|
Log in to post
|
Print Thread |
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 1,992
Expert
|
OP
Expert
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 1,992 |
i'm doing a little version of this song for fun for myself.
wanted to see how my vocs come out etc.
voc tests etc.
i normally write my own songs//stuff, but always wanted
to see if some voc ideas i had might work. (or not..lol.)
n try some alternative arrange ideas.
so a question.
confused bout key.
thought i might do it A to G etc.
then on each voc verse change up a semi tone.
eg Bflat to G sharp etc etc.
a question , what was the key of bensons version.??
(which i love btw.)
some versions of the song are quite fast.
but i wanna slow it down a bit.
n try some different things n vocal scats etc etc.
looking to do it at 115 to 118 bpm.
tween verses will prolly do a voc scat.
n before last verse n on outtro lead geetar break.
the main challenge of this song is not just arrangement
but also building the proper sound picture n energy etc.
any comments appreciated.
retired puter engr....powertracks on amd......NICE !
"what is the black art of audio engineering ?"
my silly songs...motagator.com/bmanning
see my tips in the tips section.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 38,502
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 38,502 |
Quote:
then on each voc verse change up a semi tone.
eg Bflat to G sharp etc etc.
Bb to G# is a wee bit more than a semitone, mate. They are like 8 semitones apart if moving upward.
"On Broadway" is a I,IV,V sequence that moves from the root down a step and repeats that down a step throughout the IV and V also. Ab-Gb Ab Gb-Gb etc.
The song itself *already* transposes up a semitone in every iteration of the verse. Georgie usually only went up twice, actually, one transposition up a semitone for each verse. After that he would typically stay in the last of the three keys played and jam and scat out.
I think you will find that *most* of the time George Benson would start the song in the key of Ab. Second verse, up a semitone to A. Third verse, Bb and stay there for the Bb gospel blues jam. --Better *KNOW* yer bebop scale here as well as the Pentatonic Minor and the corresponding Melodic minor, at the least -- with good backbeat rhythm sense. This is where swing meats headon with Four on the Floor.
No musician should need a chart to play this tune.
If you really want to do something fun and interesting with this one, back in the day when this one was a hit, was in a band where we would take it into an uptempo jam on Edgar Winter's "Frankenstein" at the end of the Benson jam, in Bb minor. Yeah, we were weird. But it worked.
One more thing about George Benson. Most cats sing what they play when they are scatting along. George plays what he sings. Think about that a minute.
--Mac
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 1,992
Expert
|
|
OP
Expert
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 1,992 |
mac.
sorry got a blinkin cold.
i didnt explain right.
i'm aware of the chord changes "within" the verses.
the block sequence etc.
at verse change was where i was thinking of moving "the whole sequence block"
up a semitone.
i meant bflat to gsharp moving down.
thanks n cheers , you confirmed original was Aflat to start.
i once had bensons version here but lost it when i moved house.
i was thinking of moving up a semitone from original to push my vocs.
so was thinking of starting in A.
so 3 verses.
first one starts on A.
second on Bflat.
n third verse on B.
just wanna have a fun jammy with it.
n see what i can do.
cheers.
retired puter engr....powertracks on amd......NICE !
"what is the black art of audio engineering ?"
my silly songs...motagator.com/bmanning
see my tips in the tips section.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 38,502
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 38,502 |
Bb to G# moving down isn't a semitone either.
Its a Whole Step.
Have Fun,
--Mac
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 1,992
Expert
|
|
OP
Expert
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 1,992 |
mac i know its a whole step.
i meant change the whole chord combo/sequence on verse change up a semitone...
so if verse 1 is A to G ,
then verse 2 is Bflat to gsharp.
etc etc..
retired puter engr....powertracks on amd......NICE !
"what is the black art of audio engineering ?"
my silly songs...motagator.com/bmanning
see my tips in the tips section.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 38,502
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 38,502 |
Well, that's how George Benson played it, only he started on the Ab and then goes up the semitone for each verse.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 7,697
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 7,697 |
Funny, I would have said it's in G because that's where I've been with it since forever. I've never seen a chart for it. Maybe it was the old cassette or even 8 track we picked it up from at the time or the vocalist wanted it down a half, I have no clue now. Good grief, change the key on that after all these years, I'll forget how to play...
Don't worry Mac, just kidding.
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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 385
Journeyman
|
|
Journeyman
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 385 |
Mr. Mac: You should cut Mr. Manning some slack here -- I believe you have mis-read his initial post. Here is a little broader context from his post: "thought i might do it A to G etc. then on each voc verse change up a semi tone. eg Bflat to G sharp etc etc. " That is, he clearly knows the diff between a half step and a full step, but his "A to G", or "Bb to G#" was simply what the song does for the first eight bars -- go back and forth, a whole step, every two beats, whatever key you're in. He just writes a weird sort of prose. "Style" lets say. Just tryna help. Brad 
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 1,151
Expert
|
|
Expert
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 1,151 |
Quote:
Quote:
One more thing about George Benson. Most cats sing what they play when they are scatting along. George plays what he sings. Think about that a minute.
--Mac
I don't know if anybody realizes this, but it's HUGE. It's like he mastered TWO instruments, his voice and his guitar. Shades of Ella.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 1,992
Expert
|
|
OP
Expert
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 1,992 |
cheers.
ive done up a rough arrange now..
and yes i'm aware of the vocal/guitar scatting interplay.
been trying that today.
its just a fun tune ive always wanted to do.
retired puter engr....powertracks on amd......NICE !
"what is the black art of audio engineering ?"
my silly songs...motagator.com/bmanning
see my tips in the tips section.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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 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
Band-in-a-Box 2026 Video: The Newly Designed Piano Roll Window
In this video, we explore the updated Piano Roll, complete with a modernized look and exciting new features. You’ll see new filtering options that make it easy to focus on specific note groups, smoother and more intuitive note entry and editing, and enhanced options for zooming, looping, and more.
Watch the video.
You can see all the 2026 videos on our forum!
Band-in-a-Box 2026 Video: AI Stems & Notes - split polyphonic audio into instruments and transcribe
This video demonstrates how to use the new AI-Notes feature together with the AI-Stems splitter, allowing you to select an audio file and have it separated into individual stems while transcribing each one to its own MIDI track. AI-Notes converts polyphonic audio—either full mixes or individual instruments—into MIDI that you can view in notation or play back instantly.
Watch the video.
You can see all the 2026 videos on our forum!
Bonus PAK and 49-PAK for Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®
With your version 2026 for Windows Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, Audiophile Edition or PlusPAK purchase, we'll include a Bonus PAK full of great new Add-ons for FREE! Or upgrade to the 2026 49-PAK for only $49 to receive even more NEW Add-ons including 20 additional RealTracks!
These PAKs are loaded with additional add-ons to supercharge your Band-in-a-Box®!
This Free Bonus PAK includes:
- The 2026 RealCombos Booster PAK:
-For Pro customers, this includes 27 new RealTracks and 23 new RealStyles.
-For MegaPAK customers, this includes 25 new RealTracks and 23 new RealStyles.
-For UltraPAK customers, this includes 12 new RealStyles.
- MIDI Styles Set 92: Look Ma! More MIDI 15: Latin Jazz
- MIDI SuperTracks Set 46: Piano & Organ
- Instrumental Studies Set 24: Groovin' Blues Soloing
- Artist Performance Set 19: Songs with Vocals 9
- Playable RealTracks Set 5
- RealDrums Stems Set 9: Cool Brushes
- SynthMaster Sounds Set 1 (with audio demos)
- Android Band-in-a-Box® App (included)
Looking for more great add-ons, then upgrade to the 2026 49-PAK for just $49 and you'll get:
- 20 Bonus Unreleased RealTracks and RealDrums with 20 RealStyle.
- FLAC Files (lossless audio files) for the 20 Bonus Unreleased RealTracks and RealDrums
- MIDI Styles Set 93: Look Ma! More MIDI 16: SynthMaster
- MIDI SuperTracks Set 47: More SynthMaster
- Instrumental Studies 25 - Soul Jazz Guitar Soloing
- Artist Performance Set 20: Songs with Vocals 10
- RealDrums Stems Set 10: Groovin' Sticks
- SynthMaster Sounds & Styles Set 2 (sounds & styles with audio demos)
Learn more about the Bonus PAKs for Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Forums57
Topics85,737
Posts795,508
Members39,943
| |
Most Online25,754
Jan 24th, 2025
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Dansk
Deutsch - Windows
Español
Français - Windows
Italiano - Windows
Nederlands
Polski
Português
Svenskt
русский
Japanese
Simplified Chinese
Traditional Chinese
Korean