|
Log in to post
|
Print Thread |
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Apr 2015
Posts: 569
Journeyman
|
OP
Journeyman
Joined: Apr 2015
Posts: 569 |
https://soundcloud.com/esa-blomberg/hard-times-come-again-no-more?utm_source=clipboard&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=social_sharing&si=31b3ce6278854ef185831186ae7221b2"Hard Times Come Again No More" (sometimes, "Hard Times") is an American parlor song written by Stephen Foster in 1854. The first audio recording was a wax cylinder by the Edison Manufacturing Company in 1905. In my version I sing and play guitars and mandolins (Napolitan and Octave). I produced this at my home wirh Band in a Box and Reaper. ****** Song Summary ************* Key=D , Tempo 100, Length (m:s)=4:07 Style is _REGGAE1.STY (Uptempo Reggae) MelodyCustom Synth is Hi-Q 019 01 Organ, Electric, Rock Sforzando SoloistCustom Synth is Hi-Q 019 02 Organ, Electric, Jazz Sforzando RealTracks used: RealTracks in style: 1153:Bass, Electric, Reggae Ev16 100 RealTracks in style: 1156:Piano, Acoustic, Rhythm Reggae Ev16 100 RealTracks in style: 1154:Guitar, Electric, Rhythm Reggae Ev16 100 RealTracks in style: 1155:Organ, B3, Rhythm Reggae Ev16 100 RealTracks in song: 3315:Vocal Mmms, Background RockNRollGospel12-8Tenor1Dbl Sw 065 (1TrackVocalSection) RealTracks in song: 3322:Vocal Mmms, Background RockNRollGospel12-8BariDbl Sw 065 (1TrackVocalSection) RealDrums in style:ReggaeClassic^1-a:Sidestick, Hihat , b:Sidestick, Kick, HiHat + rhythm BB steel drums
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Mar 2025
Posts: 1,178
Expert
|
Expert
Joined: Mar 2025
Posts: 1,178 |
Hi Esa!
I think I mentioned once before how partial I am to reggae, and so I am glad you have posted this song. I couldn’t stop my toe from tapping no matter how hard I tried. The vocal ooos were great, as was your guitars and mandolins. Having just recorded my own mandolin the other day and how hard it was, I have great respect for your playing.
Thank you for this piece of history played in my favourite genre!
Andrew
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Apr 2015
Posts: 569
Journeyman
|
|
OP
Journeyman
Joined: Apr 2015
Posts: 569 |
Thanks Andy. Don't tell the others, that I have relieved, that I have to record my mandolins track a bit by bit with several takes untill it's ok. I couldn't play them anymore live, dispate my old man's shaky hands give a nice tremeloe.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Jul 2022
Posts: 3,048
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jul 2022
Posts: 3,048 |
Even though I've never written a Reggae song, I love the rhythm and vibe of this genre, and of course your song too.
I didn't expect to hear a mandolin in your song, but it actually fits the overall mood of the song quite well.
Well done!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 2,369
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 2,369 |
I really liked the harmony pairing of banjo/mandolin in the solo section. And the overall background with the organ, background oo's. Very nice track, and I enjoyed it alot.
Windows 11, Intel Core i5-8600T 2.3Ghz, 16 gig ram, BIAB 2025 MegaPak, SampleTank 4, Keystation49 Kybd, Neewer NW-800 mic
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 24,728
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 24,728 |
Arri, this sound great. Nice mandolin lead and that banjo was the icing on the cake.
One of your best vocals. Great mix.
I liked this a lot.
I arrived early to a restaurant.
The manager asks, "do you mind waiting a bit?"
I said no.
"Good", he said. "Take these drinks to table 3"
64 bit Win 10 Pro, the latest BiaB/RB, Roland Octa-Capture audio interface, a ton of software/hardware
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Apr 2015
Posts: 569
Journeyman
|
|
OP
Journeyman
Joined: Apr 2015
Posts: 569 |
Thanks. The best thing in BB is, that one can play easily with genres. I like to fool around with different styles and try to surprise listeners breaking the genre boarders: like having mandolin and banjo in reggae. I'm glad you like it.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 16,144
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 16,144 |
We love reggae and have done several PD songs to a reggae beat.
This is a great take on that classic PD song.
Well performed (vocals, mandolin and guitar) and an engaging arrangement.
The Biab session did well and you provided a good mix.
The reggae vibe is not the easiest to capture as well as you did.
Enjoyed it!
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: Apr 2015
Posts: 569
Journeyman
|
|
OP
Journeyman
Joined: Apr 2015
Posts: 569 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Mar 2025
Posts: 1,178
Expert
|
|
Expert
Joined: Mar 2025
Posts: 1,178 |
Thanks Andy. Don't tell the others, that I have relieved, that I have to record my mandolins track a bit by bit with several takes untill it's ok. I couldn't play them anymore live, dispate my old man's shaky hands give a nice tremeloe. I thought I was the only one that had to record their solos in parts. I’ll keep it quiet - don’t you worry. Andrew
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Apr 2015
Posts: 569
Journeyman
|
|
OP
Journeyman
Joined: Apr 2015
Posts: 569 |
Thanks Andrew. I just recorded an old Irish tune Southwind and it took a long time first to learn the melody and then redord. But one folk music producer once comforted me, that it isn't folk music, if there's no mistakes.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Mar 2025
Posts: 1,178
Expert
|
|
Expert
Joined: Mar 2025
Posts: 1,178 |
Thanks Andrew. I just recorded an old Irish tune Southwind and it took a long time first to learn the melody and then redord. But one folk music producer once comforted me, that it isn't folk music, if there's no mistakes. Hey that’s a good saying - I’m going to claim it! Andrew
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Mar 2022
Posts: 1,134
Expert
|
|
Expert
Joined: Mar 2022
Posts: 1,134 |
This sounds like a classic reggae track. Thanks for this discovery.
Laurent
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Apr 2015
Posts: 569
Journeyman
|
|
OP
Journeyman
Joined: Apr 2015
Posts: 569 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 12,922
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 12,922 |
I enjoyed your reggae, Brno...
...and your mandolin.
fj
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 8,205
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 8,205 |
Hi, Arri. I've always been partial to this song, and this is a cool cover! Nice work - as usual - on the mandolin! It doesn't matter how many comps it takes to get the final take - the results are what count. 
-- David Cuny My virtual singer development blogVocal control, you say. Never heard of it. Is that some kind of ProTools thing?BiaB 2025 | Windows 11 | Reaper | Way too many VSTis.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Apr 2015
Posts: 569
Journeyman
|
|
OP
Journeyman
Joined: Apr 2015
Posts: 569 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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
Topics86,243
Posts802,272
Members40,072
| |
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