|
Log in to post
|
Print Thread |
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 7,052
Veteran
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 7,052 |
This is the first blues tune I've ever written. I was inspired by the cool stuff Tom Adams (my blues guru) has been doing (alone and with Janice). It stuck a chord in me (a blues chord, maybe a dominant 7th). Anyway, this is what I came up with. For some reason, the vocal seems to get compressed near the end of the first and second verses. I did not notice this until I burned it to disc. Aside from that, please tell me what you think. I think the vocal processing may be a little boxy. Still playing with it. Any feedback much appreciated. Take care. Greg https://soundcloud.com/gjohnson-2/dont-come-around
Last edited by Greg Johnson; 07/13/14 07:48 PM.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 1,719
Expert
|
|
Expert
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 1,719 |
Hi Greg. Enjoyed the lyrics very much and think your voice is excellent for the blues. Liked the bass and the solo guitar. Cheers.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 2,888
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 2,888 |
Hi Greg,
I have no problems with the vocals.
What is that nice guitar?
Although it's not the typical blues scheme it
sounds very bluesy.
Like it.
Guenter
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 1,831
Expert
|
|
Expert
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 1,831 |
You've got the groove in the vocal and lyrics, and the drums, bass, and lead guitar are super!
The horns and rhythm guitar (I think it's a rhythm guitar) seem to be fighting each other. They are down in the mix and seem to be competing for the same rhythmic soundscape.
You may try one or the other, or perhaps a more legato horn section that holds its notes longer. I'm not sure.
Or even eliminate the horns and rhythm guitar?
Anyway great listen. Just my opinion.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 2,646
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 2,646 |
Hopefully this won't be your last blues, nice; thanks for sharing!
My TunesPsalm 57:7 My heart, O God, is steadfast, my heart is steadfast; I will sing and make music.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 12,827
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 12,827 |
You've got the groove in the vocal and lyrics, and the drums, bass, and lead guitar are super!
The horns and rhythm guitar (I think it's a rhythm guitar) seem to be fighting each other. They are down in the mix and seem to be competing for the same rhythmic soundscape.
You may try one or the other, or perhaps a more legato horn section that holds its notes longer. I'm not sure.
Or even eliminate the horns and rhythm guitar?
Anyway great listen. Just my opinion.
Greg, I'll +1 pretty much everything Lawrence said. A fine blues lyric. The vocal works. The guitar is perfect. The "problem" with the horns - they just don't have the pizzazz they need for blues or rock. They have more of a pad feel and get redundant quickly (the times I've tried them out) - they don't have the punch they need to carry something like this. More guitar!!! Good job on "your first blues number".... I enjoyed it. floyd
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 16,013
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 16,013 |
Well for a first shot (or many shots later) at the blues that's a fine effort. All music connects emotionally on some level but for me blues is on a higher tier....and againthis is just my ole phart ramblings...but I think every component of a blues song needs to scream the blues. John Lee Hooker said "every lines of a blues song has a meaning" and I'll add that every solo or fill or rhythm part needs to support the meaning. So....all this means is that I agree with gruve and floyd re the horns. They don't, IMO, support the feel that you've established. BIAB encourages a lot of experimentation and that is a great thing......so there are likely many, many folks who will think the horns work or don't distract. Heck, if you want more of a soul/RB sound than blues they sound fine. But I'd throw a gritty rhythm in there and see what happens  You definitely have both the vocal feel and voice timbre for this style -- many try it who don't and unfortunately never realize it. Love the "unwelcome mat" line! Just my fav line of a great write.
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
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 4,067
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 4,067 |
Hi Greg,
a cool song! Well sung, and we like the guitar solo.
Which real tracks did you use?
mmm.. definitely inspires us to do a blues song too one-day.
Regards,
R & AM
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 10,747
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 10,747 |
It's amazing how hearing a song can inspire one to write something cool.
Good job.
Instantly, as the song started it reminded me of Dark Eyed Cajun Woman by the Doobies. One of my favorite songs from that band back in the day. They had so many good songs..... and your tune reminded me of this one. Albeit, a bit slower.
Last edited by Guitarhacker; 07/15/14 11:07 AM.
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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 4,335
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 4,335 |
Greg, First of all it is highly unusual that I am referred to as an inspiration. Most of my life I have been called a bad influence. So maybe I've turned a corner. Thanks for that. I appreciate it. Your ability to communicate the emotion of the song vocally makes you a force to be reckoned with in the world of the blues. Really solid write. Great chord changes! These kind of outside the box chord progressions push this into a more modern blues sound. I agree the horns and rhythm guitar don't work. I have found that one of the most difficult things in the blues is to get those backing instruments right. There's a lot to choose from and I have sometimes spent hours just trying to find the right rhythm guitar part. I have taken it to the point where it would have been easier just to play it. I have been wanting to do something with horns but like floyd said they sound very generic. I am taking a run at one that I found buried deep in the archives of BIAB that has midi horns but it is going to take mucho massaging and may not work. Congratulations on a fine song and another outstanding vocal. I'll be watching closely. Tom
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 4,497
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 4,497 |
Hi, Greg !:))
I did enjoy your blues
really much ! :)) It is
no easy genré but you did
just great !:))
Cheers
Dani
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 506
Journeyman
|
|
Journeyman
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 506 |
Do I detect a little Santana influence here?
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 216
Apprentice
|
|
Apprentice
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 216 |
Great job. Your vocals sound great on this as does everything. Loving the guitar solo. Made me want to turn it up... which I did.
Last edited by Frankp; 07/18/14 02:51 PM.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 20,463
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 20,463 |
Hi Greg,
I enjoyed listening to this a great deal! Tommy is DEFINITELY the man to be inspired by when it comes to blues. You sure took that inspiration and ran with it!
All the best,
Noel
MY SONGS...Audiophile BIAB 2026
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 277
Apprentice
|
|
Apprentice
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 277 |
Great first blues indeed. Enjoyed the lyric. Now I am wondering if she will be there or not at the end of your road . Yikes! Thanks for posting.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 7,052
Veteran
|
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 7,052 |
Richard, Guenter, and Robert, thanks so much for your attention and your kind words. It means a lot to me. I really appreciate the encouragement.
Floyd, Lawrence, J@B, and Tom, I think you are all correct in your analysis. The vibe is too cluttered and too mixed in style. I am working on a different feel and will post it soon. Really appreciate your great ears and your comments were extremely helpful. And, Tom, Yes, you are very inspirational--dig the way you play them blues! I, unfortunately am a totally incompetent musician so I have to rely totally on the box.
Much appreciated all. Take care. Greg
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 7,052
Veteran
|
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 7,052 |
Herb, R and AM, and Dani, Thanks so much for the positive words. Very much appreciated, and I always enjoy hearing from you guys (music and feedback).
Robb, it's funny you mention Santana. It was only in the past few years that it really hit me that Black Magic Woman is really minor blues. The Thrill is Gone is another great minor blues tune. I guess I'm kind of drawn to that. It was Tom's interesting changes that made me think, "Maybe I would like to write a blues tune" THanks for listening and for the kind words. Take care. Greg
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 7,052
Veteran
|
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 7,052 |
THanks Frank and Noel!! And, yes, I agree, Tom is definitely the blues guru! Thanks for the kind words and keep posting. Take care. Greg
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
PowerTracks Pro 2026 for Windows is Here!
PowerTracks 2026 is here—bringing powerful new enhancements designed to make your production workflow faster, smoother, and more intuitive than ever.
The enhanced Mixer now shows Track Type and Instrument icons for instant track recognition, while a new grid option simplifies editing views. Non-floating windows adopt a modern title bar style, replacing the legacy blue bar.
The Master Volume is now applied at the end of the audio chain for consistent levels and full-signal master effects.
Tablature now includes a “Save bends when saving XML” option for improved compatibility with PG Music tools. Plus, you can instantly match all track heights with a simple Ctrl-release after resizing, and Add2 chords from MGU/SGU files are now fully supported... and more!
Get started today—first-time packages start at just $49.
Already using PowerTracks Pro Audio? Upgrade for as little as $29 and enjoy the latest improvements!
Order now!
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!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Forums57
Topics85,912
Posts797,606
Members39,984
| |
Most Online25,754
Jan 24th, 2025
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Dansk
Deutsch - Windows
Español
Français - Windows
Italiano - Windows
Nederlands
Polski
Português
Svenskt
русский
Japanese
Simplified Chinese
Traditional Chinese
Korean