bonoff's version of "The Water Is Wide" for an excellent example. This would be a great instrument to have.
Some additional RealTrack styles that would go well with strings, but could stand on their own as well:
Oboe Fills. This seems to be the instrument of choice for creating an "orchestral" sound. A lovely instrument.
French Horn Fills: Also popular for making a "bigger" orchestral sound.
Flute: The "Bossa Nova" flute is usable, but a more orchestral flute with a rounder tone would be nice. Really useful.
Flute in 3rds: Always a great sound.
Trumpet in 3rds: Not really an "orchestral" sound, and very 70's - think Herb Albert. But still, a great sound.
