|
Log in to post
|
Print Thread |
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Jun 2016
Posts: 3,357
Veteran
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: Jun 2016
Posts: 3,357 |
A melody on an instrumental Scott sent me was amazingly close to one of my earliest songs and I liked the feel of the style Scott chose -my introduction to the cinematic style guitars. Written for the family of friends who had lost someone dear to them. A Stranger`s Prayer Style is _VIVID.STY (Vivid Cinematic Guitar) RealTracks in style: 1255:Bass, Electric, PopShiningA-B Ev 120 RealTracks in style: 2459:Piano, Acoustic, Rhythm NewAgeFastOstinato Ev16 100 RealTracks in style: 3230:Guitar, Electric, Background CinemaHeldLowDarin Ev16 090 RealTracks in style: 3231:Guitar, Electric, Background CinemaHeldHighDarin Ev16 09 Americana RootsDrums RT oohs/aahs A Strangers Prayer (for Joanna Lilia) In mountains there`s a lily flower opens when the snow has gone under the avalanche love waits to sing her song now you`re a snow lily petals shrouded unseen let these tears your friends have cried turn your leaves to green I would be you friend down the road I`ll wait around the bend where stars jewel your hair I will write a strangers prayer I will write a strangers prayer only words we never said hello I never saw spring in your eyes what can I give to you answer your goodbye to me this life`s a river wild I drown as I learn death seems like a music box with a handle I can`t turn I would be you friend down the road I`ll wait around the bend where stars jewel your hair I will write a strangers prayer I will write a strangers prayer © Robert Cordrey July, 1994
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 6,090
Veteran
|
Veteran
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 6,090 |
This is great, Robert! As always your lyrics are top notch. Favorite line among many:
"death seems like a music box with a handle I can`t turn"
Vocals sound good, and Scott always comes up with nice, melodic lines to compliment them.
Enjoyed the listen!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 12,965
Veteran
|
Veteran
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 12,965 |
"to me this life`s a river wild I drown as I learn death seems like a music box with a handle I can`t turn"
Your lyric sense amazes me. Always unique and interesting.
A heartfelt vocal, perfectly suited for the subject. As are the backing tracks.
Scott's guitar fits nicely.
Another "thought provoking" listen...
fj
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Feb 2017
Posts: 3,414
PG Music Staff
|
PG Music Staff
Joined: Feb 2017
Posts: 3,414 |
Nicely done - the lyrics are astounding, and your vocal delivery takes them to the next level. Very heartfelt, and instantly relatable. It packs a real punch - and the instrumentation flows perfectly as well. You should be proud of this one, thanks for sharing 
Cheers, Deryk
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Jun 2016
Posts: 3,357
Veteran
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: Jun 2016
Posts: 3,357 |
This is great, Robert! As always your lyrics are top notch. Favorite line among many:
"death seems like a music box with a handle I can`t turn"
Vocals sound good, and Scott always comes up with nice, melodic lines to compliment them.
Enjoyed the listen!
Thank you, Dave. Scott`s melodic demo would have made a lovely instrumental on its own, so I`m grateful he was willing to encourage the adaptation into song. "to me this life`s a river wild I drown as I learn death seems like a music box with a handle I can`t turn"
Your lyric sense amazes me. Always unique and interesting.
A heartfelt vocal, perfectly suited for the subject. As are the backing tracks.
Scott's guitar fits nicely.
Another "thought provoking" listen...
fj Floyd, I remember wondering at the time if those lines didn`t put too much of my own philsophy into something intended as condolence, and also the encouragement to go deeper into songwriting I received from the response. I really appreciate your listen and kind thoughts. Robert
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Apr 2018
Posts: 2,060
Veteran
|
Veteran
Joined: Apr 2018
Posts: 2,060 |
Robert (and Scott),
It’s a pretty song—really well strung together. The vocais really magnetic—warm and vulnerable. I’m probably really far off on this . . . but there’s a part of me that would have likes this to move a bit more quickly . . . not much, but just a smudge upping the tempo. A subjective thing, that likely may be a good suggestion—just an initial reaction while listening. So take it for what it’s worth.
Really nice stuff, gentlemen.
Regards,
Deej
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 5,665
Veteran
|
Veteran
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 5,665 |
Robert, I, like Dave noticed that line "death seems like a music box with a handle I can`t turn". It really captures something! Your songs are always complex lyrically and more and more musically these days! This one is a beautiful tune! You did a marvelous job on the vocals and Scott's work complimented it all so well! Your songs deserve multiple listens to appreciate fully what you've done! Thanks, Torrey
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 8,362
Veteran
|
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 8,362 |
Thanks Robert for taking a melody that has being sitting idle on the hard drive for a lot of years and making it special. Thanks to those who have commented so far. Your comments are appreciated
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: May 2018
Posts: 2,618
Veteran
|
Veteran
Joined: May 2018
Posts: 2,618 |
Superb! Beautiful, beautiful vocal ... the guitar is out of this world and the lyrics, well ... I want to cry. An incredible song - well done to all involved in it.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 1,944
Expert
|
Expert
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 1,944 |
A gentle flowing tribute... The lyrics fit well in the composition... I especially like the lines...
"death seems like a music box with a handle I can`t turn"
Vivid & graceful... Well done!
Jim †=☮&♥
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 24,853
Veteran
|
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 24,853 |
WOW what outstanding lyrics sung with so much passion. Your instrumentation and the style you chose fits the mood perfectly. Scott's guitar is excellent, as always.
You two should be very proud of this one.
Life is short so make sure you spend as much time as possible on the Internet arguing with strangers.
64 bit Win 10 Pro, the latest BiaB/RB, Roland Octa-Capture audio interface, a ton of software/hardware
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 3,311
Veteran
|
Veteran
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 3,311 |
Lots of great poetry in this, I enjoyed it very much. "Stars jewel your hair" one of many great lines. Those guitar breaks were perfect.
Last edited by TuneMonger; 12/01/19 02:24 PM.
Windows 11, Intel Core I5 10400, 16 gig ram, Scarlett 2i2, Sony Acid Music Studio 10, BIAB 2020 UltraPlus Pak
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Nov 2019
Posts: 362
Journeyman
|
Journeyman
Joined: Nov 2019
Posts: 362 |
Truly moving. It really captures a moment and a feeling, and brings it alive in the listener - a common thread in all great songs. Excellent collaboration on this.
Ed Z Soundcloud profile https://soundcloud.com/user-415064494BIAB user since 2019 iPad Mini, Garageband for iOS, BIAB for Windows 2020 UltraPAK, Xtra Styles packs 6-9, Windows 10 Lenovo PC, Kontakt Player, SpitFire LABS, SampleTank 4 CS, some Soundfonts
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Jun 2016
Posts: 3,357
Veteran
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: Jun 2016
Posts: 3,357 |
Nicely done - the lyrics are astounding, and your vocal delivery takes them to the next level. Very heartfelt, and instantly relatable. It packs a real punch - and the instrumentation flows perfectly as well. You should be proud of this one, thanks for sharing  Deryk, I appreciate your approval- especially on the vocals. Thanks for commenting. Robert (and Scott),
It’s a pretty song—really well strung together. The vocais really magnetic—warm and vulnerable. I’m probably really far off on this . . . but there’s a part of me that would have likes this to move a bit more quickly . . . not much, but just a smudge upping the tempo. A subjective thing, that likely may be a good suggestion—just an initial reaction while listening. So take it for what it’s worth.
Really nice stuff, gentlemen.
Regards,
Deej Thanks for the listen and suggestion Deej - tempo verging towards dirge or too sprightly for the song mood? A matter of taste as you say. Robert, I, like Dave noticed that line "death seems like a music box with a handle I can`t turn". It really captures something! Your songs are always complex lyrically and more and more musically these days! This one is a beautiful tune! You did a marvelous job on the vocals and Scott's work complimented it all so well! Your songs deserve multiple listens to appreciate fully what you've done! Thanks, Torrey Torrey, Thank you for the very kind review! Superb! Beautiful, beautiful vocal ... the guitar is out of this world and the lyrics, well ... I want to cry. An incredible song - well done to all involved in it. Its good to hear we communicated emotion with this. I agree Scott`s guitar is lovely. Robert
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 7,297
Veteran
|
Veteran
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 7,297 |
You have THE voice for this mixture of lamentation and sad optimism.
Cheers rayc "What's so funny about peace, love & understanding?" - N.Lowe
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 16,206
Veteran
|
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 16,206 |
You have THE voice for this mixture of lamentation and sad optimism.
Ray expressed in one sentence what we've tried to say for years. Yes! It's simply hard to express how strong that lyric is. Amazing. "Thought provoking" as floyd said. And your vocal along with Scott's melodic playing make it even all the more powerful. As always you chose the perfect band for the production and mixed a fine soundstage. Well done indeed! 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: Nov 2006
Posts: 4,613
Veteran
|
Veteran
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 4,613 |
Really unique atmosphere, a bit folky, Scott's ethereal guitar playing, beautiful chording especially in the chorus, lyrics with sadness and pearls like "stars jewel your hair" and top of that all your heartfelt interpretation. One worth listening to many many times.
Janne
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Jun 2016
Posts: 3,357
Veteran
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: Jun 2016
Posts: 3,357 |
A gentle flowing tribute... The lyrics fit well in the composition... I especially like the lines...
"death seems like a music box with a handle I can`t turn"
Vivid & graceful... Well done!
Jim, Thank you for those kind comments. WOW what outstanding lyrics sung with so much passion. Your instrumentation and the style you chose fits the mood perfectly. Scott's guitar is excellent, as always.
You two should be very proud of this one. Thank you,Mario! Lots of great poetry in this, I enjoyed it very much. "Stars jewel your hair" one of many great lines. Those guitar breaks were perfect. I appreciate your listen and thumbs up. Truly moving. It really captures a moment and a feeling, and brings it alive in the listener - a common thread in all great songs. Excellent collaboration on this. Recording this many years on certainly brought back feelings from the time it was written. Thanks for commenting. You have THE voice for this mixture of lamentation and sad optimism.
Ray expressed in one sentence what we've tried to say for years. Yes! It's simply hard to express how strong that lyric is. Amazing. "Thought provoking" as floyd said. And your vocal along with Scott's melodic playing make it even all the more powerful. As always you chose the perfect band for the production and mixed a fine soundstage. Well done indeed! J&B RayC, J&B, I do appreciate those generous thoughts. That`s a strong statement from RayC- its making me uncomfortable,a little boxed in; so next outing with Scott will be something completely different without a trace of lamentation! Robert
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 139
Apprentice
|
Apprentice
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 139 |
Very nice - I like it! Keep posting!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 8,362
Veteran
|
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 8,362 |
Thanks to everyone who took the time to have a listen. Your comments are appreciated
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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®!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Forums57
Topics86,405
Posts804,451
Members40,113
| |
Most Online64,515 Apr 8th, 2026
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|