|
Log in to post
|
Print Thread |
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 4,786
Veteran
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 4,786 |
Sofdu Unga - This is my slightly jazz-bluesy take on a trad lullaby which dates back more than a hundred years. And I must tell you right of, our trad songs of old are not sugary-sweet and filled with love & pink fluffy clouds, not even the lullabies! This one was used in a play early in the 1900's. The play was, in turn, based on the very real lives of one of our most known outlaws, Eyvindur, and Halla his girlfriend, who fled from captivity and roamed the harsh nature of our country, from ashes of erupted mountains to freezing blocks of glaciers... but at a terrible cost. You see, before he was outlawed, the couple had had a child, which they kept with them on their flight (parents of young children may want to stop reading here). So the scene from the play where this lullaby is used, is where they're in grave danger of getting caught and Eyvindur is considering parting from his loved ones for they slow him down. In a terrifying moment of desperation, facing the possibility of losing her lover & protector, Halla sits herself and her infant down near a waterfall and sings this lullaby to her child, (in my crude non-rhyming translation): Sleep, my sweetest, dearest young.
Hear, the rain is weeping.
Mommy keeps your trinkets close,
gnawed sheep bones and box of stone.
We shall not stay awake when nights are falling.
There is much the darkness knows,
heavy thoughts within me.
Oft I saw the black sands blow,
burn the greenest grass of old.
From cracks of the ice, I hear the dead ones screaming.
Sleep, my angel, sleep so tight.
Late shall be your morning.
Misery would be your life,
fast the dimming days go nigh.
And all man can do is love and lose with mourning.And with that, the baby sleeping at last, the young woman rises - and drops her child into the waterfall, never to look back...
Just because you can, doesn't mean you should!
----------------------------------------------------------------------
BBox 2022 Audiophile, Mac Pro Intel, OSX 10.6.8, 800x600 (TV VGA)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 1,719
Expert
|
|
Expert
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 1,719 |
Fantastic! Love the drama.
Was waiting for the vocal that never came.
The story is wonderfully goth.
Like a gory comic. Cheers.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 20,307
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 20,307 |
Hey Eddie, I enjoyed listening to the music. For the life of me, though, I can't hear it as a lullaby. It's beyond my ability to imagine. Those words you translated sound pretty scary! But then I suppose, a baby and cradle falling from the tops of trees is just about as gruesome. I guess the motto is that it pays to be resilient if you're a baby. This is the first Icelandic song I've ever heard  Thank you for that. All the best, Noel
MY SONGS...Audiophile BIAB 2026
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 8,783
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 8,783 |
Nice arrangement and mix. I enjoyed my listen and reading the back story of the lullaby origins.
Charlie
BIAB 2025:RB 2025, Latest builds: Dell Optiplex 7040 Desktop; Windows-10-64 bit, Intel Core i7-6700 3.4GHz CPU and 16 GB Ram Memory.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 1,073
Expert
|
|
Expert
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 1,073 |
I can certainly hear tension within the arrangement as things don't quite resolve as I expect them to.
The music conveys the conflicts you describe in the story. Definitely feels old world to me.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 4,786
Veteran
|
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 4,786 |
Was waiting for the vocal that never came. yeah well, sorry about that. I'm quite the "Instrumental artist" around here, if you didn't get the memo, heh  If it's any consolation, there's a plethora of 'traditional' vocal renditions to be found of this piece on youtube. I highly recommend this one here!
Just because you can, doesn't mean you should!
----------------------------------------------------------------------
BBox 2022 Audiophile, Mac Pro Intel, OSX 10.6.8, 800x600 (TV VGA)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 1,719
Expert
|
|
Expert
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 1,719 |
Lovely and sad video! Enjoyed it. Cheers.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 4,067
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 4,067 |
Hi Eddie,
This is beautiful! Haunting too.
which realtracks did you use?
Rob & Anne-Marie
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 4,786
Veteran
|
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 4,786 |
This is beautiful! Haunting too.
which realtracks did you use? Ah yes, the 'technicalities', glad you reminded me! I deliberately omitted all that stuff from the initial post so it wouldn't detract from the concept and story of the song, for added effect if you will. Here are the fundamentals, from Memo: Style is _JBSLBPD.STY
RealTracks in song: ~~732:Bass, Acoustic, Jazz Ballad Sw 060
RealTracks in style: ~2314:Piano, Acoustic, Rhythm JazzSwingSlowKenny Sw 085
RealTracks in song: ~1984:Guitar, Acoustic, Rhythm EZListening Sw 085
RealDrums: RealDrums in Style: JazzSwingLewis^01For those who don't know the style, I swapped the bass and added an EZ guitar Rt. The accordion tracks (melody & comping) is yours truly. But the biggest credit goes to the brilliance that is Karsten Chikuri on his EWI (Electric Wind Instrument), who helped me with that solo part (in one take, would you believe!). I had been using the "Rocket project" via Cubase a good few years back (allowed cubase users to 'jam' and exchange music together in real-time via net), and that's where we collaborated. I had submitted this arrangement to the pool there in all-midi and he asked about this song. Then once I had told him the story, he thought he might have ideas for a solo - and this is what he came up with. I haven't changed a single note! I did play around with trying out a number of 'the real deal' of RT soloists, but kept coming back to this original. There's something just so fundamentally haunting about it, something that interprets, rather than merely does all the 'right notes', if that makes sense (I admit I actually lumped up the first time I heard it howl those high notes into the stratosphere, and still do).
Just because you can, doesn't mean you should!
----------------------------------------------------------------------
BBox 2022 Audiophile, Mac Pro Intel, OSX 10.6.8, 800x600 (TV VGA)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 4,786
Veteran
|
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 4,786 |
Hey Eddie,
I enjoyed listening to the music. For the life of me, though, I can't hear it as a lullaby. Well, good!  It's like I said, our lullabies aren't like any you've heard, that was my whole point. Glad you liked it still This is the first Icelandic song I've ever heard Thank you for that. My pleasure, but you're technically wrong about that - I happen to know for a fact you've heard one of mine before, and I'm Icelandic!
Just because you can, doesn't mean you should!
----------------------------------------------------------------------
BBox 2022 Audiophile, Mac Pro Intel, OSX 10.6.8, 800x600 (TV VGA)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 3,079
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 3,079 |
I can certainly hear tension within the arrangement as things don't quite resolve as I expect them to.
The music conveys the conflicts you describe in the story. Definitely feels old world to me. yup, I agree. I too, as Richmac, expected a vocal. An interesting listen Alyn
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 20,307
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 20,307 |
My pleasure, but you're technically wrong about that - I happen to know for a fact you've heard one of mine before, and I'm Icelandic! That's true!!! In my head I don't associate jazz with Iceland. I'll have to update my thinking to incorporate Viking jazz All the best, Noel
MY SONGS...Audiophile BIAB 2026
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 4,786
Veteran
|
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 4,786 |
In my head I don't associate jazz with Iceland. I'll have to update my thinking to incorporate Viking jazz No need to restrict yourself that much, for I was thinking of my last song there, which most certainly wasn't jazz! But it's kinda neat how just being on this forum expands our musical horizon regardless 
Just because you can, doesn't mean you should!
----------------------------------------------------------------------
BBox 2022 Audiophile, Mac Pro Intel, OSX 10.6.8, 800x600 (TV VGA)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 4,786
Veteran
|
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 4,786 |
And now, thanks to the new release of BBox for Mac (at long last!), this track is on YOUTUBE!
Just because you can, doesn't mean you should!
----------------------------------------------------------------------
BBox 2022 Audiophile, Mac Pro Intel, OSX 10.6.8, 800x600 (TV VGA)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 10,956
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 10,956 |
Eddie,
Thanks for sharing the back story and the tune. While it is a smooth sounding song, it also sounds sad and regretful so the sound matches the story. Very interesting solo.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 4,786
Veteran
|
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 4,786 |
Thanks for sharing the back story and the tune. While it is a smooth sounding song, it also sounds sad and regretful so the sound matches the story. Very interesting solo. The story to me was just too integral part of the whole arrangement, so this time around I felt it had to be included. As for the "sound matches the story" - what greater compliment can one ask for in cases like this (for that was the intended goal), thank you!
Just because you can, doesn't mean you should!
----------------------------------------------------------------------
BBox 2022 Audiophile, Mac Pro Intel, OSX 10.6.8, 800x600 (TV VGA)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Ask sales and support questions about Band-in-a-Box using natural language.
ChatPG's knowledge base includes the full Band-in-a-Box User Manual and sales information from the website.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box 2026 for Windows Special Offers End Tomorrow (January 15th, 2026) at 11:59 PM PST!
Time really is running out! Save up to 50% on Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows® upgrades and receive a FREE Bonus PAK—only when you order by 11:59 PM PST on Thursday, January 15, 2026!
We've added many major new features and new content in a redesigned Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®!
Version 2026 introduces a modernized GUI redesign across the program, with updated toolbars, refreshed windows, smoother workflows, and a new Dark Mode option. There’s also a new side toolbar for quicker access to commonly used windows, and the new Multi-View feature lets you arrange multiple windows as layered panels without overlap, making it easier to customize your workspace.
Another exciting new addition is the new AI-Notes feature, which can transcribe polyphonic audio into MIDI. You can view the results in notation or play them back as MIDI, and choose whether to process an entire track or focus on specific parts like drums, bass, guitars/piano, or vocals. There's over 100 new features in Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®.
There's an amazing collection of new content too, including 202 RealTracks, new RealStyles, MIDI SuperTracks, Instrumental Studies, “Songs with Vocals” Artist Performance Sets, Playable RealTracks Set 5, two RealDrums Stems sets, XPro Styles PAK 10, Xtra Styles PAK 21, and much more!
Upgrade your Band-in-a-Box for Windows to save up to 50% on most Band-in-a-Box® 2026 upgrade packages!
Plus, when you order your Band-in-a-Box® 2026 upgrade during our special, you'll receive a Free Bonus PAK of exciting new add-ons.
If you need any help deciding which package is the best option for you, just let us know. We are here to help!
Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows® Special Offers Extended Until January 15, 2026!
Good news! You still have time to upgrade to the latest version of Band-in-a-Box® for Windows® and save. Our Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows® special now runs through January 15, 2025!
We've packed Band-in-a-Box® 2026 with major new features, enhancements, and an incredible lineup of new content! The program now sports a sleek, modern GUI redesign across the entire interface, including updated toolbars, refreshed windows, smoother workflows, a new dark mode option, and more. The brand-new side toolbar provides quicker access to key windows, while the new Multi-View feature lets you arrange multiple windows as layered panels without overlap, creating a flexible, clutter-free workspace. We have an amazing new “AI-Notes” feature. This transcribes polyphonic audio into MIDI so you can view it in notation or play it back as MIDI. You can process an entire track (all pitched instruments and drums) or focus on individual parts like drums, bass, guitars/piano, or vocals. There's an amazing collection of new content too, including 202 RealTracks, new RealStyles, MIDI SuperTracks, Instrumental Studies, “Songs with Vocals” Artist Performance Sets, Playable RealTracks Set 5, two RealDrums Stems sets, XPro Styles PAK 10, Xtra Styles PAK 21, and much more!
There are over 100 new features in Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®.
When you order purchase Band-in-a-Box® 2026 before 11:59 PM PST on January 15th, you'll also receive a Free Bonus PAK packed with exciting new add-ons.
Upgrade to Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows® today! Check out the Band-in-a-Box® packages page for all the purchase options available.
Happy New Year!
Thank you for being part of the Band-in-a-Box® community.
Wishing you and yours a very happy 2026—Happy New Year from all of us at PG Music!
Season's Greetings!
Wishing everyone a happy, healthy holiday season—thanks for being part of our community!
The office will be closed for Christmas Day, but we will be back on Boxing Day (Dec 26th) at 6:00am PST.
Team PG
Band-in-a-Box 2026 Video: The Newly Designed Piano Roll Window
In this video, we explore the updated Piano Roll, complete with a modernized look and exciting new features. You’ll see new filtering options that make it easy to focus on specific note groups, smoother and more intuitive note entry and editing, and enhanced options for zooming, looping, and more.
Watch the video.
You can see all the 2026 videos on our forum!
Band-in-a-Box 2026 Video: AI Stems & Notes - split polyphonic audio into instruments and transcribe
This video demonstrates how to use the new AI-Notes feature together with the AI-Stems splitter, allowing you to select an audio file and have it separated into individual stems while transcribing each one to its own MIDI track. AI-Notes converts polyphonic audio—either full mixes or individual instruments—into MIDI that you can view in notation or play back instantly.
Watch the video.
You can see all the 2026 videos on our forum!
Bonus PAK and 49-PAK for Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®
With your version 2026 for Windows Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, Audiophile Edition or PlusPAK purchase, we'll include a Bonus PAK full of great new Add-ons for FREE! Or upgrade to the 2026 49-PAK for only $49 to receive even more NEW Add-ons including 20 additional RealTracks!
These PAKs are loaded with additional add-ons to supercharge your Band-in-a-Box®!
This Free Bonus PAK includes:
- The 2026 RealCombos Booster PAK:
-For Pro customers, this includes 27 new RealTracks and 23 new RealStyles.
-For MegaPAK customers, this includes 25 new RealTracks and 23 new RealStyles.
-For UltraPAK customers, this includes 12 new RealStyles.
- MIDI Styles Set 92: Look Ma! More MIDI 15: Latin Jazz
- MIDI SuperTracks Set 46: Piano & Organ
- Instrumental Studies Set 24: Groovin' Blues Soloing
- Artist Performance Set 19: Songs with Vocals 9
- Playable RealTracks Set 5
- RealDrums Stems Set 9: Cool Brushes
- SynthMaster Sounds Set 1 (with audio demos)
- Android Band-in-a-Box® App (included)
Looking for more great add-ons, then upgrade to the 2026 49-PAK for just $49 and you'll get:
- 20 Bonus Unreleased RealTracks and RealDrums with 20 RealStyle.
- FLAC Files (lossless audio files) for the 20 Bonus Unreleased RealTracks and RealDrums
- MIDI Styles Set 93: Look Ma! More MIDI 16: SynthMaster
- MIDI SuperTracks Set 47: More SynthMaster
- Instrumental Studies 25 - Soul Jazz Guitar Soloing
- Artist Performance Set 20: Songs with Vocals 10
- RealDrums Stems Set 10: Groovin' Sticks
- SynthMaster Sounds & Styles Set 2 (sounds & styles with audio demos)
Learn more about the Bonus PAKs for Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Forums57
Topics85,623
Posts794,103
Members39,928
| |
Most Online25,754
Jan 24th, 2025
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Dansk
Deutsch - Windows
Español
Français - Windows
Italiano - Windows
Nederlands
Polski
Português
Svenskt
русский
Japanese
Simplified Chinese
Traditional Chinese
Korean