|
Log in to post
|
Print Thread |
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: May 2018
Posts: 2,617
Veteran
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: May 2018
Posts: 2,617 |
So, I think we all agree that my last song had a bit too much "ketchup" (harmonically speaking) on it  ... and many of you said you missed my voice. So, with those two points in mind, here's something new. Hopefully, more understandable by way of harmonic progressions, and, yes, I'm singing on this one, too. See what you think? Thanks for listening and for any comments! An Ordinary ManTHE LYRICS: I'm just an ordinary man Doing the things I do, Waking up, brush my teeth, eat my breakfast, All the time thinking of you ... I'm just an ordinary man Looking into the mirror, Tie is straight, my shoes shine, gone to work, Wondering if you are any nearer. And all the time I go about my day My heart just beats a little fast At the thought that, in the evening time, I may see you, once more, at last ... And, in the evening, when I am back, once more, I hang my suit, and loosen up my tie, Set the table, forks and spoons, dinner's ready, All that is left is your arrival, tonight ... I'm just an ordinary man So please don't be angry, and sigh, If I still hope you will come back, sometime, That "see you later" didn't mean "goodbye" ... I'm just an ordinary man And you have always, ever been so smart; So please, if you do call, don't play with me, For you'd be playing with my heart. THE BAND: ****** Song Summary ************* Title: An Ordinary Guy - 28 September 2023 File:An Ordinary Guy - 28 September 2023.SGU Key=C , Tempo 65, Length (m:s)=3:26 No intro. 52 bar chorus, from bar 1 to bar 52. Repeat x1 chorus No Melody No Soloist track. Song is saved with Volume, Pan, Reverb, Chorus, Bank0, Style is _POPPNOL.STY (Pop Piano Liverpool Ballad) RealTracks in style: 366:Bass, Electric, Country Ev 065 RealTracks in style: 891:Piano, Acoustic, Solo-Accompaniment PopLiverpool Ev 065 RealTracks in style: 870:Guitar, Electric, Rhythm ModernRnBRockWarmQuarters Ev 065
RealDrums in style:NashvilleBrushesBalladPushEv16: a: Sidestick, Brushes b: Brushes ******************* Voice recorded and mixed in Mixcraft Pro Studio 10, "as is", i.e. with no further effects.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 7,264
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 7,264 |
GREAT to hear you singing - you drop in to spoken word occasionally but your singing voice is good, you carry melody well.
You vocal is suffering proximity effect - too close to the mic which accentuates the bottom end which fights the bass a bit.
The chords are definitely JD sounding.
Simple and stark is cool - possible something is needed on the left to balance the right hand of the piano.
Fab effort James.
Cheers
rayc
"What's so funny about peace, love & understanding?" - N.Lowe
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 8,975
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 8,975 |
James,
This is a wonderful and beautiful piece of music. Your voice sounds great with the piano.
Love the intimate feel and overall production.
Great to hear you again!
Bob
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 24,703
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 24,703 |
James can sing, fantastic.
Loved that piano and those lyrics.
Your vocal was a little bassy as Ray indicated. Maybe stand back from the mic or try some EQ.
This was a super effort showing us that you can sing and stay on pitch.
OK, a random thought;
Why does toilet paper need a commercial? Who's not buying it?
64 bit Win 10 Pro, the latest BiaB/RB, Roland Octa-Capture audio interface, a ton of software/hardware
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 12,921
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 12,921 |
James,
Your best vocal. You should always sing.
Nicely done. Sounds like a song from a musical.
fj
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: May 2018
Posts: 2,617
Veteran
|
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: May 2018
Posts: 2,617 |
Ray, Bob, Mario, Floyd: Thank you so much for listening and for your insightful comments! Ray: wonderful, detailed, great feedback! Thanks!!! Bob: really happy you liked it! Mario: thanks! Ray is, of course, spot on ... I will see what I can do with that vocal, when time allows. I don't want to record it again, so maybe a little EQ? Floyd: thanks. It's an amazing compliment, when it comes from you, that you think I should sing more. I definitely will, now Thanks, of course, also to PG Music!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 201
Apprentice
|
|
Apprentice
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 201 |
I really like the story telling and how you use imperfect rhymes in the lyrics!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 851
Expert
|
|
Expert
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 851 |
Like the story of your lyrics. The simple arrangement compliments the lyric very nicely.
The production is clean, however, I think your vocals are arranged too forward in the mix, it can use a bit of reverb or distance mic'ing. Nice job!!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Jun 2020
Posts: 2,758
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jun 2020
Posts: 2,758 |
Sometimes less is more and this is more.
A nice heartfelt message to the she that is gone.
Well done.
https://soundcloud.com/user-646279677BiaB 2026 Windows For me there’s no better place in the band than to have one leg in the harmony world and the other in the percussive. Thank you Paul Tutmarc and Leo Fender.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: May 2019
Posts: 5,065
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: May 2019
Posts: 5,065 |
Oh, James, it seems you left out a word, or at least a suffix in the title if you're singing about yourself: EXTRA. YES!! Keep singing, sir. Terrific range and pitch-precision. Yes, I totally enjoy your "speaking" songs, but I always hear the implied melody and I sing along with you. Excellent lyrics, too. Love it, James!! EXTRAordinary.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 16,134
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 16,134 |
Well done. Enjoyed the singing and its emotive delivery of the lyric.
Nice piano also ... not too busy or too straight forward.
And we are always good with a sparse open arrangement!
More singing!
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
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 5,647
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 5,647 |
I agree with the comments above - singing is the way to go.
Good stuff.
Peter
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 2,563
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 2,563 |
An unusual lyric James, But it all makes sense.
Nice simple arrangement.
Your phrasing could be smoother and less staccato like.
Vic
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Apr 2018
Posts: 2,060
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Apr 2018
Posts: 2,060 |
James,
Really nice . . . and, yes, your vocal works quite well here. As others may have noted, it has a show tune feel to it . . . it’s engaging, from the vocal, to the lyrics, to the simplicity of the arrangement, which fits the tune well. Great work on this one!
All my best to you,
Deej
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: May 2018
Posts: 2,617
Veteran
|
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: May 2018
Posts: 2,617 |
Alexander, Elliott, Bass Thumper, Marty, Janice, Bud, Peter, Vic and Deej : THANK YOU!!! Ever so kind of you all!!! Marty: that's probably one of the nicest and kindest reviews I have ever received. You've got a heart of gold. Thank you so much. Vic: yes, it's a little staccato, my delivery! I'm terrified of long notes, because my voice tends to "shake" on them, or sound bad, or whatever. I'll work at it, though Thanks!!! I'll try to keep singing
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
XPro & Xtra Styles PAK Sets On Sale Now - Until May 15, 2026!
All of our XPro Styles PAKs and Xtra Styles PAKs are on sale until May 15th, 2026!
It's the perfect time to expand your Band-in-a-Box® style library with XPro and Xtra Styles PAKs. These additional styles for Band-in-a-Box® offer a wide range of genres designed to fit seamlessly into your projects. Each style is professionally arranged and mixed, helping enhance your songs while saving you time.
What are XPro Styles and Xtra Styles PAKs?
XPro Styles PAKs are styles that work with any version (Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition) of Band-in-a-Box® 2025 (or higher). XPro Styles PAKS 1-10 includes 1,000 styles!
Xtra Styles PAKs are styles that work with the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box® 2025 (or higher). Xtra Styles PAKs 1-21 includes 3,700 styles (and 35 MIDI styles)!
The XPro & Xtra Styles PAKs are not included in any Band-in-a-Box® package.
The XPro Styles PAKs 1-10 are available for only $29 ea (reg. $49 ea), or get them all in the XPro Styles PAK Bundle for only $149 (reg. $299)! Listen to demos and order now! For Mac or for Windows.
The Xtra Styles PAKs 1-21 are available for only $29 ea (reg. $49 ea), or get them all in the Xtra Styles PAK Bundle for only $199 (reg. $349)! Listen to demos and order now! For Mac or for Windows.
Note: 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.
The Xtra Styles require the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box®. (Xtra Styles PAK 19 requires the 2025 or higher UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition. They will not work with the Pro or MegaPAK version as they require the RealTracks included in the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition.
Supercharge your Band-in-a-Box today with XPro Styles PAKs and Xtra Styles PAK Sets!
Band-in-a-Box 2026 for Mac Videos
With the release of Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac, we’re rolling out a collection of brand-new videos on our YouTube channel. We’ll keep this forum post updated so you can easily find all the latest videos in one convenient spot.
Whether you're exploring new features, checking out the latest RealTracks or Style PAKs, this is your go-to guide for Band-in-a-Box® 2026.
Check out this forum post for "One Stop Shopping" of our Band-in-a-Box® 2026 Mac Videos!
Band-in-a-Box 2026 for Mac is Here!
Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac is here and it is packed with major new features! There’s a new modern look, a GUI redesign to all areas of the program including toolbars, windows, workflow and more. There’s a Multi-view layout for organizing multiple windows. A standout addition is the powerful AI-Notes feature, which uses AI neural-net technology to transcribe polyphonic audio into MIDI—entire mixes or individual instruments—making it easy to study, view, and play parts from any song. And that’s just the beginning—there are over 100 new features in this exciting release.
Along with version 2026, we've released an incredible lineup of new content! There's 202 new RealTracks, brand-new RealStyles, MIDI SuperTracks, Instrumental Studies, “Songs with Vocals” Artist Performance Sets, Playable RealTracks Set 5, two new RealDrums Stems sets, XPro Styles PAK 10, Xtra Styles PAK 21, and much more!
Special Offers
Upgrade to Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac and save up to 50% on most upgrade packages during our special offer—available until May 15, 2026. Visit our Band-in-a-Box® packages page to explore all available upgrade options.
2026 Free Bonus PAK & 49-PAK Add-ons
Our Free Bonus PAK and 49-PAK are loaded with amazing add-ons! The Free Bonus PAK is included with most Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac packages, but you can unlock even more—including 20 unreleased RealTracks—by upgrading to the 2026 49-PAK for just $49.
Holiday Weekend Hours
As we hop into the Easter weekend, here are our holiday hours:
April 3 (Good Friday): 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM PDT
April 4 (Saturday): Closed
April 5 (Easter Sunday): Closed
April 6 (Easter Monday): Open regular hours
Wishing you an egg-cellent weekend!
— Team PG
Update to Build 10 of RealBand® 2026 for Windows®!
If you're already using RealBand 2026 for Windows, download build 10 to get all the latest additions and enhancements.
Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac® users: Build 904 now available!
If you're already using Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac®, make sure to grab the latest update! Build 904 is now available for download and includes the newest additions and enhancements from our team.
Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows® users: Build 1237 is now available!
Already a Band-in-a-Box 2026 for Windows user? Stay up to date and download the build 1237 to get all the latest additions and enhancements.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Forums57
Topics86,200
Posts801,892
Members40,066
| |
Most Online64,515
Apr 8th, 2026
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Dansk
Deutsch - Windows
Español
Français - Windows
Italiano - Windows
Nederlands
Polski
Português
Svenskt
русский
Japanese
Simplified Chinese
Traditional Chinese
Korean