Previous Thread
Index
Next Thread
Print Thread
Go To
Page 1 of 3 1 2 3
User Showcase
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 4,335
tommyad Offline OP
Veteran
OP Offline
Veteran
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 4,335
On November 28th 2016 Gatlinburg, Tennessee was ravaged by a wildfire that took 14 lives, left 191 injured, 2400 structures lost and burned over 17000 acres in the neighboring Great Smoky Mountains National Park. I have been going there for 50 years and was just there twice in October. The place we always stayed and the place we always ate at were both burned to the foundation. I have always considered the National Park to be my all time favorite place and I have been to a lot of great places. My thoughts and prayers are with all those that continue to struggle with this tragedy.


https://soundcloud.com/tommyad/the-night-gatlinburg-burned-down


http://tommyadamsmusic.com/music



RealTracks in style: ~599:Mandolin, Rhythm Bluegrass Doc Ev 100
RealTracks in style: ~598:Guitar, Acoustic, Strumming Bluegrass Doc Ev 100
RealTracks in song: 590:Banjo, Bluegrass Doc Ev 100 (Rhythm - Simple)
Royalty Free Loops

Vocals, Tom Adams

Recorded in Logic Pro X, Ozone 6, Waves LinMB, Nectar2, Waves Vocal Rider, Misc. reverbs, delays and compression from Logic.



The Night Gatlinburg Burned Down


fire and wind blowing on the ridgeline

Flames racing through the town

The devil was roaring down the mountainside

The night Gatlinburg burned down




and I cried and I cried till my tears had all run dry

memories in the ashes on the ground

Friends and families lost that’s the real cost

The night Gatlinburg burned down


It’s called the Smoky Mountains that’s a tragic irony

A wailing siren was the only sound

The ghostly signs of Christmas was all there was to see

The night Gatlinburg burned down


and I cried and I cried till my tears had all run dry

memories in the ashes on the ground

Friends and families lost that’s the real cost

The night Gatlinburg burned down


It ‘ll be years before we’re back where we belong

but we are the toughest folks around

When they look back they won't be wrong it’s why they call us Mountain Strong

The night Gatlinburg burned down


and I cried and I cried till my tears had all run dry

memories in the ashes on the ground

Friends and families lost that’s the real cost

The night Gatlinburg burned down

©2016 Thomas Adams

As Bob (90db) said in the comments. Prayers for Gatlnburg. Anyone wishing to contribute should go to this link.

http://www.knoxnews.com/story/news/local/tennessee/2016/12/01/gatlinburg-chamber-establishes-relief-fund/94733176/

Last edited by tommyad; 12/16/16 10:28 AM.
User Showcase
Joined: Jun 2016
Posts: 3,357
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Jun 2016
Posts: 3,357
Tom,

That`s a tough story to think about while listening to your song.
There`s a great feeling of conviction in your vocal which has a different quality on this song... reminds me of a fired up Waylon Jennings. The chorus is really catchy and backing just right.
Very good!

Robert

User Showcase
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 20,785
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 20,785
Excellent write Tommy, except that the story-line is so unfortunate.

Regardless, you've put a masterpiece together. This is a great listen. Choice of instruments is superb.


BIAB & RB2026 Win.(Audiophile), Windows 10 Professional & Windows 11, Sonar Platinum, Cakewalk by Bandlab, Izotope Prod.Bundle, Roland RD-1000, Synthogy Ivory, Kontakt, Focusrite 18i20, KetronSD2, NS40M Monitors, Pioneer Active Monitors
User Showcase
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 2,360
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 2,360
Excellent write and performance! The mix is great as are the vocals.
The feeling and emotion of the song seem to be perfect to me.


Kenny

User Showcase
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 5,647
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 5,647
Tom
Interesting one to comment on - damn infectious - great melody, excellent vocal - sad topic.
Australians are all too familiar with bush fires, had our fair share & they can be horrendous.

Excellent song - has that timeless quality.
Thanks for the encouragement through the year.

Peter

User Showcase
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 3,079
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 3,079
Tom,
What an awful story but this is a great tribute, from the heart.
Great choice of instruments, great mix and your voice is perfect!

You did good on this song, Tom, real good. The bar you have set is still WA-AY above me frown laugh

Hope you have a good Christmas

Alyn

User Showcase
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 8,751
C
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
C
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 8,751
Following an old tradition of pouring your pain into a bluegrass tune, you've done an excellent job. But like so many of those old Bluegrass tunes, rooted in a true story.

This is such a classic tune and theme. Excellent job on what had to be a tough subject for you.

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: Oct 2008
Posts: 8,106
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 8,106
Tom,

I really like this! A lot of the bluegrass tracks don't reflect current trends in the genre... but you've assembled a song here that absolutely NAILS the Merlefest sound!

My only problem with this is learning that you frequently get this close to NC without letting me know so I can drive over to Tennessee and buy you a beer.

User Showcase
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 10,665
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 10,665
Well done.

This is a perfect tribute. The genre was also perfect.

Story behind the news: Back in Jacksoneville NC, One of the bands I was in at the time had a drummer play with us for a few weeks or so. His name was Mark J. Through the years, we all kinda drifted apart and went down different paths in life. Facebook and one of the musicians from that town/era brought us all back together. As it turned out Mark had moved from eastern NC to the Tenn mountain town of Gatlinburg. He was still playing drums and messing with music. When the fires swept through the town and the hills around Gatlinburg, unfortunately, his house was among the hundreds of casualties, and he and his wife and family literally lost everything they owned.

Good song.


You can find my music at:
www.herbhartley.com
Add nothing that adds nothing to the music.
You can make excuses or you can make progress but not both.

The magic you are looking for is in the work you are avoiding.
User Showcase
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 5,139
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 5,139
Tommy,

Tragic subject - great song. Reminds me of some Don Reno at one of the Bluegrass festivals we used to frequent in California.

Prayers for Gatlinburg, and if people want to contribute:


http://www.knoxnews.com/story/news/local/tennessee/2016/12/01/gatlinburg-chamber-establishes-relief-fund/94733176/



Regards,

Bob

User Showcase
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 12,717
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 12,717
Tom,

Heartbreaking.

You have documented this loss in just the manner that it ought to be. The perfect genre. A truly excellent write - it sounds like a classic from first listen. The production, arrangement and mix could not be done better - as good as it gets.

Your vocals and harmonies on this are excellent - and one of the best vocal mixes ever on these forums - a true "part of the whole".

This is SO good. You should enter this in the Merlefest song contest - then one of the top recording bluegrass/newgrass/Americana groups needs to record it...

I just keep thinking "Wow!"

fj

User Showcase
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 4,335
tommyad Offline OP
Veteran
OP Offline
Veteran
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 4,335
Originally Posted By: Robertkc
Tom,

That`s a tough story to think about while listening to your song.
There`s a great feeling of conviction in your vocal which has a different quality on this song... reminds me of a fired up Waylon Jennings. The chorus is really catchy and backing just right.
Very good!

Robert
Thanks Robert. Waylon was great at singing those bluesy lines. I appreciate you taking the time to listen and comment. Tom
Originally Posted By: VideoTrack
Excellent write Tommy, except that the story-line is so unfortunate.

Regardless, you've put a masterpiece together. This is a great listen. Choice of instruments is superb.

It was and is an unfortunate situation. However I am very fortunate that you continue to comment on my work. Thanks Trevor.

User Showcase
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 4,067
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 4,067
Originally Posted By: 44kfl
Excellent write and performance! The mix is great as are the vocals.
The feeling and emotion of the song seem to be perfect to me.


Kenny


Our thoughts exactly.
Very good work Tommy.


We are Rob Meulman and Anne-Marie Bovenkamp from The Netherlands.

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1gsdNLE7_Gy8qavoOplQow/videos
http://rnam.net/


User Showcase
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 3,353
ROG Offline
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 3,353
Hi Tom.

Bluegrass was not at all what I was expecting after reading the lyrics, but I have to say that the whole production works SO well.

It's a classic country sound and somehow the tragedy bound up in the words isn't in any way diminished by the up-tempo backing.

Beautifully conceived and executed.

Thoughts are with all those who are personally involved.

ROG.

User Showcase
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 7,052
G
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
G
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 7,052
Originally Posted By: gibson
Tom,
What an awful story but this is a great tribute, from the heart.
Great choice of instruments, great mix and your voice is perfect!

You did good on this song, Tom, real good. The bar you have set is still WA-AY above me frown laugh

Hope you have a good Christmas

Alyn



I have to agree with Alyn, except the part that any bar is above him, although yours is very high! Really good stuff Tom!! Take care. Greg

User Showcase
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 5,550
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 5,550
Tom, great job about a tough subject! What a sad thing to see happen to such a beautiful place ( been there many times myself), but even more tragic is the lost lives and affected families. You had a great choice of instruments that all worked well together! The lyric and vocal - excellent! Thanks, Torrey

User Showcase
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 8,165
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 8,165
Awesome song Tommy. What a devastating situation. The weather patterns have been changing rapidly. We also had a terrible forest fire here in Northern Alberta last summer. The city of Fort McMurray pop 61000 had to be evacuated as it got caught in its path. It seems like one weather catastrophe after another... Awesome vocal, lyric and backtrack


Scott Collingwood
https://soundcloud.com/scottt709
https://soundcloud.com/spiritlevel-ca
https://www.youtube.com/@SpiritLevel-ge3hm/
User Showcase
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 4,335
tommyad Offline OP
Veteran
OP Offline
Veteran
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 4,335
Originally Posted By: 44kfl
Excellent write and performance! The mix is great as are the vocals.
The feeling and emotion of the song seem to be perfect to me.


Kenny
Kenny, Thanks for the nice words. It was an emotional song for me. Tom
Originally Posted By: PeterF
Tom
Interesting one to comment on - damn infectious - great melody, excellent vocal - sad topic.
Australians are all too familiar with bush fires, had our fair share & they can be horrendous.

Excellent song - has that timeless quality.
Thanks for the encouragement through the year.

Peter
Peter, Thanks for the wonderful review. Much appreciated. Tom

User Showcase
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 4,335
tommyad Offline OP
Veteran
OP Offline
Veteran
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 4,335
Originally Posted By: gibson
Tom,
What an awful story but this is a great tribute, from the heart.
Great choice of instruments, great mix and your voice is perfect!

You did good on this song, Tom, real good. The bar you have set is still WA-AY above me frown laugh

Hope you have a good Christmas

Alyn

Alyn, Thank you for all those nice remarks. The bar is not above you. Your creativity continues to be an inspiration to us all. Tom
Originally Posted By: Charlie Fogle
Following an old tradition of pouring your pain into a bluegrass tune, you've done an excellent job. But like so many of those old Bluegrass tunes, rooted in a true story.

This is such a classic tune and theme. Excellent job on what had to be a tough subject for you.

Charlie
Charlie, There was only one genre in which this song would be effective. It was a terrible tragic event and I thought it would be good to document it in a song. I certainly hope those that are affected can rebuild their lives and find some peace. Thanks for your kindness, Tom

User Showcase
Joined: Jun 2016
Posts: 338
B
Journeyman
Offline
Journeyman
B
Joined: Jun 2016
Posts: 338
Love it tommy
what a great write ,cracking vocals sound with the unison harmony.
keep doing this great stuff plz tommy
cheers john


Os Windows Biab 2018. studio one pro 3 ozone 8 focusrite 214 se electronics Gemini mic
Previous Thread
Next Thread
Go To
Page 1 of 3 1 2 3

Link Copied to Clipboard
ChatPG

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.

PG Music News
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®!

Video: New User Interface (GUI)

Join Tobin as he takes you on a tour of the new user interface in Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®! This modern GUI redesign offers a sleek new look with updated toolbars, refreshed windows, and a smoother workflow. The brand-new side toolbar puts track selection, the MultiPicker Library, and other essential tools right at your fingertips. Plus, our upgraded Multi-View lets you layer multiple windows without overlap, giving you a highly flexible workspace. Many windows—including Tracks, Piano Roll, and more—have been redesigned for improved usability and a cleaner, more intuitive interface, and more!

Watch the video.

You can see all the 2026 videos on our forum!

Introducing XPro Styles PAK 10 – Now Available for Windows Band-in-a-Box 2025 and Higher!

We've just released XPro Styles PAK 10 for Windows & Mac Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher) with 100 brand new RealStyles, plus 28 RealTracks and RealDrums!

Few things are certain in life: death, taxes, and a brand spankin’ new XPro Styles PAK! In this, the 10th edition of our XPro Styles PAK series, we’ve got 100 styles coming your way! We have the classic 25 styles each from the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres, and rounding out this volume's wildcard slot is 25 styles in the Praise & Worship genre! A wide spanning genre, you can find everything from rock, folk, country, and more underneath its umbrella. The included 28 RealTracks and RealDrums can be used with any Band-in-a-Box® 2026 (and higher) package.

Here’s just a small sampling of what you can look forward to in XPro Styles PAK 10: Soft indie folk worship songs, bumpin’ country boogies, gospel praise breaks, hard rockin’ pop, funky disco grooves, smooth Latin jazz pop, bossa nova fusion, western swing, alternative hip-hop, cool country funk, and much more!

Special offers until December 31st, 2025!

All the XPro Styles PAKs 1 - 10 are on sale for only $29 ea (Reg. $49 ea), or get them all in the XPro Styles PAK Bundle for only $149 (reg. $299)! Order now!

Learn more and listen to demos of XPro Styles PAKs.

Video: XPro Styles PAK 10 Overview & Styles Demos: Watch now!

XPro Styles PAKs require Band-in-a-Box® 2025 or higher and are compatible with ANY package, including the Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, and Audiophile Edition.

Introducing Xtra Styles PAK 21 – Now Available for Windows Band-in-a-Box 2025 and Higher!

Xtra Styles PAK 21 for Windows & Mac Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher) is here with 200 brand new RealStyles!

We're excited to bring you our latest Xtra Styles PAK installment—the all new Xtra Styles PAK 21 for Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher)!

Rejoice, one and all, for Xtra Styles PAK 21 for Band-in-a-Box® is here! We’re serving up 200 brand spankin’ new styles to delight your musical taste buds! The first three courses are the classics you’ve come to know and love, including offerings from the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres, but, not to be outdone, this year’s fourth course is bro country! A wide ranging genre, you can find everything from hip-hop, uptempo outlaw country, hard hitting rock, funk, and even electronica, all with that familiar bro country flair. The dinner bell has been rung, pickup up Xtra Styles PAK 21 today!

In this PAK you’ll discover: Energetic folk rock, raucous train beats, fast country boogies, acid jazz grooves, laid-back funky jams, a bevy of breezy jazz waltzes, calm electro funk, indie synth pop, industrial synth metal, and more bro country than could possibly fit in the back of a pickup truck!

Special offers until December 31st, 2025!

All the Xtra Styles PAKs 1 - 21 are on special for only $29 each (reg $49), or get all 21 PAKs for $199 (reg $399)! Order now!

Learn more and listen to demos of the Xtra Styles PAK 21.

Video: Xtra Styles PAK 21 Overview & Styles Demos: Watch now!

Note: The Xtra Styles require the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box®. (Xtra Styles PAK 21 requires the 2025 or higher UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition. They will not work with the Pro or MegaPAK version because they need the RealTracks from the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition.

Introducing XPro Styles PAK 10 – Now Available for Mac Band-in-a-Box 2025 and Higher!

We've just released XPro Styles PAK 10 for Mac & Windows Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher) with 100 brand new RealStyles, plus 28 RealTracks and RealDrums!

Few things are certain in life: death, taxes, and a brand spankin’ new XPro Styles PAK! In this, the 10th edition of our XPro Styles PAK series, we’ve got 100 styles coming your way! We have the classic 25 styles each from the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres, and rounding out this volume's wildcard slot is 25 styles in the Praise & Worship genre! A wide spanning genre, you can find everything from rock, folk, country, and more underneath its umbrella. The included 28 RealTracks and RealDrums can be used with any Band-in-a-Box® 2026 (and higher) package.

Here’s just a small sampling of what you can look forward to in XPro Styles PAK 10: Soft indie folk worship songs, bumpin’ country boogies, gospel praise breaks, hard rockin’ pop, funky disco grooves, smooth Latin jazz pop, bossa nova fusion, western swing, alternative hip-hop, cool country funk, and much more!

Special offers until December 31st, 2025!

All the XPro Styles PAKs 1 - 10 are on sale for only $29 ea (Reg. $49 ea), or get them all in the XPro Styles PAK Bundle for only $149 (reg. $299)! Order now!

Learn more and listen to demos of XPro Styles PAKs.

Video: XPro Styles PAK 10 Overview & Styles Demos: Watch now!

XPro Styles PAKs require Band-in-a-Box® 2025 or higher and are compatible with ANY package, including the Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, and Audiophile Edition.

Introducing Xtra Styles PAK 21 – Now Available for Mac Band-in-a-Box 2025 and Higher!

Xtra Styles PAK 21 for Mac & Windows Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher) is here with 200 brand new RealStyles!

We're excited to bring you our latest Xtra Styles PAK installment—the all new Xtra Styles PAK 21 for Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher)!

Rejoice, one and all, for Xtra Styles PAK 21 for Band-in-a-Box® is here! We’re serving up 200 brand spankin’ new styles to delight your musical taste buds! The first three courses are the classics you’ve come to know and love, including offerings from the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres, but, not to be outdone, this year’s fourth course is bro country! A wide ranging genre, you can find everything from hip-hop, uptempo outlaw country, hard hitting rock, funk, and even electronica, all with that familiar bro country flair. The dinner bell has been rung, pickup up Xtra Styles PAK 21 today!

In this PAK you’ll discover: Energetic folk rock, raucous train beats, fast country boogies, acid jazz grooves, laid-back funky jams, a bevy of breezy jazz waltzes, calm electro funk, indie synth pop, industrial synth metal, and more bro country than could possibly fit in the back of a pickup truck!

Special offers until December 31st, 2025!

All the Xtra Styles PAKs 1 - 21 are on special for only $29 each (reg $49), or get all 21 PAKs for $199 (reg $399)! Order now!

Learn more and listen to demos of the Xtra Styles PAK 21.

Video: Xtra Styles PAK 21 Overview & Styles Demos: Watch now!

Note: The Xtra Styles require the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box®. (Xtra Styles PAK 21 requires the 2025 or higher UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition. They will not work with the Pro or MegaPAK version because they need the RealTracks from the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition.

Forum Statistics
Forums57
Topics85,312
Posts790,855
Members39,856
Most Online25,754
Jan 24th, 2025
Newest Members
doccawudi, gim77, StratMan1965, CPIA2002, janhardo
39,856 Registered Users
Top Posters(30 Days)
jpettit 340
MarioD 223
DrDan 214
Noel96 161
DC Ron 148
Rob Helms 128
Today's Birthdays
Country Fever, EddieP.Morrison, Mariothegreat
Powered by UBB.threads™ PHP Forum Software 7.7.5