I think the only way to tackle Apple's app redundancy policy (where just about every app that is older than a few months has to be made redundant with each update and the developer has to come out of retirement and run behind Apple to re-code it or spend $$$$ to code a 64bit version of it) is use the free VirtualBox with Windows (you can get a Window 10 product key on eBay cheap for a new install only) and use the Windows version of the app, use VirtualBox with an older version of Mac maybe with Rosetta even for PPC apps. If you don't mind paying for a virtual machine look at Run 32-bit apps on Catalina with Parallels Desktop®
Finally I see some perks in not upgrading my Mac's OS for so long
No "security" issues to stop me here, ta
Just because you can, doesn't mean you should! ---------------------------------------------------------------------- BBox 2022 Audiophile, Mac Pro Intel, OSX 10.6.8, 800x600 (TV VGA)
By the way, Pipeline, his MyJazzband thing sounds really cool but all his links seem to be dead, if you managed to grab them before they went down or know of alternative places to find them?
Just because you can, doesn't mean you should! ---------------------------------------------------------------------- BBox 2022 Audiophile, Mac Pro Intel, OSX 10.6.8, 800x600 (TV VGA)
They are in the first post as an attachment ChartTranslate_Win-Mac-Lin.zip.mp4 But the links seem to still be working I think you had an issue with the browser you were another time, unless his server was down.
That service his blog refers to hasn't been up for weeks now, so I took that for simply n/a anymore at all. I'll see what your link gives me, thanks.
Just because you can, doesn't mean you should! ---------------------------------------------------------------------- BBox 2022 Audiophile, Mac Pro Intel, OSX 10.6.8, 800x600 (TV VGA)
The links were down a while back, I let him know and he fixed them. Try clearing the cache Apple + R or command + R or right click the refresh button or ctrl + F5.
Interesting but still no show for me. Whenever I try click on his .zip link for MJB lite, I just keep getting the same triangle alert page with the text
Haven't gotten around to checking the actual contents of your file however, things getting a bit hectic with my current project.
Just because you can, doesn't mean you should! ---------------------------------------------------------------------- BBox 2022 Audiophile, Mac Pro Intel, OSX 10.6.8, 800x600 (TV VGA)
I think you may have misunderstood me, I got that application just fine. It's the MyJazzBand application that he talks about which I can't seem to get a hold of, neither the Lite version nor the (presumably) 'full' version.
Just because you can, doesn't mean you should! ---------------------------------------------------------------------- BBox 2022 Audiophile, Mac Pro Intel, OSX 10.6.8, 800x600 (TV VGA)
There is one here https://macdownload.informer.com/myjazzband/ Andrew is very helpful you can contact him sixthhappiness(at)gmail.com I told him about the dead links for the chart translator and he fixed them.
MyJazzBand is a MIDI jazz accompaniment generation application that incorporates intelligent jazz chord and scale analysis, a modern native Mac OS X Cocoa user interface, Band-in-a-Box file format compatibility, and much more. MyJazzBand can import chord sequences from Band-in-a-Box files. This lets you use BIAB files you already have and the large number of BIAB "real-books" you can download from the Internet.
That helps! The one thing I did not have in this latest reply was how to get a hold of the man himself. So with that new piece of information I can get out of your hair about this whole thing now and move forward on my own, thanks
Oh, and I've read that quoted outline you've included about the program already too, it cites precisely why I'm so interested in getting it in the first place
Last edited by Icelander; 03/11/2008:05 AM. Reason: Correcting mistakes
Just because you can, doesn't mean you should! ---------------------------------------------------------------------- BBox 2022 Audiophile, Mac Pro Intel, OSX 10.6.8, 800x600 (TV VGA)
Thanks for putting me back onto that ! the download links are fixed now https://sixthhappiness.github.io/articles/myjazzband-2-lite/index.html I can add that to Reaper to generate up jazz tracks from user input chords. I tried it on Win10 worked fine, not working on 10.9 or 10.14 (suppose to work on Tiger 10.4), I think you have 10.9 I sent Andrew the error and ask if it's an easy fix or a major issue. Let's hope it's a simple fix !
It works like the chart translator just drag the SGU MGU or text file on mjb2lite.exe/app and it will create a jazz midi file.
I uploaded (below) some midi samples converted from some SGUs dragged onto mjb2lite.exe there's also Blues #40 from the text info below and the apps that I will update if the Mac version is fixed.
Quote:
MYJAZZBAND 2 LITE
MyJazzBand 2 Lite (MJB2Lite) is a complete rewrite of my shareware program MyJazzBand. MyJazzBand, now discontinued, was a MIDI application for generating jazz accompaniments. MJB2Lite has been written as a prototype for testing composition algorithms that will be used in MyJazzBand 2, a shareware program that I hope to build and release in the future.
Information about and downloads for MJB2Lite can be found at my website:
Please ask questions about and discuss the MJB2Lite program on the bulletin board at that website,
MJB2Lite is an on-going project and will be updated from time to time. I am also hoping that the release of MJB2Lite will serve as "advertisement" for my website and my future shareware. For these and other reasons, please do not redistribute MJB2Lite. The software license I have chosen for it prohibits you from doing so. I will greatly appreciate it if you provide a link to my website instead.
FILE FORMAT
MJB2Lite reads chord charts in its "native" format: text files with extensions ".mjb" or ".toe". Here is an example of the contents of such a file:
You can input your own chord charts using a text editor and save the file in "plain text" format with an extension of ".mjb" or ".toe".
MJB2Lite can also read chord charts in files written by the Band-in-a-Box program. Numerous files in this format can be found on the Web. Look for them with Google, for example:
BIAB format files have extensions ".sg?" or ".mg?", where ? is a digit or letter.
Currently MJB2Lite can only generate accompaniment for a chart in 4/4 time in a "swing" style. The style works well only in medium tempo.
USAGE
On Mac OS X, the downloaded and unzipped folder MJB2Bite should contain the application MJB2Lite. Drag and drop one or more input files in the MJB2Lite "native" or BIAB format (e.g., the included sample input file "Blues #40.mjb") onto this application icon. The generated MIDI accompaniment file will have the same name as input file, but with the ".mid" extension added to the end. The MJBLite window will stay open so you can read the error messages if there are any. To quit MJB2Lite, choose "quit" from its menu. The generated MIDI files can be played in the Finder or QuickTime Player, or imported into any MIDI sequencer.
On Windows (tested only on Windows XP), the downloaded and unzipped folder "dist" should contain the program "mjb2lite.exe". Drag and drop one or more input files onto this program icon. Alternatively, you can invoke this program from the command line:
mjb2lite <inputfile> ...
The generated MIDI file can be played in Windows Media Player (double-click on the MIDI file), or whichever program you have set up to handle MIDI files in Windows.
On other systems (such as Linux and BSD), make sure you have Python 2.5 installed. The downloaded, gunzipped, and untarred directory "dist" should contain the file mjb2lite.py. In a shell, type:
python mjb2lite.py <inputfile> ...
Alternatively make mjb2lite.py executable using "chmod". Then type:
./mjb2lite.py <inputfile> ...
If you have questions, please ask them on the bulletin board.
Brill, I'll grab the lot and have a look at all of this... you big "fixer", you
Just because you can, doesn't mean you should! ---------------------------------------------------------------------- BBox 2022 Audiophile, Mac Pro Intel, OSX 10.6.8, 800x600 (TV VGA)
The error is because 10.4 used an older version of python. I tried a lot of workarounds but haven't got it to work natively. However I did get it to work with Wine, so if you have Wine installed: in the terminal type
Code:
wine cmd
then change directory to the unzipped windows version, type
Code:
cd Downloads\mjb2lite-win-dist
then with the .SGU or .mjb file in the same folder, type
I'm not sure I understood all of that (meaning I didn't), but given my fairly old OS I was pretty hopeful that it would work but it doesn't After dropping the included "Blues #40.mjb" file onto MJBLite as instructed, I get an applescript error (of which I understand even less) and then have to force-quit the program to get out of it again. Is this the error you're now referring to?
Just because you can, doesn't mean you should! ---------------------------------------------------------------------- BBox 2022 Audiophile, Mac Pro Intel, OSX 10.6.8, 800x600 (TV VGA)
And now I find that ChartTranslate also gives a constant AppleScript error! So at the end of the day I can't use either of his highly promising programs
Just because you can, doesn't mean you should! ---------------------------------------------------------------------- BBox 2022 Audiophile, Mac Pro Intel, OSX 10.6.8, 800x600 (TV VGA)
Yes that's the error, 10.4 came with an earlier version of Python this is what the app is using. If you open terminal and type python --version you should get 2.7.5 on 10.9 but Tiger was using 2.3.5 The easiest solution is install Wine and they will all work using the Win version of the apps.
Ah right, now I'm with you, thanks for clarifying.
Still a bit of a disappointment, here's hoping the renewed interest in his programs from here (which are obviously quite dated) sparks his incentive for updating.
Just because you can, doesn't mean you should! ---------------------------------------------------------------------- BBox 2022 Audiophile, Mac Pro Intel, OSX 10.6.8, 800x600 (TV VGA)
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.
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!
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.
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)
XPro & Xtra Styles PAK Sets On Sale Now - Until May 15, 2026!
All of our XPro Styles PAKs and Xtra Styles PAKs are on sale until May 15th, 2026!
It's the perfect time to expand your Band-in-a-Box® style library with XPro and Xtra Styles PAKs. These additional styles for Band-in-a-Box® offer a wide range of genres designed to fit seamlessly into your projects. Each style is professionally arranged and mixed, helping enhance your songs while saving you time.
What are XPro Styles and Xtra Styles PAKs?
XPro Styles PAKs are styles that work with any version (Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition) of Band-in-a-Box® 2025 (or higher). XPro Styles PAKS 1-10 includes 1,000 styles!
Xtra Styles PAKs are styles that work with the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box® 2025 (or higher). Xtra Styles PAKs 1-21 includes 3,700 styles (and 35 MIDI styles)!
The XPro & Xtra Styles PAKs are not included in any Band-in-a-Box® package.
The XPro Styles PAKs 1-10 are available for only $29 ea (reg. $49 ea), or get them all in the XPro Styles PAK Bundle for only $149 (reg. $299)! Listen to demos and order now! For Mac or for Windows.
The Xtra Styles PAKs 1-21 are available for only $29 ea (reg. $49 ea), or get them all in the Xtra Styles PAK Bundle for only $199 (reg. $349)! Listen to demos and order now! For Mac or for Windows.
Note: XPro Styles PAKs require Band-in-a-Box® 2025 or higher and are compatible with ANY package, including the Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, and Audiophile Edition.
The Xtra Styles require the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box®. (Xtra Styles PAK 19 requires the 2025 or higher UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition. They will not work with the Pro or MegaPAK version as they require the RealTracks included in the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition.
Supercharge your Band-in-a-Box today with XPro Styles PAKs and Xtra Styles PAK Sets!
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