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Beautiful Star Of Bethlehem Howdy all, I posted this song last year but having since remixed it, mastered it, and added tracks to it and having no new Christmas song I'm gonna offer it up again.  The lead vocal is one of my best friends' daughter who had just turned 10 when we recorded her. The harmony and counter-point parts are Janice and Janice. There are no bluegrass waltz solo tracks so I had to piece some rhythm parts together for the intro and turnaround - very minimalist. Hey, this little gal can already bend those notes! Tracks are all bluegrass waltz RT's (Bass, Guitar, Fiddle and Mandolin) Mixed in Garageband interfaced with BIAB and mastered in Ozone 5. Thanks for checking it out!
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
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Apprentice
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Apprentice
Joined: Jul 2008
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Your piecing the real track together sounds seameless, great job. I dig that backing track.
The vocal is darling and really well down, she has chops. Backing tracks sound perfect.
Really enjoyable to listen too. Thanks for sharing.
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Hi Janice and Bud, I'm so glad that I get the chance to be an early post for this! I've been helping out with the latest version of BIAB in the BIAB forum and it's not given me much time for anything else. I'm really chasing my tail in keeping up with posts in this forum. This is such a great song. The gentle lilt of a waltz is always a pleasure to hear - especially so given that waltzes are few and far between on the radio these days. Bud, your mix is superb! I take my hat off to you. The way you have manipulated the Realtracks and have pieced them together is outstanding. I don't know that I'd have the patience to do what you have done. If you have BIAB 2014, you could probably even use what you've done now to create a User Realtrack so that you can call on it again at some other time. The backing is perfect. It frames the singers' voices beautifully. And the singers ... Well, Janice, you've done it again! I'm pretty sure that if you sang the words on the back of a breakfast cereal box, I'd be applauding! You have such a beautiful voice. I don't mean to take anything away from you, but your 10 year old protégé is AWESOME!!!! She sounds so good and the way your voice and her voice blend together is a thing of beauty to hear. It must be something about the area of the US you call home! Such great singers Best wishes for a peaceful and wonderful Christmas, Noel
MY SONGS...Audiophile BIAB 2026
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Bud and Janice,
Very nice job on the mix! This young girl is sure showing some promise! She really fit well in this song. And Janice, a real fine job on the background vocals. I really enjoyed this!
Merry Christmas!
Steve
Steve Young Music"In order to compose, all you need to do is remember a tune that nobody else has thought of." - Robert Schumann
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Excellent work on all counts. Thanks for sharing! My Music
My TunesPsalm 57:7 My heart, O God, is steadfast, my heart is steadfast; I will sing and make music.
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Janice and Bud -
This is so good I don't even have to mention it.
Just put on the cans, sit back and ENJOY! WOW.
floyd
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Janice & Bud, Thanks for a beautiful start to my day. There is so much that is right about this. Just Great! The girls have laid down a perfect vocal and Bud your editing, production and mix are excellent. A wonderful listening experience. Merry Christmas to the Merritts and friends. Tom
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What a beautiful Christmas song. The singing was excellent and loved the mandolin... +1 on a great start to the day.. Thanks so much for sharing...
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Hi Janice and Bud, Very nice job on the mix! This young girl is sure showing some promise! She really fit well in this song. And Janice, a real fine job on the background vocals. I really enjoyed this! Couldn't say it better. Merry Christmas. Guenter
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Hi, Janice & Bud !
This was really impressive !
I liked everything about it !:))
and what beautiful vocals to
this sweet song ......
Could not get any better !:))
A Merry Xmas to all of you
and a Happy New Music filled Year too!
Cheers
Dani
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Thank y'all for the kind remarks. I'll pass them on to the family and I'm sure they will be delighted!
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
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Nice job. It's always fun working with kids. It puts a whole different twist and feel on the song.
You can find my music at: www.herbhartley.comAdd 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.
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You're right Herb. It was the first time I'd recorded a kid and it was fun. I gotta mention that she is smart, very smart, and was completely prepared for the session. She did her home work and the vocal is the second take with no punch ins and no effects other than a little reverb.
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
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such a sweet sound all around on this one!
and I really enjoyed the work you did with the mandolin
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I remember this one. Glad you posted it again.
I like that she's a kid sounding like a kid instead of a kid sounding like an adult - it gives it a real sweetness.
Josie
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