September 29, 2026  -  User Showcase Song: Tryin'

Hi folks. this fall marks our 15th year on the showcase forum ... and without a break. So we are soon taking a sabbatical but did want to post this song (originally posted in 2013) before we leave.

Although we reposted it 8 years ago we thought it would be fun to bring it up to date with a new mix, some new fx and new mastering.

In 2013 we were still in the transition from our bluegrass years to the “broad tent” Americana genre. Tryin’ was one of our earliest of over 90 collaborations with our songwriting mentor and friend floyd jane. What was to be a song writing exercise for J&B became a real musical journey as he also suggested the strings, developed the melody, transformed the lyric and sang harmony. Most flattering was that he later recorded a guy version of the song. smile

So here it is and we appreciate your time to listen and comment if you choose to. Lyrics are below and on SC. As always thanks to PG Music and see ya down the pike.

Meanwhile we will continue to work with our friend guitarist PeterF while hiking and biking more!

© 2013-2026 Bud Merritt & floyd jane
Remix/Remastering 2026
Janice Merritt: lead vocal
floyd jane: lyric, melody & harmony vocal
Bud Merritt: lyric, mix, mastering & photo

Janice: lead vocal (2013) Blue USB mic > Nectar
floyd: harmony vocal (2013) / whatever the man did

Mandolin: RealTracks 1875 & 2033 > Waves CLA Unplugged / composite from multiple generations

Guitar: RealTrack 1814 > Waves CLA Unplugged

Cello: RealTrack 1856 > Logic Pro Direction Mixer > Waves CLA Unplugged / composite of multiple generations

Fiddle: RealTrack 1760 > Waves CLA Unplugged

Mastering: Ozone EQ > Ozone Imager > Ozone Limiter > Izotope Tonal Balance > Logic Pro Loudness Meter

♫ Trying

Listen on SoundCloud

Posted on September 29, 2026 03:29 PM