|
Log in to post
|
Print Thread |
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 11
Newbie
|
OP
Newbie
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 11 |
I have last years full version of BIAB and haven't used it (long story). I only want something simple like the at the YouTube link below. It's a simple piece, and I don't know whether it's me or the program but it's slow going --- too slow. I chose a swing tempo and the song isn't bad but it's not good – with a capital G. I want this song done as soon as possible so can somebody tell me the steps I should do to get this job done? I want the song done yesterday, so to speak. I'm a professional sax player and would like to record the song. Any advice? Thanks for your help! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jWH6wR0Um...&playnext=2
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 12,793
Veteran
|
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 12,793 |
Quote:
I'm a professional sax player and would like to record the song. Any advice?
I suspect you can do this better than I, but here is what I hear and would do.
First you have to disect the song: So I assume you have the chords? I hear a 10 bar vamp somtthing like this:
\Bb Ab \ Gb F \ Bb Ab \ Bb Ab \ \Bb Ab \ Gb F \ Bb Ab \ Bb Ab \ \ \ Gm7b5
Its got that Brian Seltzer Stray Cat Strut sound. But I don't think it is really swinging. More 4/4 with heavy backbeak (beats on 2 and 4).
I would enter these chords, then start auditioning a style:
Is this what you are looking for, or am I off base here ?
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 20,360
Veteran
|
Veteran
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 20,360 |
Hi Musica, If it's going slow, that suggests that the tempo is not set correctly. What I did was to listen to the Youtube clip and to tap the little button that's highlighted by a red circle in time with the music. This gave me a tempo of 120 beats per minute.  Once the tempo has been identified, simply click on the tempo box and enter the tempo. The style _LAZYJAZ.STY might be a good starting place for this song, too. All the best, Noel
MY SONGS...Audiophile BIAB 2026
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 12,793
Veteran
|
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 12,793 |
Quote:
If it's going slow, that suggests that the tempo is not set correctly.
Oh my, is that what you meant when you said it was "slow going"? 
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 20,360
Veteran
|
Veteran
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 20,360 |
Hi Dan, At least one of us will be right as to what "going slow" means  Regards, Noel
MY SONGS...Audiophile BIAB 2026
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 12,793
Veteran
|
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 12,793 |
he, he, the suspence of it all!  Unfortunately, I have to go to bed and will have to wait until I awake to discover the true answer. Have a nice night Noel. Good Luck and Oh by the way, welcome to the forum. 
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 2,217
Veteran
|
Veteran
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 2,217 |
./ Well there is a learning curve to BiaB. You can get outstanding results, but it will take time to get control of all the wonderful things that BiaB can do for you.
Please be more specific about what you have tried and what is not working.
There is a chance that you might get lucky. Try this: click on "STYLE' on the left hand edge. In the window that opens up, read the column all the way to the left. Scroll down so that you can see the choices on the bottom of the list. You might see something that looks like what you want. If so, click on it, then click on "Load Song Demo" near the top center. Then click OK.
If you like the sound of what you get, change the chords to fit. If not, try again.
And remember, "Getting the song done yesterday" is NOT on the list of new features.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 11
Newbie
|
OP
Newbie
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 11 |
Thanks for the chords! I saw a few versions but they didn't sound too good when I plugged them into BIAB. Will try it asap. Quote:
Quote:
I'm a professional sax player and would like to record the song. Any advice?
I suspect you can do this better than I, but here is what I hear and would do.
First you have to disect the song: So I assume you have the chords? I hear a 10 bar vamp somtthing like this:
\Bb Ab \ Gb F \ Bb Ab \ Bb Ab \ \Bb Ab \ Gb F \ Bb Ab \ Bb Ab \ \ \ Gm7b5
Its got that Brian Seltzer Stray Cat Strut sound. But I don't think it is really swinging. More 4/4 with heavy backbeak (beats on 2 and 4).
I would enter these chords, then start auditioning a style:
Is this what you are looking for, or am I off base here ?
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 11
Newbie
|
OP
Newbie
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 11 |
Hi Noel, What I meant was that the project was going slowly. I know there's a debate going on about the answer to this question but I thank you for taking the time for your answer! Fortunately, I know a few things about BIAB but still lack a lot. I'd love to know how to make a phrase repeat ... or let's say the first 16 bars or whatever, but I haven't gotten through the "how to" section of BIAB Everything Pak. So much to learn! Will try your suggestion of LAZYJAZ.STY and see what happens. Thanks! Debb Quote:
Hi Musica,
If it's going slow, that suggests that the tempo is not set correctly.
What I did was to listen to the Youtube clip and to tap the little button that's highlighted by a red circle in time with the music. This gave me a tempo of 120 beats per minute.

Once the tempo has been identified, simply click on the tempo box and enter the tempo.
The style _LAZYJAZ.STY might be a good starting place for this song, too.
All the best, Noel
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 11
Newbie
|
OP
Newbie
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 11 |
I must say, "You're a great group of folks here!" Helpful and smart! Slow going referred to the project, not the tempo, but it's easily confused.  Thanks
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 4,251
Veteran
|
Veteran
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 4,251 |
Musica, Quote:
As for using a midi backup or MP3,I was told the arranger or people who made recording (?) owns the rights which is why I want to do it on my own. As a last resort I might have to ask someone to do it for me although I'd much prefer to do it myself.
I can’t offer legal advice, but I will say that it doesn’t matter who records a cover of the song, … whether it’s you or someone else, … they must have legal permission to do so. Other legalities also apply.
Quote:
Oh, and one more thing. I'm now listening to the MP3 you recommended and it is outstanding. Do you think it's possible for BIAB to do the background as well as it is on this tune?
No, I don’t. Those are studio musicians playing a specific song from sheet music for that song. Even if a computer program could replicate it, the same legal ramifications would apply.
I was simply pointing you to a possible source for your own use and edification.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 12,793
Veteran
|
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 12,793 |
Quote:
... it may be what you're looking for. I've never purchased tracks from these guys, but they look promising. I think jazzmandan may have since he mentioned them on another thread.]
Yes I have and I highly recommend for both value and quality. If you simply have to have the backing it sound just like the recording, this is the way to go. 
Quote:
If you (or anyone else in this forum reading this message) knows about the rights of the arranger and using backing tracks to record and possibly sell, please let me know.
This song appears to be old! "...published in New Jubilee Songs as Sung by the Fisk Jubilee Singers (1901) by John Wesley Work II and his brother, Frederick J. Work. " That gives it a good shot for Public Domain.
Quote:
Oh, and one more thing. I'm now listening to the MP3 you recommended and it is outstanding. Do you think it's possible for BIAB to do the background as well as it is on this tune? Something tells me it's very doubtful.
I'll let Bob, handle this one, he is better at taking the heat then me! he he 
Oh, and before I forget, no one has mentioned, "don't you just love, Eva" 
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 2,217
Veteran
|
Veteran
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 2,217 |
"Wade in the Water" is indeed a very old song and very much in the public domain. The arrangement heard in the youtube page above may be copyrighted, however.
This is a good reason to make a new arrangement in BiaB. The owners of PG Music have made it very clear that a new arrangement created in BiaB is the property of the user.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 38,502
Veteran
|
Veteran
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 38,502 |
Quote:
\Bb Ab \ Gb F \ Bb Ab \ Bb Ab \ \Bb Ab \ Gb F \ Bb Ab \ Bb Ab \ \ \ Gm7b5
All those Bb chords are Bbm (Bb minor) chords.
For jazz version with sax, I might choose to play the Ab, Gb and F chords as 7 chords or [possibly even 9ths in places. Certain of the Band in a Box Jazz styles may just do that anyway, emulating what a Jazz Pianist might do. If the improv soloist leans towards blues scale stuff, as the Trumpet p;layer in the Eva Cassidy performance posted as example, the use of 7 and 9 chords can work very well.
--Mac
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 12,793
Veteran
|
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 12,793 |
Quote:
All those Bb chords are Bbm (Bb minor) chords. --Mac
Good ear, Mac. Thanks.
Can you comment on the rhythm. Are they swinging or is it pretty much straight 4/4 - ? I would appreciate your experience to help tune my ears.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 38,502
Veteran
|
Veteran
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 38,502 |
I heard it as SW feel.
The clue for that is when the quarter note beats are easily found to be divisible by 3's and not 2's.
Rep;lay the given example and count each beat as a triplet in your head along with her and the band. That's Swing Feel.
Swing Feel is when the notes written as standard 8th notes are actually played like tied triplets over one beat, with the first 8th being the one with the two tied notes in feel.
"Doo-bee, Doo-bee, Doo-bee" kinda thing, rather than what we call "straight 8ths).
And, you were dead on by calling Stray Cat Strut, also divisible by threes, denoting the SW feel.
Being as the performer was Eva, well, she played just about *everything* she possibly could with Swing Feel...
--Mac
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 12,793
Veteran
|
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 12,793 |
Got ya, thanks! 
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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
Topics85,741
Posts795,651
Members39,946
| |
Most Online25,754 Jan 24th, 2025
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|