|
Log in to post
|
Print Thread |
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 7,051
Veteran
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 7,051 |
https://soundcloud.com/gjohnson-2/on-christmas-dayMerry Xmas forum members. The year is almost behind us. It's had some major heartaches for me. This will be my first Christmas without my dad. Christmas is a time of reflection for me. It was that way for him too. It feels strange to be entering the point in my life where I'm part of the "old generation". I still remember my grandfather taking movies on Christmas eve. He had the 8 mm camera and this horizontal bar of lights (4 or 6) which were about 8000 candle power. No such thing as candid filming back then-everyone looking at the camera was waiving and squinting. I've always wanted to write a Christmas song. I always imagined it would be a secular song (I'll be home for Christmas type, although certainly not nearly that good). I've always appreciated the religious side of Christmas. The story of Jesus is "the greatest story ever told". I was very inspired by Robert Burke's traditional song and went that direction. The last half verse is particularly directed to all of you. Hope you enjoy it. I love to get you feedback, so please comment! Take care. Greg P.S. This is all done with Komplete 10 ultimate. I kind of worked it out with BIAB originally but could not make this rhythm work right. On Christmas Day In the town of Bethlehem, a child was born to rescue man God gave up his only son, to undo the sin that man had done Through a virgin came a holy birth For God to walk with man upon the earth And shine a light upon our birth On Christmas day The shepherds there among their herds heard the angels golden words And in the hay, that cold, dark night was born the world’s healing light To bring redemption to imperfect beings Who, in their ignorance, destroyed this king And now rejoice in the gifts he brings On Christmas Day Centuries have come and gone, and now we shop on Amazon Simple lives have been replaced by 9-to-5s and cyberspace But beneath the commerce and the shiny things Remains the spirit that the season brings When of ancient times we sing On Christmas Day So, here’s to wishing for you all the best Love and peace, and health and happiness I pray to God your lives to bless On Christmas Day
Last edited by Greg Johnson; 12/23/16 04:34 PM.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 8,382
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 8,382 |
Greg,
We're listening on SOundcloud right now. Simply lovely! Your voice is splendid and you manage to so sweetly express your passion. What a wonderful song and inspiring listen. Very well done!!!
I (Alan) know what you mean by the "old folks" reference. I am the oldest living person in my family. I'll be 70 in March. Both my parents, all four grandparents, all aunts & uncles have passed and I'm the oldest of the grandchildren/cousins. It's a rather jarring thought at times.
Di and I wish you very best in 2017 and hope your Christmas is wonderful, knowing your father will smile from above. God Bless,
Alan & Di
BIAB 2024 Ultra Plus-all StylePaks*Win11*32GB DDR5*Rhyzen 9745x*AT 2035 Mic*Peavey Nashville 112 Amp*Ibanez ART120* Acoustic/Electric/Washburn D200S Acoustic*Stromberg Monterey Jazz Guitar Loops: https://aldavidmusic.wixsite.com/bestmusicloops
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Jun 2016
Posts: 3,357
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jun 2016
Posts: 3,357 |
Greg,
A lovely melody for a heartfelt message. I liked the backing which wraps your fine voice in a church atmosphere.
I wish you peace and happiness in your Christmas reflections.
Robert
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 5,684
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 5,684 |
Wonderful! I love the old, traditional Christmas songs, the newer ones not so much. This, to me, has the feel of the older songs. Love the vocal melody you came up with!
BTW I can relate, my dad passed away 10 years ago, two days after Christmas. Seems like yesterday to me. One the things that goes along with getting old, but the other side of the coin is I've got a couple of wonderful grandsons.
All the best to you and yours for the holiday!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 12,469
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 12,469 |
Greg,
This is a truly wonderful write. An amazing mix of old and new. Traditional sounding, yet incorporating life as we know it today.
A beautiful "Christmas melody". Love the cadence and prosody of the lyric - again, has a "Christmas lyric" feel and sound. The chord piano with a melody chamber sting sound is "so Christmas". All together a Christmas song that is through and through "a Greg Johnson Christmas" as no one else could have done...
Your vocal on this is excellent. Beautiful.
Wishing you healing this holiday season and all the best.
floyd
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 7,975
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 7,975 |
Hi Greg. This was absolutely beautiful. The vocal and lyric was amazing. You capture the spirit of the true meaning of Christmas. I am sorry for the loss of your dad. I miss mine as well especially at this time of the season. Loved the story of your grandfather taking movies. Merry Christmas to you and your family
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 4,335
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 4,335 |
Greg, This is a beautiful write and performance. I will let the others sort out why this so great and just say, I will be playing this every Christmas season from here forward. Best holiday wishes to you and your family. Tom
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 8,338
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 8,338 |
Beautiful song Greg. Very touching.
My heart will be with you and yours this season.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 851
Expert
|
|
Expert
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 851 |
Wow great job ... very Christmas Sounding
Excellent melody, vocal and Production
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 19,839
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 19,839 |
Beautiful work, Greg.
May peace and good tidings come your way. All the best for Christmas and beyond.
Noel
MY SONGS...Audiophile BIAB 2025
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 4,052
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 4,052 |
Hello Greg,
We are very sorry for the loss of your dad.
You managed to create a beautiful Christmas song!
All the best to you, and a very musical 2017.
Rob & Anne-Marie
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 5,644
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 5,644 |
Greg
Beautiful work lovely "trademark" vocal pretty melody and lyric.
Hope 2017 is a good (better) one for you.
Peter
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 7,051
Veteran
|
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 7,051 |
Greg,
We're listening on SOundcloud right now. Simply lovely! Your voice is splendid and you manage to so sweetly express your passion. What a wonderful song and inspiring listen. Very well done!!!
I (Alan) know what you mean by the "old folks" reference. I am the oldest living person in my family. I'll be 70 in March. Both my parents, all four grandparents, all aunts & uncles have passed and I'm the oldest of the grandchildren/cousins. It's a rather jarring thought at times.
Di and I wish you very best in 2017 and hope your Christmas is wonderful, knowing your father will smile from above. God Bless,
Alan & Di Thanks so much Al and Di! Really appreciate your very kind words. Glad to see you guys again. Like your Xmas instrumental! Take care. Greg
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 7,051
Veteran
|
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 7,051 |
Greg,
A lovely melody for a heartfelt message. I liked the backing which wraps your fine voice in a church atmosphere.
I wish you peace and happiness in your Christmas reflections.
Robert Thanks Robert! I did try to give it more grandeur with the strings-going for that Christmas magic I guess. Thanks so much for the nice words. Take care. Greg
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 7,051
Veteran
|
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 7,051 |
Wonderful! I love the old, traditional Christmas songs, the newer ones not so much. This, to me, has the feel of the older songs. Love the vocal melody you came up with!
BTW I can relate, my dad passed away 10 years ago, two days after Christmas. Seems like yesterday to me. One the things that goes along with getting old, but the other side of the coin is I've got a couple of wonderful grandsons.
All the best to you and yours for the holiday! Thanks Dave. I love the traditional ones as well, and also the classic contemporaries. I did try to put a lot of traditional feel into this. It is hard to lose a parent. My kids are young enough that I'm just hoping to get a little time with my grandkids-hopefully they won't wait as long as I did. Take care. Greg
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Mar 2016
Posts: 28
Enthusiast
|
|
Enthusiast
Joined: Mar 2016
Posts: 28 |
I think because of your song, your dad will be so happy from above.
Best wishes to you and your family.
There is a very subtle sentimental thing in your voice, which is very touching, some people were just born with it, I like that very much.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 15,422
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 15,422 |
Greg,
This is a truly wonderful write. An amazing mix of old and new. Traditional sounding, yet incorporating life as we know it today.
A beautiful "Christmas melody". Love the cadence and prosody of the lyric - again, has a "Christmas lyric" feel and sound. The chord piano with a melody chamber sting sound is "so Christmas". All together a Christmas song that is through and through "a Greg Johnson Christmas" as no one else could have done...
Your vocal on this is excellent. Beautiful.
Wishing you healing this holiday season and all the best.
floyd If we could say it as well floyd we would. This is my (Bud) first Christmas without my mother so I easily understand your feelings. This tune should be heard by many. Lovely and the vocal is spectacular. J&B
Our albums and singles are on Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music, YouTube Music, Pandora and more. If interested search on Janice Merritt. Thanks! Our Videos are here on our website.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 8,118
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 8,118 |
Greg,
Simply beautiful... So heartfelt. Excellent song and delivery.
Bob
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 7,051
Veteran
|
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 7,051 |
Greg,
This is a truly wonderful write. An amazing mix of old and new. Traditional sounding, yet incorporating life as we know it today.
A beautiful "Christmas melody". Love the cadence and prosody of the lyric - again, has a "Christmas lyric" feel and sound. The chord piano with a melody chamber sting sound is "so Christmas". All together a Christmas song that is through and through "a Greg Johnson Christmas" as no one else could have done...
Your vocal on this is excellent. Beautiful.
Wishing you healing this holiday season and all the best.
floyd Thanks Floyd! The melody was what made me think this is a Xmas song. Really appreciate your incredible kindness and support!! Happy New Year! Greg
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 2,360
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 2,360 |
Beautiful song, love the melody and your vocal is excellent.
Enjoyed.
Kenny
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
New RealTracks Released with Band-in-a-Box 2025!
We’ve expanded the Band-in-a-Box® RealTracks library with 202 incredible new RealTracks (in sets 449-467) across Jazz, Blues, Funk, World, Pop, Rock, Country, Americana, and Praise & Worship—featuring your most requested styles!
Jazz, Blues & World (Sets 449–455):
These RealTracks includes “Soul Jazz” with Neil Swainson (bass), Mike Clark (drums), Charles Treadway (organ), Miles Black (piano), and Brent Mason (guitar). Enjoy “Requested ’60s” jazz, classic acoustic blues with Colin Linden, and more of our popular 2-handed piano soloing. Plus, a RealTracks first—Tango with bandoneon, recorded in Argentina!
Rock & Pop (Sets 456–461):
This collection includes Disco, slap bass ‘70s/‘80s pop, modern and ‘80s metal with Andy Wood, and a unique “Songwriter Potpourri” featuring Chinese folk instruments, piano, banjo, and more. You’ll also find a muted electric guitar style (a RealTracks first!) and “Producer Layered Guitar” styles for slick "produced" sound.
Country, Americana & Praise (Sets 462–467):
We’ve added new RealTracks across bro country, Americana, praise & worship, vintage country, and songwriter piano. Highlights include Brent Mason (electric guitar), Eddie Bayers (drums), Doug Jernigan (pedal steel), John Jarvis (piano), Glen Duncan (banjo, mandolin & fiddle), Mike Harrison (electric bass) and more—offering everything from modern sounds to heartfelt Americana styles
Check out all the 202 New RealTracks (in sets 456-467)
And, if you are looking for more, the 2025 49-PAK (for $49) includes an additional 20 RealTracks with exciting new sounds and genre-spanning styles. Enjoy RealTracks firsts like Chinese instruments (guzheng & dizi), the bandoneon in an authentic Argentine tango trio, and the classic “tic-tac” baritone guitar for vintage country.
You’ll also get slick ’80s metal guitar from Andy Wood, modern metal with guitarist Nico Santora, bass player Nick Schendzielos, and drummer Aaron Stechauner, more praise & worship, indie-folk, modern/bro country with Brent Mason, and “Songwriter Americana” with Johnny Hiland.
Plus, enjoy user-requested styles like Soul Jazz RealDrums, fast Celtic Strathspey guitar, and Chill Hop piano & drums!
The 2025 49-PAK is loaded with other great new add-ons as well. Learn more about the 2025 49-PAK!
Bonus PAKs for Band-in-a-Box 2025 for Mac!
With your version 2025 for Mac Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, Audiophile Edition or PlusPAK purchase, we'll include a Bonus PAK full of great new Add-ons FREE! Or upgrade to the 2025 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 2025 RealCombos Booster PAK:
-For Pro customers, this includes 33 new RealTracks and 65+ new RealStyles.
-For MegaPAK customers, this includes 29 new RealTracks and 45+ new RealStyles.
-For UltraPAK customers, this includes 20 new RealStyles.
- Look Ma! More MIDI 13: Country & Americana
- Instrumental Studies Set 22: 2-Hand Piano Soloing - Rhythm Changes
- MIDI SuperTracks Set 44: Jazz Piano
- Artist Performance Set 17: Songs with Vocals 7
- Playable RealTracks Set 4
- RealDrums Stems Set 7: Jazz with Mike Clark
- SynthMaster Sounds and Styles (with audio demos)
- 128 GM MIDI Patch Audio Demos.
Looking for more great add-ons, then upgrade to the 2025 49-PAK for just $49 and you'll get:
- 20 Bonus Unreleased RealTracks and RealDrums with 20 RealStyles,
- FLAC Files (lossless audio files) for the 20 Bonus Unreleased RealTracks and RealDrums
- Look Ma! More MIDI 14: SynthMaster,
- Instrumental Studies Set 23: More '80s Hard Rock Soloing,
- MIDI SuperTracks Set 45: More SynthMaster
- Artist Performance Set 18: Songs with Vocals 8
- RealDrums Stems Set 8: Pop, Funk & More with Jerry Roe
Learn more about the Bonus PAKs for Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac®!
New! Xtra Styles PAK 20 for Band-in-a-Box 2025 and Higher for Mac!
Xtra Styles PAK 20 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 and greatest in the all new Xtra Styles PAK 20 for Band-in-a-Box! This fresh installment is packed with 200 all-new styles spanning the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres you've come to expect, as well as the exciting inclusion of electronic styles!
In this PAK you’ll discover: Minimalist Modern Funk, New Wave Synth Pop, Hard Bop Latin Groove, Gospel Country Shuffle, Cinematic Synthwave, '60s Motown, Funky Lo-Fi Bossa, Heavy 1980s Metal, Soft Muted 12-8 Folk, J-Pop Jazz Fusion, and many more!
All the Xtra Styles PAKs 1 - 20 are on special for only $29 each (reg $49), or get all 209 PAKs for $199 (reg $399)! Order now!
Learn more and listen to demos of the Xtra Styles PAK 20.
Video: Xtra Styles PAK 20 Overview & Styles Demos: Watch now!
Note: The Xtra Styles require the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box®. (Xtra Styles PAK 20 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.
New! XPro Styles PAK 9 for Band-in-a-Box 2025 and higher for Mac!
We've just released XPro Styles PAK 9 for Mac & Windows Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher) with 100 brand new RealStyles, plus 29 RealTracks/RealDrums!
We've been hard at it to bring you the latest and greatest in this 9th installment of our popular XPro Styles PAK series! Included are 75 styles spanning the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres (25 styles each) that fans have come to expect, as well as 25 styles in this volume's wildcard genre: funk & R&B!
If you're itching to get a sneak peek at what's included in XPro Styles PAK 9, here is a small helping of what you can look forward to: Funky R&B Horns, Upbeat Celtic Rock, Jazz Fusion Salsa, Gentle Indie Folk, Cool '60s Soul, Funky '70s R&B, Smooth Jazz Hip Hop, Acoustic Rockabilly Swing, Funky Reggae Dub, Dreamy Retro Latin Jazz, Retro Soul-Rock Fusion, and much more!
Special Pricing! Until July 31, 2024, all the XPro Styles PAKs 1 - 9 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 9 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.
New! Xtra Styles PAK 20 for Band-in-a-Box 2025 and Higher for Windows!
Xtra Styles PAK 20 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 and greatest in the all new Xtra Styles PAK 20 for Band-in-a-Box! This fresh installment is packed with 200 all-new styles spanning the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres you've come to expect, as well as the exciting inclusion of electronic styles!
In this PAK you’ll discover: Minimalist Modern Funk, New Wave Synth Pop, Hard Bop Latin Groove, Gospel Country Shuffle, Cinematic Synthwave, '60s Motown, Funky Lo-Fi Bossa, Heavy 1980s Metal, Soft Muted 12-8 Folk, J-Pop Jazz Fusion, and many more!
All the Xtra Styles PAKs 1 - 20 are on special for only $29 each (reg $49), or get all 209 PAKs for $199 (reg $399)! Order now!
Learn more and listen to demos of the Xtra Styles PAK 20.
Video: Xtra Styles PAK 20 Overview & Styles Demos: Watch now!
Note: The Xtra Styles require the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box®. (Xtra Styles PAK 20 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.
New! XPro Styles PAK 9 for Band-in-a-Box 2025 and higher for Windows!
We've just released XPro Styles PAK 9 for Windows & Mac Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher) with 100 brand new RealStyles, plus 29 RealTracks/RealDrums!
We've been hard at it to bring you the latest and greatest in this 9th installment of our popular XPro Styles PAK series! Included are 75 styles spanning the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres (25 styles each) that fans have come to expect, as well as 25 styles in this volume's wildcard genre: funk & R&B!
If you're itching to get a sneak peek at what's included in XPro Styles PAK 9, here is a small helping of what you can look forward to: Funky R&B Horns, Upbeat Celtic Rock, Jazz Fusion Salsa, Gentle Indie Folk, Cool '60s Soul, Funky '70s R&B, Smooth Jazz Hip Hop, Acoustic Rockabilly Swing, Funky Reggae Dub, Dreamy Retro Latin Jazz, Retro Soul-Rock Fusion, and much more!
Special Pricing! Until July 31, 2024, all the XPro Styles PAKs 1 - 9 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 9 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.
Video: Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac®: VST3 Plugin Support
Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac® now includes support for VST3 plugins, alongside VST and AU. Use them with MIDI or audio tracks for even more creative possibilities in your music production.
Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Macs®: VST3 Plugin Support
Video: Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac®: Using VST3 Plugins
Join the conversation on our forum.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Forums58
Topics84,390
Posts778,607
Members39,642
| |
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