Previous Thread
Index
Next Thread
Print Thread
Go To
Page 1 of 4 1 2 3 4
User Showcase
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 5,647
PeterF Offline OP
Veteran
OP Offline
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 5,647

St James Infirmary Blues


“St. James Infirmary Blues” is a public domain jazz blues song with a storied past. Its earliest origins date back to a late 18th century English folk song “The Unfortunate Rake.” Later it assumed American variations that included a cowboy ballad and even later in the south as a jazz blues tune that was recorded by many including Louis Armstrong and Bessie Smith. There are so many versions of the lyric that we simply selected and tweaked a few we liked for this production.

Janice - Vocals and arrangement.
Bud - Production tips, arrangement, vocal recording engineer, liner notes and mixing assistance.
Peter - Guitar, arrangement and mixing.

The Band:
RealTracks in song: 564:Bass, Electric, Blues Monday Sw 065
RealTracks in style: 675:Organ, B3, Background Blues Monday Sw 065
MIDI SuperTracks in song: 1886:Piano, Solo-Accompaniment Bluesy12-8John Sw 060
RealDrums [in Song:BluesMondaySw8^06-a,b:Snare, HiHat

ST. JAMES INFIRMARY BLUES

It was down in Old Joe's barroom
On the corner by the square
They were serving drinks as usual
And the usual crowd was there

On my left stood Big Joe McKinney
His eyes were bloodshot red
As he looked at his friends all around him
These were the words he said:

"I went down to the St. James Infirmary
I saw my baby there
Laid out on a long white table
So young, so cold, so fair"

Let her go, let her go
God bless her, wherever she may be
If I search this wide world over
I’ll never find another true love for me

So when I die just bury me
In a fine suit with a Stetson hat
Put a twenty dollar gold piece on my vest
Let my friends know I died standin’ pat

I want six of my friends for pall bearers
A pretty girl to sing me a song
A jazz band to lead my hearse wagon
Everybody singing as we roll along

Everybody singing as we roll along
Let’s roll…

User Showcase
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 6,081
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 6,081
I've always loved this song! Didn't realize it was public domain.

I really like the arrangement on this, Peter, the way you start off with just the piano until the third verse. Nice way to bring in that solo at 3:24! And nice to hear you stretch out a bit there too.

Guitar sounds great, and of course Janice sounds great too.

Good job on the mix, love those drums! What are you running that midi piano through if you don't mind my asking?

Very, very good smile

User Showcase
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 9,073
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 9,073
Peter / Janice / Bud,

Wow! This is over the TOP good...

A classic song and a searing guitar line against Janice's smokey vocal - it does not get better than that.

The arrangement and mix is so beautifully textured. You all have remade a classic and made it yours.

More of this please!

Bob

User Showcase
Joined: Sep 2016
Posts: 2,803
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Sep 2016
Posts: 2,803
Peter, Janice and Bud,

This is a very nice song. A good build up.
Strong performance. And the voice of course!
So, a successful collaboration the three of you

Hans


Hans Berkhout
(Birchwood)
https://soundcloud.com/user-296497130
User Showcase
Joined: Jun 2016
Posts: 338
B
Journeyman
Offline
Journeyman
B
Joined: Jun 2016
Posts: 338
cant go wrong with a voice like that .Superb and the mix and arrangement are top notch


Os Windows Biab 2018. studio one pro 3 ozone 8 focusrite 214 se electronics Gemini mic
User Showcase
Joined: Feb 2017
Posts: 3,414
PG Music Staff
Offline
PG Music Staff
Joined: Feb 2017
Posts: 3,414
What a tune! As always, Janice's voice on this is stunning - but I love those smoky vibes on the instrumentation as well. I thought the slow progression throughout the tune was perfectly executed also. The way it builds and builds makes for a really inviting listen.

Not a thing I'd change - thanks for sharing smile


Cheers,
Deryk
User Showcase
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 16,197
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 16,197
Originally Posted By: BlueAttitude
I've always loved this song! Didn't realize it was public domain.

I really like the arrangement on this, Peter, the way you start off with just the piano until the third verse. Nice way to bring in that solo at 3:24! And nice to hear you stretch out a bit there too.

Guitar sounds great, and of course Janice sounds great too.

Good job on the mix, love those drums! What are you running that midi piano through if you don't mind my asking?

Very, very good smile


Thank you Dave!

Janice


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: Dec 2014
Posts: 1,262
Expert
Offline
Expert
Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 1,262
Hi Peter, Janice and Bud,
It is never easy to play or to sing a famous song.
And you did it your own way very well. Congratulations. Christian

Last edited by Chris37; 06/19/19 08:04 AM.
User Showcase
Joined: Jun 2016
Posts: 3,357
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Jun 2016
Posts: 3,357
Peter, J&B,
Starting with the ending... WOW! I thought Janice had wrapped it up with that moody
"let`s roll" but you top it off with steamy guitar: a really sweet arrangement!
The lyrics on this are good - makes this non-jazzy guy curious about other versions.
Janice`s vocals are so right.
A fine,fine collaboration.

Robert

User Showcase
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 1,944
Jim Offline
Expert
Offline
Expert
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 1,944
Great collaboration...
The plaintive vocals from Janice...
Quality backing tracks, production, & mix...
Topped of with some mighty tasty guitar work...
All very well done on this classic!


Jim
†=☮&♥
User Showcase
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 10,941
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 10,941
I also did not know this was PD... nice work


You can find my music at:
www.herbhartley.com
Add nothing that adds nothing to the music.
You can make excuses or you can make progress but not both.

The magic you are looking for is in the work you are avoiding.
User Showcase
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 12,950
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 12,950
PB&J,

Super all around.

Excellent arrangement. The upright (I assume?) is the perfect piano sound for this. The drums sound great. Good mix.

The guitar outro/solo is gorgeous - musical, lyrical!

The vocal is typical to-die-for-Janice-making-it-look-easy... Star.

Excellent.

fj

User Showcase
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 8,362
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 8,362
I love this song. It has such a familiar sound to it. May have heard it in another arrangement a long time of it. Just couldn't put my finger on it. So glad you and Janice did it because it is a very neat song. Vocal was awesome and the backtrack was very cool. Drums were very cool. Such a neat mix.... Guitar was just perfect for the song. The solo just soared over the backtrack. So very well done. Great collaboration....


Scott Collingwood
https://soundcloud.com/scottt709
https://soundcloud.com/spiritlevel-ca
https://www.youtube.com/@SpiritLevel-ge3hm/
User Showcase
Joined: May 2017
Posts: 1,685
Expert
Offline
Expert
Joined: May 2017
Posts: 1,685
Absolutely stunning vocals, mix and production.
I was hoping that you would have went back to the verse..

"I went down to the St. James Infirmary
I saw my baby there
Laid out on a long white table
So young, so cold, so fair"

After the instrumental at the end to finish, would also love to hear you record your own backing vocals to accompany your lead vocals.

Again all round Fantastic.

Thanks


win 10 64 bit 16gb,i7 chip, ssd 500gb, m-audio air, ,Roland BK-7M, 1000,shure sm7b,sonar,acid,mixcraft, variety of plugins.Sample tank 3,Kontakt. TC Helicon Voicelive 3 2 .
https://beatmaster1.bandcamp.com/releases

User Showcase
Joined: Oct 2016
Posts: 1,591
E
Expert
Offline
Expert
E
Joined: Oct 2016
Posts: 1,591
Never heard it done better. Hey, J&B, is "Frankie and Johnny," PD ?? If it is, I have a request smile


Link: www.soundcloud.com/ed_shaw (Feel Free to Use)
https://www.Rumble.com/edshaw
Biab for WIN 2020 -- Win 10 64bit -- Reaper/Audacity
Zoom R-16 -- Tascam DP-03-SD -- SoundTap -- Crescendo --
User Showcase
Joined: Jan 2016
Posts: 1,664
PG Music Staff
Offline
PG Music Staff
Joined: Jan 2016
Posts: 1,664
Hello Peter, fantastic choice of instrumentation on this. This sounds very full and rhythm is easy to follow. Great effects on the vocals. Nice work!


Cheers,
Joe
User Showcase
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 16,197
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 16,197
Originally Posted By: rsdean
Peter / Janice / Bud,

Wow! This is over the TOP good...

A classic song and a searing guitar line against Janice's smokey vocal - it does not get better than that.

The arrangement and mix is so beautifully textured. You all have remade a classic and made it yours.

More of this please!

Bob


Thank you Bob! I was happy to be invited in.

Janice


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: Jun 2017
Posts: 3,008
PG Music Staff
Offline
PG Music Staff
Joined: Jun 2017
Posts: 3,008
Really great collaboration you guys!


Cheers,
Ember
User Showcase
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 7,292
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 7,292
Loved it.


Cheers
rayc
"What's so funny about peace, love & understanding?" - N.Lowe
User Showcase
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 3,303
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 3,303
I've heard literally scores of versions, this was one of the best.


Windows 11, Intel Core I5 10400, 16 gig ram, Scarlett 2i2, Sony Acid Music Studio 10, BIAB 2020 UltraPlus Pak
Previous Thread
Next Thread
Go To
Page 1 of 4 1 2 3 4

Link Copied to Clipboard
ChatPG

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.

PG Music News
Last Chance! The Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® Special Ends Today (May 31, 2026) at 11:59pm PDT!

Time really is running out! Save up to 50% on Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® upgrades and receive a FREE Bonus PAK—only when you order by 11:59 PM PDT today!

We've added many major new features and new content in a redesigned Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®!

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 amazing new AI-Notes feature, which can transcribe polyphonic audio into MIDI. View the results in notation or play them back as MIDI, and choose whether to transcribe an entire track or transcribe specific parts like drums, bass, guitars/piano, or vocals. There's over 100 new features in Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®.

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, and much more!

Upgrade your Band-in-a-Box for Mac® to save up to 50% on most Band-in-a-Box® 2026 upgrade packages!

Plus, when you order your Band-in-a-Box® 2026 Mac 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 Mac Special Offers Extended Until May 31st!

Good news- we've extended our Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® special offers until May 31, 2026!

Band-in-a-Box® 2026 is packed 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 transcribe 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, and much more!

There are over 100 new features in Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®.

When you order purchase Band-in-a-Box® 2026 before 11:59 PM PDT on May 31st, you'll also receive a Free Bonus PAK packed with exciting new add-ons.

Check out the Band-in-a-Box® for Mac packages page to find the best package for you.

Holiday Weekend Hours

It's Victoria Day Long Weekend in Canada. Our Customer Service hours are:

Saturday, May 16: Closed
Sunday, May 17: Closed
Monday, May 18: 8:00am - 4:00pm

Regular hours
resume Tuesday, May 19th!

Today's the Last Day of the Band-in-a-Box 2026® for Mac Special!

Order before 11:59pm PDT today (May 15, 2026) to save up to 50% off your Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® upgrade and receive a FREE Bonus PAK loaded with great new Add-ons to use with this new version!

Don't wait - order today!

Check out all the new features in the redesigned Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®!

Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac - Special Offers End at 11:59pm PDT on Friday, May 15th, 2026!

Order before 11:59pm PDT on Friday, May 15th and SAVE up to 50% on most Band-in-a-Box® version 2026 for Mac Upgrade packages... and that's not all! With your version 2026 for Mac purchase, we'll include a Bonus PAK full of great new Add-ons FREE! Upgrade to the 2026 49-PAK to receive even more NEW Add-ons including 20 additional RealTracks... that's 222 NEW RealTracks available with version Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac!

Upgrade to Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® today for as little as $49! Check out the Band-in-a-Box® packages page for all available purchase options.

Learn more about the Free Bonus PAK and 49-PAK here.

If you have any questions about which package is the best option for you, just let us know. We're here to help!

202 New RealTracks Released with Band-in-a-Box 2026!

With Band-in-a-Box® 2026, we've released 202 incredible new RealTracks (in sets 468-488) in a variety of genres—featuring your most requested styles!

Jazz, Funk & World (Sets 468-475):
Our new jazz, funk & blues RealTracks include a groovin’ collection of RealTracks and RealDrums! These include more requested “soul jazz” RealTracks featuring artists Neil Swainson (bass), Charles Treadway (organ), Brent Mason (guitar), and Wes Little (drums). There are new “smooth jazz” styles (4), which include a RealTracks first: muted trumpet, as well as slick new smooth jazz brushes options for drums. Blues lovers will be thrilled—there are more “classic acoustic blues” styles, including guitar (5), bass (4), and drums (10) with blues master Colin Linden, featuring understated and tasty background acoustic soloing, plus brushes drums and acoustic bass. There are also new electric blues RealTracks, including electric blues with PG favorite Johnny Hiland (3) and soulful electric slide guitar from Colin Linden (4). If you love funk & gospel, there are great new options this year, including gospel organ (3) from Charles Treadway, as well as new funk, tango, and rock ’n’ roll drums (3) and bass (1). And for big, bold arrangements, we have uptempo soul horns (4) featuring a three-part hip horn section with options for a full mix or stems of each individual horn — plus an accompanying rhythm section (4) of drums, bass, guitar, and electric piano!

Rock & Pop (Sets 476–482):
Our new rock & pop RealTracks bring a powerful mix of requested favorites, fresh genres, and modern chart-inspired styles! We have more of our popular “Producer Layered Acoustic Guitars (15)” featuring Band-in-a-Box favorite Brent Mason. We’ve continued our much-requested disco styles (10), and added new Celtic guitar (5) with a more basic, accessible approach than our previous Drop-D or DADGAD offerings. There are also highly requested yacht rock styles (17), inspired by the smooth, polished soft-rock sound of the late ’70s and early ’80s — laid-back grooves, silky electric pianos, warm textures, elegant harmonic movement, and pristine production aesthetics. Fans of heavier styles will love our new glam metal (13), capturing the flashy, high-energy sound of ’80s arena-ready guitar rock. We also have a set of rootsy modern-folk rock (18), with a warm, organic sound combining contemporary folk textures and driving acoustic strumming. And we’ve added lots of new modern pop styles (16) — the kinds of sounds you’re hearing on the radio today, featuring exciting new drums, synths, and cutting-edge RealTracks arrangements.

Country, & Americana (Sets 483–488):
Our new country & Americana RealTracks deliver a rich collection of acoustic, electric, and roots-inspired styles! We have new country pop (9) with legendary guitarist Brent Mason. There is also a potpourri (14) of bouzouki, guitars, banjo, and more, perfect for adding texture and character to contemporary acoustic arrangements. We’ve added funky country guitar (5) with PG favorite Brent Mason, along with classic pedal steel styles (5) featuring steel great Doug Jernigan. There are more country songwriter styles (8) that provide intimate, rootsy foundations for storytelling and modern Americana writing. Finally, we have “background soloing” acoustic guitar (12) with Brent Mason — simpler, but still very tasty acoustic lines designed to sit beautifully behind vocals or act as a subtle standalone solo part.

Check out all the 202 new RealTracks (in sets 468-488)!

And, if you are looking for more, the 2026 49-PAK (for $49) includes an impressive collection of 20 bonus RealTracks, featuring exciting and inspiring additions to add to your RealTracks library. You'll get new country-rhythm guitar styles from PG Music favorites Johnny Hiland and Brent Mason, along with modern-pop grooves that capture today’s radio-ready sound! There are also new indie-folk styles with guitar, bass, 6-string bass used as a high-chording instrument, acoustic guitar, and banjo. Plus, dedicated "cymbal fills" RealDrums provide an added layer that work very well with low-key folky styles with other percussion.

The 2026 49-PAK is loaded with other great new add-ons as well. Learn more about the 2026 49-PAK!

2026 Free Bonus PAK & 49-PAK for Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®!

With your version 2026 for Mac 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)
  • iOS Android Band-in-a-Box® App
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 PAK and 49-PAK for Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®!

Forum Statistics
Forums57
Topics86,378
Posts804,051
Members40,110
Most Online64,515
Apr 8th, 2026
Newest Members
SuperMario20, hadija, lunadcruse, Jonas Karlsson, Johnj
40,110 Registered Users
Top Posters(30 Days)
MarioD 120
rsdean 96
DC Ron 86
vicarn 82
WaoBand 81
dcuny 69
Today's Birthdays
annick.vanlooy, Ray George, Timber
Powered by UBB.threads™ PHP Forum Software 7.7.5