If you're a fan of the Jacques Loussier Trio, Swingle Singers etc. you will understand why I was delighted to find a Hal Leonard Play along book (HL-120) with well known JS Bach pieces arranged for jazz.
I wish Band-in-a-Box would have more appropriate Real Tracks that approximates human musicians like this and this style. Of course I realize the serious limitations, however, PGMusic, has already exceeded my expectations, and maybe they will do it again in this direction.
I've got fond memories of my high school daze and being a member of a young singing ensemble that attempted to emulate some of the Swingle Singers' stuff. Much fun. Turtlenecks and sweaters...
I'm envious of you. I was never part of any band, but contended myself to playing recorder or flute of easy Mozart pieces or slower parts of Brandenburg Concertos, using a Wollensak tape recorder with playback set to 1/2 speed. The music dropped an octave and was half the tempo. Later on, when I had saved up money from cutting grass, snow shoveling, and a summer job working at Bond's Clothing (a men's clothing store) on Times Square, to graduate to a Tandberg tape recorder. It was dream-come-true technology for me.
More than 20 years later, I bought a used alto saxophone from a classified ad, repaired it, and learned to play it on my own. That's when I discovered Music-Minus-One, and Jamie Aebersold records. Sometime later, I came across Band-in-a-Box, at a NAMM (National Association of Music Manufacturers) show in Chicago (McCormick Place). It was one of the first DOS versions. I was in heaven, even though, these early versions sounded very mechanical and lo-fi compared to todays versions with Real Tracks. Nonetheless, I could now play songs at any tempo with a lot of instrumentation choices, including substituting harpsichord for the piano. I put chord progressions and melodies from hundreds of songs from various Fake Books, into BnB format. This was way before the internet.
Some years later I heard about the Yamaha WX7 windcontroller and bought one, but was very disappointed with the sounds produced with the TXZ1. It was not much better than a kazoo. Time went by and I discovered the EWI-3020 & 3030 interface box which had far better sounds, went on to various hardware synths (JV-1080, other Roland boxes), got Patchman JV-1080 sounds which were really good, then I discovered the Ketron SD2 (which is still the best-for-the-money hardware synth I think). Finally I found samplemodeling virtual instruments which were even better than anything I had dared to imagine. Fantastic sound authenticity, super low latency, and special features just for windcontroller users. I had arrived in heaven and I love it! I can't play anywhere as well as many of the musician on these forums, but when it comes to passion and enjoyment I'm up there with the best of them
Last edited by Dan Tong; 01/01/1408:38 PM. Reason: typos
Many parallels there, Dan, at least as far as the early recording equipment stuff. I was fortunate as to the music teaching and learning experience, my Dad was a Dental Surgeon who put aside a possible career as a Classical Pianist or Trumpet Player, to go to Dental School, he started me on Piano at somewhere around the age of three, moved to Trumpet at age 8 after the permanent teeth started coming in.
I was born in 1951, in the US there was the race situation in full bloom, when along came Nat King Cole on NBC with his own television show, the first and only person of my race to appear weekly on nationwide TV, though not one business was willing to actually become a sponsor of a show with a black man on it. That show ran from around 5 November 1956 and the last December 17, 1957. Cole had survived for over a year, and it was he, not NBC, who ultimately decided to pull the plug on the show. NBC and Nat had been operating at an extreme financial loss due to the lack of sponsorship his show received. Cole said shortly after its demise, "Madison Avenue is afraid of the dark."
I was a child, sure, but my family, including Gramma, NEVER missed a show, it was a big thing to many African Americans, I'm sure.
And, at about the age of five or so, we watched a show in which Nat used a sound-on-sound reel-to-reel recorder to sing along with himself.
Somehow, the magic of that tape recorder stuck in my head.
My first tape recorder was a small Silvertone reel-to-reel, longed for as a Christmas present, at around the age of 8 or so. (Actually, I had asked and begged earlier than that, but I think they thought I was too young...) It might have taken a couple of years, but I was persistent and one Christmas morning, there it was! That one was mono, but could run at 7-1/2 ips as well as the slower less fidelity 3-3/4, all tube driven, simple, and actually had fairly good fidelity. But no sound-on-sound or sound-with-sound capability.
One of the other kids in the elementary school orchestra also had a mono reel to reel, it really belonged to his father, but the two of us would do anything we could to get those two decks together in the same room on a Saturday and would proceed to do the old Les Paul thing, dubbing from one recorder to the other while attempting to play a new part in along with the recorder playback. Generational loss be hanged, we tried all sorts of things. Those creations became rather a thing with family and friends, mostly due to our young ages more than our musical skills, I think.
Around the age of 12, a nice gentleman who was a Physics prof at the same university where my dad taught dentistry just handed me a Wollensak stereo reel-to-reel that featured the Sound on Sound thing. Wow. First thing I tried with it was playing both of the two Trumpet parts to the Vivaldi Concerto for two trumpets myself, adding my Dad's piano accompaniment, all on that Wollensak. That tape, unfortunately, is long lost, but it lit the fire, so to speak. Then came an attempt to cover Herb Alpert's Tijuana Brass tune that was a big hit at the time, "The Lonely Bull". (and BULL it was, heh!)
The other Big Thing back then, at least to me, was the tape manipulations that could be done by bumping the two speeds such that you could make your voice one octave higher and "spaceman" or "alien" like, or, as became famous in and of itself around the same time, "The Chipmunks". Me and that same friend, now a bit older, did a Chipmunks cover of that famous Christmas tune, our twist was that Alvin was a distinct potty-mouthed and slightly racist little punk chipmunk. My mom never liked that one, but I gotta say that dad seemed to get a kick out of it until he caught mom's frown.
Two rather creative kids, rainy Saturday afternoon, a tape recorder or two, the soldering gun with bits from electronic surplus houses like 1/4" war surplus plugs that were selling 3 for a dollar back then, a Danelectro twinhorn bass and a Sears Silvertone Danelectro guitar with the amp in the case, the parent's Grand Piano, the little "schpinette" home organ, the Trumpets, big sister's nylon string classical geetar, the medieval recorders (the flutes, you see...), kazoos, -- even shaking little packets of sugar from the diner at the mic for percussion.
Man, those were good times.
There was once a time when a kid who knew how to set the drawbars on the Hammond Schpinette Organ, and knew what two notes to play, could bring up the Central Office at Bell Telephone. But that's a different story.
The woman is the great Peggy Lee, and the fellow is Julius La Rosa.
My Dad was was not only a big Nat King Cole fan, but also told us, after having met and worked with him, that he was one of the nicest show people ever, unlike some of the stuck up guys like Bob Hope for example.
Although best known for his vocal artistry, Nat King Cole, was an amazing and innovative pianist, very much admired by other musicians.
It's wonderful to discover a kindred soul. I've been reading some many of your terrifically helpful posts over all these years but never knew anything about your background, but let's get one thing clear, I'm even older than you are got you beat by 5 years.
I watched your Nat King Cole youtube link and it's great. I'm pretty sure we watched those original broadcasts. That was a serious reel-to-reel tape recorder. We watched a documentary about Nat King Cole and some parts were quite infuriating and sad, but there is no limit to racist stupidity as far as I can tell. There was a lot of hostility when he bought a house too.
Both my Mom and Dad had some acquaintance with racism. When she was growing up in Hungary, kids threw rocks at her and called her a Dirty Jew. Dad told us about signs in some parks and fancy hotels in Hong Kong(?) that said No Dogs or Chinese.
Fortunately, although I experienced some racism, it was far less overt and of far less import. Certainly nothing compared to being Black in the US over those years. Things have improved but there is still way too much hatred based on factors such as race, gender, or religion.
Anyway, the Nat King Cole TV Show, was an important first step, even though it only ran a bit over a year. It was a milestone and almost certaily made other shows like I Spy with Bill Cosby, and the Cosby Show possible.
As far as sound-on-sound, my earliest accompaniment sessions did not include recording the resulting music, but we did have fun with reverb-like effects done with the delay produced by the distance between the record and playback heads. Neither of my parents played music, but my brother played piano and I had a year of piano lessons at around the age of 7 or 8, or 9? As a teen my brother would demo easy piano pieces for me to practice (Mikrokosmos and easy Bach pieces).
You're lucky to have an accomplished musician parent who got you started really early playing piano and then trumpet.
Thanks for the background stories Mac, they bring back old memories.
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!
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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.
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)
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