|
Log in to post
|
Print Thread |
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 8,863
Veteran
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 8,863 |
Hi All, I had the privilege to have a few brief encounters over the years with the great poet, educator and activist Nikki Giovanni. She passed away last December. If you're interested there are many videos on YouTube about her. “Mothers” passage sung by Joliz going into the break, Copyright © 1972 by Nikki Giovanni. So, this is our latest called Nikki. I saw Nikki Giovanni outside the A train She was reading a book by Baldwin and whispering the quotes She had that Harlem quiet The kind that makes you feel loud, even if you haven’t said a word all day She looked up at me once Like she already knew the next ten things I would say And of course none of that mattered She wrote poems like switchblades And carved song verses on subway tiles With truth tucked in the chorus Love poems for the revolution and letters to the dead All written in lipstick and ink Some folks talk about hope She talked about survival Anyone knows there's a difference “I see the moon The moon sees me God bless the moon And god bless me” I asked her once, I said Nikki, do you still believe in change She half smiled and said, “Man, I believe in kids, I believe in rage, I believe in writing it down so they don’t forget our names.” “You either speak up or get buried under someone else's story.” Then she walked into that bookstore on 125th like it was a church In a way I guess it was a church I ran into her much later at a reading downtown Tiny room, bad mic, nobody listening but the ghosts She read a line about her grandmother’s hands The room went quiet like it finally remembered what hands are for The words, not angry, not loud, but like a bullet that only hits the guilty Truth is a loaded pistol But Nikki She’s in the cracks She’s in the ink smudge The subway echo The line you wake up hearing but don’t remember writing Nikki She’s still walking this city Just quiet enough to make the truth sound loud BIAB Tracks: 2877: Bass, Acoustic, Americana 060 3394: Guitar, Acoustic, Rhythm 070 3160: Guitar, Baritone, Electric, Rhythm 060 0841: Guitar, Electric, Gritty, Rhythm 065 0688: Organ, B3, Background 065 2058: MIDI SuperTracks, Strings, Rhythm 085 RealDrums: AmericanaRoots16th Other Notes: Bob Mic: Logitech Blue Yeti Bob Vocals: Logic Pro Joliz Mic: Audio Technica AT2020USB+ Joliz Vocals: GarageBand Waves Vocal Rider - All Vocals Pre-Production: Track Editing GarageBand & Logic Pro Izotope Nectar 3 Elements for Vocals Izotope Plasma for Instrument Tracks Processing Final Track Mix & Master: Logic Pro As always - thanks for listening! Bob
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Aug 2024
Posts: 805
Expert
|
|
Expert
Joined: Aug 2024
Posts: 805 |
Cool, Bob. I'm not familiar with this woman, but I love the introduction by tribute. The talky-singy approach really works especially with the accompanying vocal in the background and the chorus. I love "she looked up at me once
Like she already knew the next ten things I would say". You have such a way with conveying character with your lyrics.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 8,863
Veteran
|
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 8,863 |
Beth,
That’s very kind. Thanks from both of us.
Bob
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 3,577
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 3,577 |
WOW, this is special. Subtle and powerful, ya'll crushed, absolutely crushed this. Amazing lyrics and musical backdrop. Was there a mandolin solo? I was too hypnotized to notice.
Only knew peripherally about Nikki, but a few minutes on the web pulled enough of her life together to warrant another WOW! A life well lived.
Last edited by DC Ron; 06/14/25 05:44 AM.
DC Ron
BiaB Audiophile
Presonus Studio One
ASUS I9-12900K DAW, 32 GB RAM
Presonus Faderport 16
Too many guitars (is that a thing?)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 8,863
Veteran
|
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 8,863 |
Ron,
Thanks so much for the kind words. We truly appreciate it.
I actually had a mandolin solo and different arrangement, but it didn't quite work for this song. I've since removed that reference from the notes.
Thanks again!
Bob
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: May 2019
Posts: 5,003
Veteran
|
Veteran
Joined: May 2019
Posts: 5,003 |
Of course the my first listen after time away is Bob Dean's new one. Man, this is so cool with your spoken words with Joliz's magic behind them, then she shines through to punctuate them. Man, you two are one amazing creator of music.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 24,567
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 24,567 |
Bob, this is an outstanding song
A fantastic tribute to Nikki
Fantastic backing tracks
IMHO this is your best to date
Loved it
Back in my day the only time we started panic buying was when the bartender shouted "last call"!
64 bit Win 10 Pro, the latest BiaB/RB, Roland Octa-Capture audio interface, a ton of software/hardware
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: May 2018
Posts: 2,599
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: May 2018
Posts: 2,599 |
WOW.
What a song. What. A. Song.
Her quotes, and the last two stanzas in particular ... oh wow.
Joliz soars.
You, Bob, are channeling someone like Dylan or someone.
This is EXTRAORDINARY, even by your incredible standards.
One of your very, very, very best. This should be everywhere, on every radio.
I don't know of Ms. Giovanni, but a) I want to hear more, now; and b) what a fitting homage to her.
I love how your voice, Bob, gathers urgency as the song continues. My word.
Hats off, both of you.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 8,863
Veteran
|
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 8,863 |
Marty,
Glad you are back and recovering! Thanks so much for the kind review. We appreciate it!
Bob
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 8,863
Veteran
|
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 8,863 |
Mario,
That is very kind. Thank you - we appreciate it.
Bob
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 8,291
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 8,291 |
What a cool tribute Bob. Incredible lyric and vocal delivery. Joliz harmony and vocal was such a lovely add. Well done
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Sep 2018
Posts: 3,639
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Sep 2018
Posts: 3,639 |
Fantastic tribute. Your lyrics are pure poetry. (Your English teachers must have loved you.) Very effective having Joliz sing her poem.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 20,493
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 20,493 |
Hi Bob.
This is absolutely brilliant. I love your narration against your musical backing, and Joliz really raises the listening bar into the stratosphere with those backing vocals. Your words are powerful and hit a home run. This song deserves lots of airplay everywhere. What really captured my imagination the most was when Joliz started sing the "God bless" section while you were narrating. Beginning this section as background vocals and then bringing it into the foreground was a very clever arranging decision. Both you and Joliz deserve to be very, very proud of this one. This is song-creation at its very, very best.
Once again, it was a pleasure to listen to you and Joliz.
--Noel
MY SONGS...Audiophile BIAB 2026
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 8,863
Veteran
|
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 8,863 |
James,
You made our day with that review. So incredibly kind. Thank you so much from both of us.
Bob
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 12,882
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 12,882 |
Oh. My. God.
Holy. Moly.
ZOWIE.
Wow.
JawDropping.
B.L.O.W.N....A.W.A.Y.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 8,863
Veteran
|
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 8,863 |
Scott,
That's very appreciated by both of us. Thank you.
Bob
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 7,233
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 7,233 |
It stood up, the room went quiet & the urban homily began.
The voice stopped, the silence grew until organ swelled - oh, man.
Cheers
rayc
"What's so funny about peace, love & understanding?" - N.Lowe
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 8,863
Veteran
|
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 8,863 |
Scott,
Thanks so much - we appreciate the kind words. Joliz had the idea to include that passage and timed it perfectly in the arrangement.
Bob
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 8,863
Veteran
|
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 8,863 |
Noel,
Joliz had the idea to add that passage. It really made an impact on this piece.
We truly appreciate that wonderful review. It means a lot to us. Thank you.
Bob
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 3,153
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 3,153 |
Bob, this is special. You are a poetic guy on any given day, but you really pushed through the heavens to create a masterpiece here. Congratulations on this terrific piece.
Windows 11, Intel Core I5 10400, 16 gig ram, Scarlett 2i2, Sony Acid Music Studio 10, BIAB 2020 UltraPlus Pak
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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.
PowerTracks Pro 2026 for Windows is Here!
PowerTracks 2026 is here—bringing powerful new enhancements designed to make your production workflow faster, smoother, and more intuitive than ever.
The enhanced Mixer now shows Track Type and Instrument icons for instant track recognition, while a new grid option simplifies editing views. Non-floating windows adopt a modern title bar style, replacing the legacy blue bar.
The Master Volume is now applied at the end of the audio chain for consistent levels and full-signal master effects.
Tablature now includes a “Save bends when saving XML” option for improved compatibility with PG Music tools. Plus, you can instantly match all track heights with a simple Ctrl-release after resizing, and Add2 chords from MGU/SGU files are now fully supported... and more!
Get started today—first-time packages start at just $49.
Already using PowerTracks Pro Audio? Upgrade for as little as $29 and enjoy the latest improvements!
Order now!
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!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Forums57
Topics86,084
Posts799,910
Members40,030
| |
Most Online44,367
Mar 4th, 2026
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
There are no members with birthdays on this day. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Dansk
Deutsch - Windows
Español
Français - Windows
Italiano - Windows
Nederlands
Polski
Português
Svenskt
русский
Japanese
Simplified Chinese
Traditional Chinese
Korean