First Call Trumpet, NYC for years, member of Doc Severinsen's Tonight Show NBC Orchestra, literally thousands of shows and recordings, old "Mumbles" spends more time educating musicians than just about any other, he has a wall covered with honorary Music Performance and Music Education Doctorates because of his dedication to sharing the knowledge.
My brother sent me a firstrun copy of Clark Terry's autobiography the Christmas year it was released, one great read that covers much of US Jazz history and more. I think I read the whole thing in two sessions, could not put it down.
And for those who may have a bit of time, here is a vid of the kind of Master Classes and such that Mr. Terry does, grade schools right on through to Graduate School levels and beyond:
Here's a twist on an old show song's lyrics that a lady jazz singer I used to work with used to sing at the end;
And as for me, I made up my mind way back at Harper's Ferry; When I go -- I'm goin' like. Clark. Terr--ry.
Start by admitting From cradle to tomb Isn't that long a stay. Life is a Cabaret, old chum, Only a Cabaret, old chum, And I love a Cabaret! (big finish) And I love - a - Ca--ba--ret!
(then the 4-bar bebop tailout to the 6/9 last chord)
Heckuva tribute considering the man is still alive, the kinda clubs we played, the people understood what the sister meant, though, because they knew the score.
My favorite sax player who I've known for over 20 years just turned 80. I did a rockin blues gig with him 3 weeks ago and while he looks old and walks old he still blows his butt off. He's first chair tenor in two big bands and while he's "retired" from his regular job, he's not retiring from music any time soon.
"Retire to what" is the question. Like my friend, many times I'm the oldest one in the band and the younger guys seem to like what I do and keep calling me for new gigs. I would have to be in the hospital to turn down a gig and that hasn't happened yet. I have the same attitude George Burns did. He booked the London Palladium for his 100th birthday when he was in his mid 70's and guess what? He made the gig and died shortly after. That's called motivation and it worked.
I was 80 on Feb 22nd...and I've been having a ball at the Lecanto, Fl. Citrus County Senior Center. Get a free ride there on Tuesday, Wed. and Thursday for a day of fun and frivolity, with a wide variety of activities, from cards to exercising to pool and ping-pong.
The old ladies if they're cool, take on some belly-dancing lessons after lunch...but I catch the bus back home at 1PM, that is when some start trying to throw out their hips...I make myself NOT watch that disaster waiting to happen...well, I guess they "do their belly thing in slow motion...at least I hope they do!
So, doing a little singing and guitar playing in a fun and educational way will be interesting...I'll just have to remember that being married to those 4 ex-wives...Enuff, already!
Using lots of Broadway tunes, sometimes with Band in the Box and Real Band. It will give me a chance to follow along with the "Great American Song Book" and lots of unique tunes from the Bistro Scene in NYC and Chicago.
Lot's of tunes, and I get to hone in on my soundalike singer the late great jazz singer Mel Torme. Also love the Sinatra tune and Benedetto (Bennet songs), etc.
I've had the privilege to get "weened" for decades on the top jazz female singers...love to run through some Diana Krall, Lena Horn, Peggy Lee, Lurlene Hunter, etc. ballads and uptempos! Some of the old seniors are "pretty hip", when it comes to those old uptempos and ballads.
Just will be a lot of Fun to bring back those ol' romantic "chestnuts" of the 40's,50's.60's..."Old ones and cold ones"..the jazz emphasis for the old swingers!!
And I have time for playin' some cards, ... "Texas Hold Em"...some 8-Ball pool, and some time for the computer lab, lunch and some mambo italiano!! Just kidding!!
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!
With the release of Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac, we’re rolling out a collection of brand-new videos on our YouTube channel. We’ll keep this forum post updated so you can easily find all the latest videos in one convenient spot.
Whether you're exploring new features, checking out the latest RealTracks or Style PAKs, this is your go-to guide for Band-in-a-Box® 2026.
Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac is here and it is packed with major new features! There’s a new modern look, a GUI redesign to all areas of the program including toolbars, windows, workflow and more. There’s a Multi-view layout for organizing multiple windows. A standout addition is the powerful AI-Notes feature, which uses AI neural-net technology to transcribe polyphonic audio into MIDI—entire mixes or individual instruments—making it easy to study, view, and play parts from any song. And that’s just the beginning—there are over 100 new features in this exciting release.
Along with version 2026, we've released an incredible lineup of new content! There's 202 new RealTracks, brand-new RealStyles, MIDI SuperTracks, Instrumental Studies, “Songs with Vocals” Artist Performance Sets, Playable RealTracks Set 5, two new RealDrums Stems sets, XPro Styles PAK 10, Xtra Styles PAK 21, and much more!
Special Offers
Upgrade to Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac and save up to 50% on most upgrade packages during our special offer—available until May 15, 2026. Visit our Band-in-a-Box® packages page to explore all available upgrade options.
2026 Free Bonus PAK & 49-PAK Add-ons
Our Free Bonus PAK and 49-PAK are loaded with amazing add-ons! The Free Bonus PAK is included with most Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac packages, but you can unlock even more—including 20 unreleased RealTracks—by upgrading to the 2026 49-PAK for just $49.
Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac® users: Build 904 now available!
If you're already using Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac®, make sure to grab the latest update! Build 904 is now available for download and includes the newest additions and enhancements from our team.
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