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You guys are rippin' Lawrie! Too old? It takes a long time to get that good!  Ahh, bob, Maaate... You are my friend forever  I never played any improv at all until I was in my late 40's - if I didn't have a chart in front of me I had no idea at all! Then I did a couple of terms at the local conservatorium trying to learn the basics of Jazz improvisation - we covered basic harmonisation and the blues scale - that got me started - maybe one day I'll be able to say I'm starting to "get it" but in the meantime I'm gonna spend the rest of my life learning how 
--=-- My credo: If it's worth doing, it's worth overdoing - just ask my missus, she'll tell ya  --=--You're only paranoid if you're wrong!
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You couldn't pick a nicer spot to play either. Oz is on my bucket list, but my old bucket's getting pretty full.
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Journeyman
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Journeyman
Joined: Dec 2006
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You guys are rippin' Lawrie! Too old? It takes a long time to get that good! Regards, Bob +1 - if I have any more fun today than the 4 minutes of that, I've had a pretty good day Bruce
Macbook Pro 2018
2.6 GHz 6-core Intel Core i7, 16 GB RAM
OS Monterey
BIAB for Mac 2022
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You couldn't pick a nicer spot to play either. Oz is on my bucket list, but my old bucket's getting pretty full. Come on down - I'm sure we could find a bed somewhere, might be on the lounge though
--=-- My credo: If it's worth doing, it's worth overdoing - just ask my missus, she'll tell ya --=--You're only paranoid if you're wrong!
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+1 - if I have any more fun today than the 4 minutes of that, I've had a pretty good day
Bruce
Hey Bruce - Be jealous mate, Wednesday mornings usually go for about 2 1/2 hours I think this might answser the OP's question - no, you're NEVER too old to start playin' gigs
--=-- My credo: If it's worth doing, it's worth overdoing - just ask my missus, she'll tell ya --=--You're only paranoid if you're wrong!
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Being in a band is like being married without the sex. You have the intimate family relationship without the intimate contact.
In the bands that I've been in that have had female members, the rule was "No hanky panky - hands off" to both. It's the only way that will work. Even if the members are homosexual, the same rule should apply.
In the two bands that I was in with female members, the guys ended up being like big brothers to the girls and tried to protect them (sometimes a bit too much).
As far as wives are concerned, the first time a wife interferes, even if it's just a little bit, it's time for a band meeting and to nip that in the bud. In the bands I've been in, all wife (or other non-band partner), suggestions can be made to the band member they are mated with, in private, and if the suggestion is worthy, the band member can bring it up at a band meeting or rehearsal.
There are a lot of pitfalls and a lot of joy to being in a full band, and to avoid the problems the rules should be set out and agreed upon up front. And when a problem occurs, it should be nipped in the bud and not let go to extremes.
Of course, great tact is involved in bringing up problems to the floor as you don't want to start a shouting match.
I played in a road band for a few years, the one that almost got signed to Motown, and the rules were set up front by a more experienced member of the group who confronted those problems before. During the years we were together, two of us got married, and the wives were never a problem. Neither was the female member of the band. What eventually broke the band up was when Motown quit talking to us because our lawyers expected us to actually get a piece of the potential profits instead of working for what would amount to union scale.
I've been in other bands that make Internet flame wars seem like a child's game in comparison. Those are the bands I left.
If you plan to join a band, the think you need to remember is, what we do is called playing music. It should be serious fun, but if it isn't fun and playful, it's not worth it.
Insights and incites by Notes
Bob "Notes" Norton Norton Music
https://www.nortonmusic.com
100% MIDI Super-Styles recorded by live, pro, studio musicians for a live groove
& Fake Disks for MIDI and/or RealTracks
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Lawrie,
as the camera panned around, I half expected to see Obi Wan and Han Solo at a table in the corner negotiating business arrangements on the milennium falcon...
on a more serious note, y'all sound awesome! Thanks for adding your favorable 2 cents to the original question!
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Apprentice
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Apprentice
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 110 |
Lawrie, Love the vid'...having fun is what it's all about. Thanks for posting - I could almost smell the surf and hear the waves crash.
Keep on Rockin'
Sonny Ray
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Hi Pat, some of the people that come I could almost agree about Obi Wan and Han Thanks for the lovely compliment about our playing too. Jack, on the bass, has been playing for so long I think he knows every tune that's ever been written! Vince, clarinet (and sax) has played for a very long time too - I've learned a lot just from litening to these two guys. Our normal bass player, Ian, also plays a bunch of other instruments, including a button accordeon that he sometimes brings. "La Vie en Rose" never sounded so good Rob, usual drummer (not in the vid), played in the RAN for decades. He knows 'em all too and has a great feel, but he sure can be a grumpy old b@stard Peter on the guitar - I actually don't know a lot about him, but he's pretty good too. Lorant on the piano - he's been around so long I think he WROTE all the tunes Jack knows He plays a mean guitar too. These guys were great for me to get a start with. Brian, trumpet, is a little like me - really just getting started at improv but I must say, he's improving quickly - that vid is getting on now and he has clearly been putting in work since it was taken. ============ Hi Sonny Ray, the venue is really good - where we play you don't normally hear the surf, we're right on the beach but about 7 or 8 metres above it so the sound seems to dissipate - it's not normally heavy surf anyway. The beach is called Macmasters Beach and is on the NSW Central Coast. Takes me about 20 minutes to drive there from where I live. =============== Hey Musiclover, I'd like to mention that there is an enormous difference playing to a live audience than any other environment - you get feedback from the crowd. Sometimes it's really mild and you think "Nope, I haven't connected" and other times they clap and cheer, or better still, get up and dance (that's my favourite!). The interaction between you and them can really change how a gig goes down - every one is different. A good crowd can really inspire your playing and you come up with lines you had no idea were in you, other crowds can make you feel like the sound is just "dribbling down your chin" I encourage you to get out there. If you're most comfortable as a solo artist, find a quiet spot for a start and go busking. If you have a couple of mates you could go out with to play you'll gain courage from the company. It's the first time or 2 that take a little effort to get over the nerves, after that it's pure enjoyment! 'Ave a go mate!
--=-- My credo: If it's worth doing, it's worth overdoing - just ask my missus, she'll tell ya --=--You're only paranoid if you're wrong!
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Wow Lawrie, you guys sound great and look like you're having a blast doing it! Sounded like you came right off Bourbon Street. And what a heavenly spot to play in.
Josie
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Wow Josie, "Bourbon Street": high praise indeed. You know can now do no wrong don't you If you ever come to Oz, drop in and you can do some real "Sun Dancing" at what has to be one of the best spots I've seen.
--=-- My credo: If it's worth doing, it's worth overdoing - just ask my missus, she'll tell ya --=--You're only paranoid if you're wrong!
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One of my favorite blues singers, Alberta Hunter, returned to the live stage at age 80. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alberta_Hunter#1970sLots of videos on Youtube.
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I have but one comment, "You ain't too old - you all sound great."
Notes
Bob "Notes" Norton Norton Music
https://www.nortonmusic.com
100% MIDI Super-Styles recorded by live, pro, studio musicians for a live groove
& Fake Disks for MIDI and/or RealTracks
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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.
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Video: New User Interface (GUI)
Join Tobin as he takes you on a tour of the new user interface in Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®! This modern GUI redesign offers a sleek new look with updated toolbars, refreshed windows, and a smoother workflow. The brand-new side toolbar puts track selection, the MultiPicker Library, and other essential tools right at your fingertips. Plus, our upgraded Multi-View lets you layer multiple windows without overlap, giving you a highly flexible workspace. Many windows—including Tracks, Piano Roll, and more—have been redesigned for improved usability and a cleaner, more intuitive interface, and more!
Watch the video.
You can see all the 2026 videos on our forum!
Introducing XPro Styles PAK 10 – Now Available for Windows Band-in-a-Box 2025 and Higher!
We've just released XPro Styles PAK 10 for Windows & Mac Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher) with 100 brand new RealStyles, plus 28 RealTracks and RealDrums!
Few things are certain in life: death, taxes, and a brand spankin’ new XPro Styles PAK! In this, the 10th edition of our XPro Styles PAK series, we’ve got 100 styles coming your way! We have the classic 25 styles each from the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres, and rounding out this volume's wildcard slot is 25 styles in the Praise & Worship genre! A wide spanning genre, you can find everything from rock, folk, country, and more underneath its umbrella. The included 28 RealTracks and RealDrums can be used with any Band-in-a-Box® 2026 (and higher) package.
Here’s just a small sampling of what you can look forward to in XPro Styles PAK 10: Soft indie folk worship songs, bumpin’ country boogies, gospel praise breaks, hard rockin’ pop, funky disco grooves, smooth Latin jazz pop, bossa nova fusion, western swing, alternative hip-hop, cool country funk, and much more!
Special offers until December 31st, 2025!
All the XPro Styles PAKs 1 - 10 are on sale for only $29 ea (Reg. $49 ea), or get them all in the XPro Styles PAK Bundle for only $149 (reg. $299)! Order now!
Learn more and listen to demos of XPro Styles PAKs.
Video: XPro Styles PAK 10 Overview & Styles Demos: Watch now!
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.
Introducing Xtra Styles PAK 21 – Now Available for Windows Band-in-a-Box 2025 and Higher!
Xtra Styles PAK 21 for Windows & Mac Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher) is here with 200 brand new RealStyles!
We're excited to bring you our latest Xtra Styles PAK installment—the all new Xtra Styles PAK 21 for Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher)!
Rejoice, one and all, for Xtra Styles PAK 21 for Band-in-a-Box® is here! We’re serving up 200 brand spankin’ new styles to delight your musical taste buds! The first three courses are the classics you’ve come to know and love, including offerings from the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres, but, not to be outdone, this year’s fourth course is bro country! A wide ranging genre, you can find everything from hip-hop, uptempo outlaw country, hard hitting rock, funk, and even electronica, all with that familiar bro country flair. The dinner bell has been rung, pickup up Xtra Styles PAK 21 today!
In this PAK you’ll discover: Energetic folk rock, raucous train beats, fast country boogies, acid jazz grooves, laid-back funky jams, a bevy of breezy jazz waltzes, calm electro funk, indie synth pop, industrial synth metal, and more bro country than could possibly fit in the back of a pickup truck!
Special offers until December 31st, 2025!
All the Xtra Styles PAKs 1 - 21 are on special for only $29 each (reg $49), or get all 21 PAKs for $199 (reg $399)! Order now!
Learn more and listen to demos of the Xtra Styles PAK 21.
Video: Xtra Styles PAK 21 Overview & Styles Demos: Watch now!
Note: The Xtra Styles require the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box®. (Xtra Styles PAK 21 requires the 2025 or higher UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition. They will not work with the Pro or MegaPAK version because they need the RealTracks from the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition.
Introducing XPro Styles PAK 10 – Now Available for Mac Band-in-a-Box 2025 and Higher!
We've just released XPro Styles PAK 10 for Mac & Windows Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher) with 100 brand new RealStyles, plus 28 RealTracks and RealDrums!
Few things are certain in life: death, taxes, and a brand spankin’ new XPro Styles PAK! In this, the 10th edition of our XPro Styles PAK series, we’ve got 100 styles coming your way! We have the classic 25 styles each from the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres, and rounding out this volume's wildcard slot is 25 styles in the Praise & Worship genre! A wide spanning genre, you can find everything from rock, folk, country, and more underneath its umbrella. The included 28 RealTracks and RealDrums can be used with any Band-in-a-Box® 2026 (and higher) package.
Here’s just a small sampling of what you can look forward to in XPro Styles PAK 10: Soft indie folk worship songs, bumpin’ country boogies, gospel praise breaks, hard rockin’ pop, funky disco grooves, smooth Latin jazz pop, bossa nova fusion, western swing, alternative hip-hop, cool country funk, and much more!
Special offers until December 31st, 2025!
All the XPro Styles PAKs 1 - 10 are on sale for only $29 ea (Reg. $49 ea), or get them all in the XPro Styles PAK Bundle for only $149 (reg. $299)! Order now!
Learn more and listen to demos of XPro Styles PAKs.
Video: XPro Styles PAK 10 Overview & Styles Demos: Watch now!
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.
Introducing Xtra Styles PAK 21 – Now Available for Mac Band-in-a-Box 2025 and Higher!
Xtra Styles PAK 21 for Mac & Windows Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher) is here with 200 brand new RealStyles!
We're excited to bring you our latest Xtra Styles PAK installment—the all new Xtra Styles PAK 21 for Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher)!
Rejoice, one and all, for Xtra Styles PAK 21 for Band-in-a-Box® is here! We’re serving up 200 brand spankin’ new styles to delight your musical taste buds! The first three courses are the classics you’ve come to know and love, including offerings from the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres, but, not to be outdone, this year’s fourth course is bro country! A wide ranging genre, you can find everything from hip-hop, uptempo outlaw country, hard hitting rock, funk, and even electronica, all with that familiar bro country flair. The dinner bell has been rung, pickup up Xtra Styles PAK 21 today!
In this PAK you’ll discover: Energetic folk rock, raucous train beats, fast country boogies, acid jazz grooves, laid-back funky jams, a bevy of breezy jazz waltzes, calm electro funk, indie synth pop, industrial synth metal, and more bro country than could possibly fit in the back of a pickup truck!
Special offers until December 31st, 2025!
All the Xtra Styles PAKs 1 - 21 are on special for only $29 each (reg $49), or get all 21 PAKs for $199 (reg $399)! Order now!
Learn more and listen to demos of the Xtra Styles PAK 21.
Video: Xtra Styles PAK 21 Overview & Styles Demos: Watch now!
Note: The Xtra Styles require the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box®. (Xtra Styles PAK 21 requires the 2025 or higher UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition. They will not work with the Pro or MegaPAK version because they need the RealTracks from the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition.
Band-in-a-Box 2026 for Windows is Here!
Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows 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 60 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 Windows and save up to 50% on most upgrade packages during our special offer—available until December 31, 2025. 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 Windows packages, but you can unlock even more—including 20 unreleased RealTracks—by upgrading to the 2026 49-PAK for just $49. Browse the full contents of each package and listen to demos here.
XPro and Xtra Styles PAKs Special Extended Until August 31st!
XPro & Xtra Styles PAKs Special Extended Until August 31st!
The XPro Styles PAKs and Xtra Styles PAKs special offers are now available until August 31st at 11:59pm PDT!
Ready to take your Band-in-a-Box® 2025 experience to the next level? Now’s the perfect time! Expand your style library with XPro and Xtra Styles PAKs—packed with a wide variety of genres to inspire your next musical creation.
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 1-9 includes 900 styles!
Xtra Styles PAKs are styles that work with the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box® 2025 (or higher). With over 3,500 styles (and 35 MIDI styles) included in Xtra Styles PAKs 1-20, the possibilities are endless!
Get the XPro Styles PAKs 1 - 9 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 Windows or for Mac.
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.
Get Xtra Styles PAKs 1 - 20 are on special for only $29 each (reg $49), or get all 19 PAKs for $199 (reg $399)! Listen to demos and order now! For Windows or for Mac.
Note: 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 because they need the RealTracks from the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition.
Don’t miss this chance to supercharge your Band-in-a-Box setup—at a great price!
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