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https://soundcloud.com/esa-blomberg/jesse-james-reggae-g100?utm_source=clipboard&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=social_sharing&si=cabca960da82420999dd2c9c47701430

"The Ballad of Jesse James", or simply "Jesse James", is an 1887 American folk song about the outlaw of the same name, first recorded by Bentley Ball in 1919 and subsequently by many others. There are many versions of the lyrics.
The lyrics are largely biographical containing a number of details from Jesse James' life, portraying him as an American version of Robin Hood, though there is no evidence to indicate that he actually "stole from the rich and gave to the poor".
The song is the starting point of the Jesse James panel of a mural on American folk songs by Thomas Hart Benton. "But that dirty little coward, that shot Mr. Howard, has laid poor Jesse in his grave." Robert Ford, who killed Jesse, was a James' gang member. Mr. Howard was the alias that James lived under in Saint Joseph, Missouri at the time of his killing.
In my reggae style version I sing and play guitars.
I produced this at my home with Band in a Box and Reaper.

****** Song Summary *************
Key=G , Tempo 100, Length (m:s)=3:07
Style is _REGGAE1.STY (Uptempo Reggae)

RealTracks used:
RealTracks in style: 1153:Bass, Electric, Reggae Ev16 100
RealTracks in style: 1156:Piano, Acoustic, Rhythm Reggae Ev16 100
RealTracks in song: ~~673:Organ, B3, Background Blues BB Ev 085
RealDrums in style:ReggaeClassic^1-a:Sidestick, Hihat , b:Sidestick, Kick, HiHat

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I've always had a soft spot for Reggae, so of course I like your Reggae version of "Jesse James".
Good choice of instruments and good vocals, though they could use less reverb to blend better with the rest of the band.
Enjoyed my listen nonetheless smile

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Thanks B.D. for your advice. I checked and in the choir was the same delay setting of a large room (7,1 ms) as with the rest of the band. BUT in the lead vocals was a shorter large room delay (2,4 ms) to put it into the front in sound picture AND reverberation. I took the reverberation away and you were right: it sounded much clearer. Thank you. I changed the remix to the SoundCloud, so you can listen, if it is now better (I think, it is).

https://soundcloud.com/esa-blomberg/jesse-james-reggae-g100?utm_source=clipboard&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=social_sharing&si=33efd2feb94a40469307177af340c74a

That's the great thing with this group: you get useful advices from colleagues.

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Arri, this was one of my favorite folk songs as a kid. You've done a SUPER job with it. Very inspired to use a reggae backing track. Never heard it that way before, but it works perfectly. Super opening instrumental, and appropriately boisterous vocals. Great job!


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Too many guitars (is that a thing?)
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Hi Esa!
I agree with others - reggae style works well with this song - it's hard to keep my foot from tapping! I always appreciate the background you provide for these traditional songs. My only comment musically is the song finished abruptly - maybe a held chord might have been better? Anyhow, that's a small thing in relation to a very good reggae interpretation in your song - loved it.
Andrew

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Thanks. Intros and outros are important. I'lll try your suggestion.

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