|
Log in to post
|
Print Thread |
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 35
Enthusiast
|
OP
Enthusiast
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 35 |
Hi I'm going to be starting on a recording project in about a week and I'm trying to decide if i should use Jamie Aebersold CD's as my backing tracks or BIAB as my backing tracks. both have there advantages. Jamie Aebersolds seem more live but i have total control with BIAB. Can you guys talk about the advantages and disadvantages that each one has. And Which would you use for a recording project and why? Thank you.
A little more about the project. I'm a huge jazz fan. I like the real hard core jazz. so this project is definitely all about jazz. I haven't played consistently every day for about a year and a half so its kind of a come back project. to reestablish myself as a JAZZ IMPROVISER. That's what I do. I Improvise. So this is about Jazz and about improvisation. I want the CD to sound great. so what should i take into consideration when thinking about which of these two different types of backing tracks to use? Thank you.
Last edited by Fishb0bb; 02/24/12 06:14 PM.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 1,616
Expert
|
|
Expert
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 1,616 |
It's been a while since I used the Aebersold but...
Several factors to consider:
- What instrument are you playing? If I remember, Aebersold has the piano on one channel and the other instruments on both. If you play piano, you can pan the piano out. If you play sax, guitar, etc, the tracks will back you beautifully.
- Aebersold tracks are fixed in tempo, length and key. BIAB can change these easily.
- You will have a learning curve to climb using BIAB. None with Aebersold.
- Aebersold tracks are recorded in real time in it's entirety. BIAB tracks are pieced together using a max of 8 bars. There are some complaints about how the resulting tracks sound phrase-wise.
- Does Aebersold have the songs you want?
Hope this helps.
R
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,505
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,505 |
The major consideration for me is that other players will recognize the Abersold tracks, and that's not good. If you submit to a contest or reviewer, they will say, "Oh yeah, that again".
BIAB will generate unique parts for you to play over.
I also don't know if there are licensing issues with re-recording over Abersold tracks. If you go that route, check that out first. We know it is no problem with BIAB tracks.
BIAB 2025 Win Audiophile. Software: Studio One 7 Pro, Swam horns, Acoustica-7, Notion 6, Song Master Pro, Win 11 Home. Hardware: Intel i9, 32 Gb; Presonus 192 & Faderport 8, Royer 121, Slate VSX, Adam Sub8 & Neumann 120 monitors.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 35
Enthusiast
|
|
OP
Enthusiast
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 35 |
I play trumpet. I have limited range but im good with chord changes. With the aebersolds i get some good songs that i personally want to record over, songs that catch my fancy. my biggest thing is with BIAB its just one volume of sound and i haven't figured out how to add the little nuances. I need it to sound real. But i like everything else about BIAB. but who after listening to my a CD for 6min straight with little in the way of real volume changes (if i use BIAB). Volume changes that sound natural and not forced. I know BIAB has a Volume ajdustment but last time it used it it didnt sound like the real thing at all.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 385
Journeyman
|
|
Journeyman
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 385 |
Hi, Fish
I asked Jamie a similar question a couple years ago, related more to live playing, and here is the response I received. You can make your own judgement as far as how to use them... there seems to be a wide gray area. He makes some solid points without coming down hard or legalistic.
-------------------
Letter from J. Aebersold
"Hello,
As you might guess, we get asked quite often for permission to use our jazz tracks in live performances. Here are a few points to keep in mind:
1. We can not give anyone permission to perform a particular copyrighted composition. We only license these songs ourselves, so the permission is not ours to give. For any recording or public performance with either a live group or a play-a-long, you should contact the copyright holder.
2. The legendary musicians on our play-a-longs recorded the tracks with the trust that they would be used primarily for educational/practice purposes,so please keep that in mind and try to honor that trust.
3. In the past 40 years we have made great strides in improving the quality of rhythm sections around the world so that you don't have to consider play-a-longs as your first resort, but we also realize it can be difficult to find competent live rhythm sections in many parts of the country and that the temptation to use play-a-longs is very strong.
4. These play-a-long CDs were designed to make musicians better, not unemployed. Please think LIVE musicians first, whenever possible.
I hope you can understand our official position. Thank you for your interest and good luck.
Jamey Aebersold Jazz, Inc. "
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 1,616
Expert
|
|
Expert
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 1,616 |
Not knowing how well you know BIAB or what version...
BIAB has A/B part markers. Many of the Midi styles use different volume levels for the markers. The A markers are usually 'quieter' and B are 'busier'. The RealTracks also have variations A/B, Simple, Very Simple, etc.
Matt has a good point about the Aebersold arrangements sound the same each time. But if you put a BIAB arrangement on CD, it will sound the same each time also.
R
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 35
Enthusiast
|
|
OP
Enthusiast
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 35 |
I know BIAB enough to get around. I have verson 2012.
Last edited by Fishb0bb; 02/24/12 06:52 PM.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 824
Expert
|
|
Expert
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 824 |
Certainly, for practicing, I decided many years back that BIAB was far superior to Jamey Aebersold or other Play-Alongs. Moreover, that was before the advent of RealTracks! Key, tempo, number of choruses and jazz style were four key factors in this decision. However, I do not think a recording project using either medium is going to give you the necessary spontaneity and interplay from the rhythm section or other frontline members - the best recording sessions, anyway. For jazz, it is essential that that every member of a band reacts to what the other musicians are playing. Recordings and computer programs just lack the emotional response you need for a proper jazz performance, either live or in the recording studio. Best you get some real musicians to play with you. However, if the project is just to prove that you can improvise, then BIAB is suitable. I do not think it is a steep learning curve to create backing tracks. In fact, our local music shop recently had some courses on how to do this with BIAB and they only went for an hour and a half. Not that even we long-time users have it all down and some of the subtleties do take a little longer to master. 
Grah Jive Talk
"Don't worry baby, they'll swing their arses off."
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 35
Enthusiast
|
|
OP
Enthusiast
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 35 |
It's just for fun I'm not professional. its just a serious hobby for me  If you would like to hear me play by the way go to this link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BZxAszxZitQ thank you
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 491
Journeyman
|
|
Journeyman
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 491 |
Fish, I would go with BIAB...especially RealTracks. You can be just as creative with them, as you are with your own playing.......so in effect your other "musos" are playing just what you want!  regards Joe G.
Last edited by Joe Gordon; 02/25/12 06:50 AM.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 38,502
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 38,502 |
Nice playin' man. And that's from a fellow jazz trumpeter.
Use Band in a Box, no question.
Aebersold stuff is nice, but not so nice when the target is your own recording. For one reason, the Aebersold recordings are so widely known now that as soon as the track starts to play, it is a dead giveaway.
Band in a Box and Realtracks, on the other hand, can turn in a performance that will have other musicians asking you who participated on the date - and how you were able to get such musicians.
73
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 1,259
Expert
|
|
Expert
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 1,259 |
Quote:
It's just for fun I'm not professional. its just a serious hobby for me If you would like to hear me play by the way go to this link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BZxAszxZitQ thank you
I'm a trumpet player, too (but mostly pop). Most excellent playing, IMO. Great tone and control! Tuning is very good along with nice dynamics and blending. I'm very impressed!
Stan
Cornet Curmudgeon
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 35
Enthusiast
|
|
OP
Enthusiast
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 35 |
Thank you
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 1,616
Expert
|
|
Expert
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 1,616 |
Fishb0bb,
I see your website is Jordanriverjazz. Are you close to the Jordan in Mississippi?
R
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 35
Enthusiast
|
|
OP
Enthusiast
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 35 |
no im not acaully. and my site doesnt work anymore sorry 
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 1,598
Expert
|
|
Expert
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 1,598 |
I agree with other people here. If you can't hire professional musicians, BIAB is the perfect tool for you.
Latest BIAB version, latest build.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 4,026
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 4,026 |
Jamie Aebersold CD's are very limited but Biab is not. That's some good trumpet playing Jordan, maybe you should go on past hobbyist to pro.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 6
Newbie
|
|
Newbie
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 6 |
I had the same exact idea some years back (i.e., recording myself using Jamey Aebersold tracks as my backing band) and contacted the Aebersold company to find out about the legalities. They told me in no uncertain terms that using their tracks for any recordings that might be released to the public was forbidden. After thinking about it, I didn't really blame them, as this could lead to a prickly situation where some of the world-class jazz artists who record the Aebersold stuff could find themselves listed as "sidemen" on recordings by very amateurish players.
Of course, if you use their tracks, don't make a fuss about it, and your playing is not an embarrassment, I'm not sure how much motivation they'd have to do anything about it.
That all said, I join in the vote to use the RealTracks. They should work fine for straightforward rhythm section backing. If you need something with a lot of subtlety, dynamics, and interplay, like Wayne Shorter's stuff or early Wynton Marsalis, that would be more of a challenge.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 7,697
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 7,697 |
The big difference between Aebersold and Biab is the Aebersold players know what song they're doing so the chord changes and transitions are much smoother and more coherent than the Biab parts are. That's good but the bad part is you're stuck with just that one version.
I just pulled up Lament from my Biab Real Book one directory and used the BalFred RT style. It's pretty close to your youtube recording except for the piano part. The piano in your recording is considerably more fluid because of course the player knows what song it is ahead of time while Miles Black has to play generic stuff that could fit all kinds of changes. In spite of that the Biab version sounds pretty darn good right out of the box so to speak. I haven't tweaked it at all. You say you're fairly familiar with Biab but do you know you can mix and match those RT's any way you want? You're not limited to what any given style gives you. You can pick a different ballad bass to go with that piano or use a midi piano instead of the RT one. You might want the B3 ballad organ instead of the piano too. That would change the whole feel of it. I've found that a midi part can be better than an RT one in some cases but I have very good synths. If you're using a cheesy synth then the midi piano won't sound so hot.
All these choices is why, to me at least, Biab is a better way to go. You can do Lament in about 10 different ways using styles and then grabbing different parts within any style. You could do a pretty cool version using some of the modern smooth jazz styles too.
Bob
Biab/RB latest build, Win 11 Pro, Ryzen 5 5600 G, 512 Gig SSD, 16 Gigs Ram, Steinberg UR22 MkII, Roland Sonic Cell, Kurzweil PC3, Hammond SK1, Korg PA3XPro, Garritan JABB, Hypercanvas, Sampletank 3, more.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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!
Season's Greetings!
Wishing everyone a happy, healthy holiday season—thanks for being part of our community!
The office will be closed for Christmas Day, but we will be back on Boxing Day (Dec 26th) at 6:00am PST.
Team PG
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Forums57
Topics86,048
Posts799,354
Members40,017
| |
Most Online44,367
Mar 4th, 2026
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Dansk
Deutsch - Windows
Español
Français - Windows
Italiano - Windows
Nederlands
Polski
Português
Svenskt
русский
Japanese
Simplified Chinese
Traditional Chinese
Korean