Side bar: A guy I used to go to church with developed an interest in documenting these old forgotten cemeteries. He'd research, knock on doors and go into the woods and fields to find them. Then, he'd photograph and document them with GPS.
Side bar: My dog is a trained cadaver dog. We are often called out by law enforcement to, among other things, find old cold case graves. But taking it a step further, we have a tentative mission some time this year to assist an historical society that is documenting old slave burial grounds that have long since been forgotten. Often, slaves were buried in a different area and marked with wooden markers that got knocked down, or simply rotted away with time. Our dogs are able to still find those graves.
I enjoyed the song.
Thanks Herb. That is very interesting regarding the research and the ability of the dogs -- amazing they could sense something that old.. We've turned over our data to an organization that documents cemeteries and they've added ours to their descriptive list. We once found what was likely a slave cemetery that had 80 sunken graves and only a few field stones for markers....very sad...not a single name. And years later a timber crew spared both while clearcutting. Early settlers like the enslaved were mostly buried w/o markers in this area.
J&B
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A lovely song about a paradoxically lovely topic. I like that chatty style of the lyrics.
I used to bicycle a lot around western Massachusetts and would always stop when I'd come upon a 17th-18th century cemetery. The stones often included a lot more text and information than is customary nowadays, and often made it clear that death was not anybody's preferred state of being.
Thanks Mark, a lot of our discoveries have been found while mountain biking on very isolated single lane dirt roads. And sometimes while trail riding also.
Glad you liked it!
J&B
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Janice's soulful singing (I'll bet she is smiling), Peter's fantastic guitar chops, and Bud's production skills always produce winners.
Super job that is pro all the way.
PS - We visit my grandparents, they died in the 1920s, and some aunts and uncles graves that are in a very old cemetery. It is still somewhat kept up but we have never seen any other visitors there or signs that anyone was there. Very sad indeed.
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
Well, I enjoyed this song a lot, not only because of the theme (I like muzing on very old things. And gravestones always let you think of history. In some of our very old churches the churchfloor is paved with them, going back to 1600 (older are mostly onreadable because every visitor over the ages walked there). It's even nicer in Turkey or Greece. Old Roman ruins and roads make you fantasize your whole holiday through!
But the nicest part stays Janices' singing. The harmonies are very well done. Love them! You keep the standard high with your songs, dear J and B! And I loved them a lot!
I forget exactly where I took this photograph, somewhere in Massachusetts. The inscription chokes me up BAD every time I read it. Don't mean to hijack your song but this feels like it wants to come out here for just a second...
In memory of CATY MUNROE, youngest child of Henry & Persis Cassells, relict of Abraham Munroe Jun., who lies intered on her right, whom she followed to the grave 2 years 1 month 10 days after their marriage & 4 months 14 days after his decease. Borne down with the accumu- lated ills of a continual sickness of 2 years and the loss of near & dear relatives, who were fast falling around her, DEATH envious still of her felicity, divorced her from her husband Dec. 15th 1800 and from this life April 27th 1801, aged 22 years.
"Invidious grave, how dost though rend in sunder Whom love had knit and sympathy made one?"
I like your stuff. You have a great sound. I recently found the grave of my great-great-great Grandfather in one of the cemeteries you're describing in a northern California ghost town. It's the furthest I've ever been able to trace a family member. The headstone was made of wood, the one next to him was marble and the one on the other side was unmarked. This song really took me back there, thanks.
Glad you liked the song and found your ancestor’s site. My (Bud) g-g-grandfather’s burial site is a few chucks of broken marble in a plowed field.
Thanks for listening!
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
What a beautiful song! And the subject.... very special. Great guitar work of Peter! Janice sings fantastic, great harmonies! A very special song!
Rob and Anne-Marie
Thanks and the mention of the harmony is very special from you two! We certainly love yours.
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
An unlikely topic to strike connections to folk but it does. I had to go to the door for a moment and put my head phones down...the melody is strong and carried across the room through that cans. Everyone did their job extremely well...not a hair out of place but not groomed into a poodle either. Lovely melody, thought provoking narrative, solid backing, beautiful harmonies and, as ever, a fab. guitar.
…not a hair out of place but not groomed into a poodle either.
Gotta love that!
We’re happy you liked the unlikely topic as we had wondered if it might be too personal.
Thanks for the comments and your support.
J&B
PS Glad my drum shenanigans worked for you.
Last edited by Janice & Bud; 03/25/2204:20 AM.
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
You always bring an immensely high standard to this board. So, to say that this song is really one of your best is, to me, high praise indeed ... for it really is.
Verse 2 really hit home.
So beautiful. A tinge of hushed respect and reverie, throughout. And the refrain ... so inspired. As I said, truly one of your best.
You are too kind. Thanks for everything you mentioned and especially the “tinge of hushed respect.” We had hoped to achieve that.
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
Thanks to all for the comments on my small part in this lovely composition.
The vocals are a standout to me (as they always are) and the piano was a well chosen accompaniment. Bud's treatment of the snare is excellent as are the poignant lyrics and the overall mix & melody.
Again it was a privilege to be asked to play on the song.
Really engaging opening with that piano. Great vocals as usual—and really lovely harmonies (actually, beautifully mixed harmonies—nice touch there). Wonderful write capturing and compellingly conveying the thoughts of that cemetery wanderer. Lovely tune!
My best to you all,
Deej
Thanks for the kind review and the mention of the harmony and the write. Glad you like the piano. Those MSTs are amazing.
We appreciate it all and best regards,
J&B
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I think what's hard in commenting on the work of the three of you is I find myself attempting to say the same thing I always think in a different way. I mean, it's excellent.
Every note choice, every delivery of that note choice, every lyric, every aspect of mixing and production. Would you consider put out a song here and there that has a few issues to it. I'll let you pick what and where. I just would like to be able to say ANYTHING different! I don't think Peter could pick a note or tone that would be the best choice though. If all of your instincts are correct...maybe do the opposite? Anyway, you get my point that I love the song AND the artwork. With Janice always looking so young it almost feels like a young girl wondering about a long lost descendent.
As are as the subject, it's a mixed bag for me. Not that I don't like it but there is a sadness in how time treats these now orphaned reminders of a person. A life was lived. What made that person laugh? What were some of the happiest days of their lives? What were their fears? What did they live through? Just so many questions. I know it's overly said, but between those numbers was someone's entire life. It makes me think. Sadly, how soon we are forgotten.
I did want to make special mention of the stacked vocals at 2:28. WOW! That was so cool in my book!
I was all over the place with this post, but the types of subjects tend to do that to me. Thanks for such a special song.
Those comments are so genuinely supportive - it’s hard to articulate how much they help us realize that a song this personal to us can be also be meaningful to others. We are planning the video so we continue to ponder those questions you raised about their lives.
Thanks for all and the mention of the vocal part and Peter’s excellent contribution.
We appreciate it!
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
I am never disappointed with your compositions. The doubled vocal is splendid. The sound of the piano too. And the perfect guitar solo. Well done. I appreciated.
I read about your project before listening and have some understanding what it is about. I have deep respect for your dedication. This song is a wonderful reflection of your journey. Very spiritual. One of the best harmonies by Janice I have heard. Tasteful guitar passages by Peter. Well composed and mixed. Listen very well. Thank you for sharing.
Misha.
Thanks Misha. That pretty much covers everything we strived for and we appreciate your thoughts…very much.
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
Hello Janice, Bud and Peter Great song Excellent songwriting And a fantastic singing Janice Great solo Peter Your song is a joy to listen to Really good work Many greetings Andi ;-)
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
Beautiful story with strong imagery, you have really created a timeless atmosphere, refreshing subject in the middle of subjects like wars and relationship troubles. Excellent vocals and backing vocals are a treat. Nice peaceful arrangement, mix and Peter's moody guitar respect the deceased elegantly.
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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